The Ultimate Guide to Framing Your Artwork

Properly framing artwork does more than just make it look good; it protects your valuable or sentimental pieces from damage and ensures they can be enjoyed for years to come. This guide covers the essentials of choosing the right picture frame components.

Key Components of Framing

Understanding the parts of a frame helps you make informed decisions.

1. The Frame: The outer structure.
   • Material: Common options include wood (classic, versatile), metal (modern, slim profiles), and polystyrene (budget-friendly).
   • Style: Ranges from ornate and traditional to sleek and minimalist. Consider a floater frame for canvases, creating a gap between the art and the frame.
2. Matting (or Mount): The border between the frame and the artwork.
   • Purpose: Prevents the artwork from touching the glazing, adds visual space, and enhances the art's appearance.
   • Types: Standard (buffered alkaline), Conservation quality (acid-free and lignin-free), Museum (highest quality, 100% cotton rag). Always choose at least conservation quality for valuable art.
3. Glazing: The protective covering (glass or acrylic).
   • Purpose: Shields artwork from dust, moisture, and damaging UV light.
   • Types:
     • Standard Glass: Basic protection, can have glare.
     • Standard Acrylic (Plexiglass): Lighter, shatter-resistant (good for large pieces or shipping), but scratches more easily.
     • UV-Protective: Filters out ~99% of damaging UV rays. Essential for preservation.
     • Anti-Reflective/Museum: Minimizes glare and reflection for optimal viewing. Often includes UV protection.
4. Backing Board & Mounting: Supports the artwork within the frame.
   • Backing Board: Provides structural support (e.g., foam core, cardboard). Must be acid-free for conservation.
   • Mounting: How the art is attached to the backing or mat.
     • Hinging: Using acid-free tape or corners. Reversible and recommended for original art.
     • Dry Mounting: Adhering the artwork directly to the backing using heat/adhesive. Usually permanent and not recommended for valuable or limited edition pieces.

Choosing the Right Frame Elements

Consider these factors:

• Artwork: Match the frame style and mat colour to the artwork's style, period, and colours. Don't overwhelm the art.
• Decor: Consider where the art will hang, but prioritize complementing the artwork itself.
• Proportions: Wider mats suit larger pieces. Frame width should be proportionate.
• Protection Level: For valuable, original, or sentimental pieces, always opt for acid-free materials (conservation framing) and UV-protective glazing.
• Budget: Professional framing costs more but offers expertise and better materials. DIY is cheaper but requires care.

Summary: Key Choices

DIY vs. Professional Framing

Hanging Your Framed Art

• Use appropriate hardware (D-rings and wire are standard).
• Hang art so the center is roughly at eye level (approx. 57-60 inches / 145-152 cm from the floor).
• Use a level!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the purpose of matting? A: Matting creates visual space around the artwork, prevents it from touching the glass (which can cause damage over time), and enhances its presentation.

Q2: Should I choose glass or acrylic glazing? A: Glass offers excellent clarity and scratch resistance but is heavier and breakable. Acrylic is lightweight and shatter-resistant (better for large pieces, children's rooms, or shipping) but scratches more easily and can have static issues.

Q3: What does "acid-free" mean and why is it important? A: Acid-free materials have a neutral pH (7 or slightly higher). Acidic materials (like standard cardboard or paper) can yellow, become brittle, and damage artwork over time through acid migration. Using acid-free mats and backing is crucial for conservation framing.

Q4: How much does professional framing typically cost? A: Costs vary widely based on size, materials chosen (frame style, matting quality, glazing type), and framer's location/expertise. It can range from $50-$100 for small, simple frames to many hundreds or even thousands for large, complex, or high-conservation projects.

Q5: Should the frame match the artwork or the room's decor? A: Generally, the frame should primarily complement the artwork. A well-chosen frame enhances the art itself. While considering the room's style is good, the art should be the main focus.

Conclusion

Choosing the right frame involves balancing aesthetics, protection, and budget. By understanding the components like matting, glazing, and backing, you can ensure your artwork is beautifully displayed and preserved for the future. Whether you DIY or go professional, thoughtful framing is an investment in your art.