Art Framing Guide

I am so glad you signed up for this lovely guide for your art framing needs.  I hope to help walk you through the basics of framing your new art so that it will be a beautiful addition to your home for years to come. 

To begin with, you need to consider what medium the artist used in creating your painting.  If it is acrylic or oil, you do not want glass to be touching the art.  You will need to matte the art to keep it safe from the glass which can damage your art.  Watercolor can touch glass, but I still think it looks so much nicer with a matte.  Overtime and with heat and sun the glass can stick to oils and acrylics.  Also realize that oil paintings can yellow slightly over long periods of time and they take a long time to dry completely. An oil painting may be sold to you that still needs time to dry.  When this is the case, make sure the back of your artwork is open to the air and if possible, the front as well.  An oil painting or acrylic looks best not under glass, especially if it is on canvas or wood. 

Framing options for a watercolor painting.  One artist that I love, and her work is beautiful, sews her watercolor paper to a canvas to give it a lovely, layered look.  While I do agree is looks wonderful, I wonder about whether this is the best option. Watercolor is done on paper and when it gets wet can become ruined and over time can discolor and get dusty.  Dusting paper isn’t easy.  So, my recommendation is to find a beautiful frame that complements your art piece and looks great with your décor and frame it under glass with a matte. You can take it to a professional for any of these recommendations or buy everything yourself.  Hobby Lobby and Michaels, both can cut you a matte in many colors and styles.  They both also have great framing departments.  But if you are truly interested in keeping things local, I am sure your local town or one nearby has a small business that can help you. 

One thing with art on paper that you might find, which is greatly helpful, is that the artist may coat the art in resin, usually when attaching it to a wood panel or cradled wood.  If so you can treat that watercolor as an acrylic and continue below for framing ideas.   

When dealing with either oil or acrylics, the substrate (what it was painted on) is the most important factor.  Paper, wood panels, gesso boards, cradled wood, art boards, and canvas can all be used.  And sometimes so unique substrates that I will not cover here. 

Again, if it is paper, a frame and matte are the simplest options. 

But if it is a wood panel, gesso board, or art board you could potentially have them framed, but without glass.  These tend to be 1/8 – 1/4 inch thick and will cause some frames even without glass to bulge.  So, test this out before you commit.  Another alternative is a floater frame.  These look so great with a panel or board.  They can easily give your art depth and dimension.  Some floater frames are designed to place a panel in them, and they will be flush with the surface of the frame.  Others will be inset.  Often, the canvas style floater frames have deeper inset to allow room for your canvas.  Here are a few pictures to give you an idea what you are looking for and what look you will achieve. 

If you have a deeper canvas frame, but wish to have the flush look seen here, check out Ampersand Art.  They have this article here explaining in detail how you can achieve that very look.  They can also tell you where to buy their frames.  I love to recommend dickblick.com for most floater frames.  They are reasonable and have several options.  If your art is not a standard size, you may need custom framing. 

The beauty of a painted side on a canvas or wood panel is that you do not need to frame them.  On the other hand, a striking deep canvas with white sides can be an amazing look that needs no further framing as well. This really depends on your own preferences. 

Whether hanging a framed piece of art or hanging a canvas or cradled wood piece of art that you wish to leave exposed without a frame, you need to make sure your art is secure.  Command strips can work great for most framed art, providing you use more than the recommended amount.  You can always use good old nails as well.  If it weighs much you should consider finding studs though. 

The back of your frame when using a nail or other hook system should have heavy duty wire and d rings or something similar. 

This will ensure your artwork will remain securely on the wall and safe for a long time. 

Hang it on the wall: This is probably the most common way to display art. You can use hooks, nails, or a wire to hang your artwork. Make sure to hang it at the right height for optimal viewing.

Place it on a shelf or mantel: If you have smaller pieces of art, you can display them on a shelf or mantel. This is a great way to showcase your art while keeping it easily accessible.

Use a stand: Easels or stands can be used to display art, especially for temporary or portable displays. You can even use them to display multiple pieces of art at once.

Create a gallery wall: If you have a collection of art pieces, you can create a gallery wall by hanging them together. This can create a cohesive and eye-catching display.

Project it on a screen or wall: For digital art, you can project it on a screen or wall. This is a great way to display video or interactive installations.

Remember, the way you display your art should be a reflection of your personal style and taste. Be creative and have fun with it!

how to frame different styles of paintings

Framing a painting can help to protect and enhance the artwork. Here are some general guidelines on how to frame different styles of paintings:

Oil paintings: For oil paintings, it is recommended to use a wooden frame that complements the colors and style of the painting. A simple, plain frame with a neutral finish can work well for a traditional-style oil painting. A more ornate or decorative frame can work well for a more detailed or elaborate oil painting.

Watercolor paintings: Watercolor paintings are often framed with a mat to create space between the painting and the glass. A simple, neutral-colored frame with a narrow profile can work well for a delicate watercolor painting, while a more substantial frame with a wider profile can work well for a bolder watercolor painting.

Acrylic paintings: For acrylic paintings, a frame with a clean and simple design can work well. A frame with a neutral finish or a contrasting color to the painting can be effective.

Mixed media paintings: Mixed media paintings can have a variety of textures and materials, so it is important to choose a frame that complements the overall look of the piece. A frame with a neutral finish or a complementary color to the painting can work well.

Abstract paintings: For abstract paintings, a frame with a clean and simple design can work well. A frame with a neutral finish or a contrasting color to the painting can be effective.

Traditional paintings: For traditional paintings, a frame with an ornate or decorative design can work well. A frame with a gold or silver finish can be effective for a traditional-style painting.

It is important to consider the size and style of the painting when choosing a frame. It is also recommended to use archival materials to help protect the painting from damage over time. If you are unsure about how to frame a specific painting, it is best to consult with a professional framer.

Here are some helpful tips to consider when choosing a frame for different styles of paintings:

Oil paintings: Wooden frames can be a great choice for oil paintings, and you can choose a frame that matches the colors and style of the painting. A simple, plain frame with a neutral finish can work well for a traditional-style oil painting, while a more ornate or decorative frame can highlight the details in a more elaborate painting.

Watercolor paintings: For watercolor paintings, a mat can be added to create space between the painting and the glass. A simple, neutral-colored frame with a narrow profile can work well for a delicate watercolor painting, while a wider profile frame can add depth and interest to a bolder watercolor painting.

Acrylic paintings: For acrylic paintings, a clean and simple frame design can be very effective. A frame with a neutral finish or a contrasting color to the painting can add interest and highlight the piece.

Mixed media paintings: Mixed media paintings can be very unique and have a variety of textures and materials. A frame with a neutral finish or a complementary color to the painting can help bring the whole piece together.

Abstract paintings: For abstract paintings, a frame with a clean and simple design can work well. A frame with a neutral finish or a contrasting color to the painting can help the painting stand out.

Traditional paintings: For traditional paintings, an ornate or decorative frame can be a great choice. A frame with a gold or silver finish can add a touch of elegance to a traditional-style painting.

Remember to consider the size and style of the painting when choosing a frame, and use archival materials to help protect the painting over time. If you need more guidance on how to frame a specific painting, don't hesitate to consult with a professional framer. Have fun creating a beautiful display for your artwork!