a guide on framing artwork

FramingArt Tips

Jul 3

Written By emma lock

So you have finally found that piece of artwork that makes your heart sing - YAY! Now you have to find the perfect frame, but there are so many choices, and it’s overwhelming..

FLOAT FRAMES
METAL FRAMES
WOOD FRAMES
MOUNT SIZES
SHADOW GAP

There are so many options..

I totally get it, so here is a little reference guide on how I would frame my pieces, a few tips and tricks and my personal recommendations.

Firstly let’s break it down by categories of artworks.

Cradled Panels
Canvas
Paper
Prints

Cradled panels & Canvases

These will be similar as they both have a cradled edge of usually either 20 / 50 mm. Sometimes these are offered including framing or with finished edges. As these have a depth to them, they do not need to be framed, they can be hung straight on the wall - nice and easy!

However if you wanted to frame these yourself as the buyer, there a few things to consider.

shadow gap or edge to edge?
natural finish or coloured frame?
frame border depth, thin or wide?

My advice would be to do some research online/ in person and once you’ve found a frame you like get in touch with a local framer and ask for a quote.

Sold

Work on paper & Prints

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These pieces tend to come unframed so that gives you more freedom with framing and your personal style. Something to note is whether the piece comes with a mount (mount for inside of frame to give space between painting and frame) or without. If your piece comes with a particular mount you can easily find a frame to fit that size. So for example the painting above in the black frame was sold with a mount, the size was 12 x 10 inches with the mount.

If your painting does not come with a mount, then you will need to decide what size mount if any you would like. Again do some research and find what your style is. I personally like a wider mount so there is more space between the artwork and the frame.

Now there are many ways you can frame a print or a painting. With prints these are totally fine behind glass as they are usually flat (unless embellished). Whilst a painting on paper may have a lot of texture and marks that you want to see clearly, this I would not choose to frame behind glass.

Again find a local framer as they will be able to advise and show you the many ways of framing. Or buy your favourite frames, take the glass out if needed and pop it on your walls. Mount the piece inside a frame but with the lift of the mount behind, it will have more depth.