What is the best way to choose a frame for a painting? The best way to choose a frame is to consider the artwork itself, the desired aesthetic, and practical elements like archival quality and budget. Can I frame a painting myself? Yes, you can frame a painting yourself with DIY framing, but professional framing offers superior quality and durability. Who is the best person to ask about framing? A professional framer at a reputable gallery or custom framing shop is the best person to ask.
Choosing the right frame for your painting is more than just picking something that looks nice; it’s about enhancing the artwork, protecting it, and ensuring it complements your space. A well-chosen frame acts as a bridge between the painting and its environment, drawing the viewer into the piece while adding a touch of sophistication. Conversely, the wrong frame can detract from the art, making it appear insignificant or out of place. This in-depth guide will walk you through the essential considerations for selecting the perfect frame, from understanding different picture framing styles to mastering the art of canvas framing.
Image Source: www.scrapnframes.com
The Art of Frame Selection: A Multifaceted Approach
Selecting a frame involves a blend of artistic intuition and practical knowledge. It’s about balancing the painting’s inherent qualities with your personal taste and the context in which it will be displayed. Think of the frame as a supporting actor; it should never steal the spotlight from the main star – your painting.
Fathoming the Painting Itself
Before you even look at frames, you need to deeply consider the artwork.
Style and Era of the Painting
- Classical/Traditional Paintings: Often benefit from ornate, carved, or gilded frames. Think rich wood tones, intricate details, and a sense of history.
- Modern/Contemporary Art: Typically pairs well with clean lines, minimalist designs, and simple wood or metal frames. Sleek profiles, matte finishes, and understated colors are often ideal.
- Impressionistic Works: May look good in frames that are slightly rustic or have a textured finish, echoing the brushwork of the painting.
- Abstract Art: Can be very versatile. A bold, graphic frame might suit an abstract piece with strong colors, while a subtle frame can allow the artwork to speak for itself.
Color Palette and Mood
- Color Harmony: Consider the dominant colors in the painting. Does the frame’s color complement or contrast with these colors? A subtle frame in a neutral tone (black, white, silver, gold, wood tones) often works universally. If the painting has a strong color, you might opt for a frame that echoes a secondary color within the piece for a cohesive look.
- Mood Enhancement: A dark, heavy frame can add drama and gravitas. A light, airy frame can make a painting feel more open and approachable. Gilded frames can add a touch of luxury and warmth.
Subject Matter
- Portraits: Often look best in classic, somewhat formal frames that don’t overpower the sitter’s likeness.
- Landscapes: Can be framed in a variety of styles, depending on the mood of the landscape. A natural landscape might suit a wood frame with natural grain, while a dramatic seascape might benefit from a bolder frame.
- Still Lifes: Can range from traditional still lifes that suit ornate frames to modern still lifes that might work with simpler designs.
Deciphering Your Aesthetic and Space
Your personal style and the room where the painting will hang are equally important.
Home Decor and Interior Design
- Match the Room: The frame should harmonize with the existing decor. A very ornate frame in a minimalist Scandinavian-style living room might feel jarring. Conversely, a stark, frameless piece might look out of place in a room filled with antique furniture.
- Create a Focal Point: A striking frame can turn a painting into a strong focal point in a room.
- Consider the Scale: The size of the frame should be proportionate to the painting and the wall space it will occupy. A tiny painting in a massive frame can look awkward, as can a large painting overwhelmed by a delicate frame.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, you should love the way the framed painting looks. Don’t be afraid to go with what appeals to you, even if it slightly breaks traditional rules.
Comprehending Frame Moldings and Materials
The “molding” is the profile or shape of the frame itself. The materials used also significantly impact the look and longevity of the frame.
Picture Framing Styles
There are countless picture framing styles, but they generally fall into categories based on their profile and finish:
- Ornate/Carved Frames: Feature elaborate carvings, decorative elements, and often a gilded or antique finish. These are typically used for traditional, classical, or antique artworks.
- Simple/Modern Frames: Characterized by clean lines, flat profiles, and often a matte finish. Woods like black, white, natural oak, or brushed metal are common. These are perfect for contemporary and minimalist art.
- Rustic Frames: Made from natural wood, often with visible grain, knots, or a distressed finish. They evoke a natural, earthy feel.
- Floater Frames: Designed for canvas paintings, these frames create a visual gap or “float” around the artwork, giving it a modern, gallery-like appearance.
- Shadow Box Frames: Deeper frames used to house three-dimensional objects, but can also be used for paintings that have textured elements or need extra depth.
Common Framing Materials
- Wood: The most traditional and versatile material. It can be carved, painted, stained, or gilded. Different wood types offer varying grains and durability.
- Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Cherry): Durable, strong, and take finishes well.
- Softwoods (Pine, Poplar): More affordable, lighter, and easier to work with, but can be more prone to dents.
- Metal: Aluminum and steel frames offer a sleek, modern, and industrial look. They are often used for contemporary art, photography, and graphic prints.
- Resin/Composition: These are man-made materials that can mimic the look of wood or metal. They are often more affordable and can be molded into complex, ornate designs. Quality can vary significantly.
The Importance of Matting: Choosing a Mat
A mat, or “mount” as it’s known in some regions, is a border placed between the artwork and the frame. It serves several crucial functions.
Functions of a Mat
- Visual Spacing: It creates a buffer zone, allowing the artwork to “breathe” and stand out from the frame.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: A well-chosen mat color can dramatically enhance the colors and mood of the painting.
- Protection: Crucially, a mat keeps the artwork from touching the glass, preventing moisture buildup and potential damage to the paint surface.
Mat Board Types
- Acid-Free Mat Board: Essential for archival framing. The acidic components in regular mat board can leach into the artwork over time, causing discoloration and degradation. Always opt for acid-free or conservation-quality matting.
- Cotton Rag Mat Board: The highest standard for archival framing, made from 100% cotton fibers. It’s incredibly stable and long-lasting.
Mat Color Considerations
- White/Off-White: Classic choices that provide a clean, neutral background, allowing the artwork to be the focus. Different shades of white can complement different color palettes.
- Cream/Beige: Can add warmth and a vintage feel, working well with older paintings or those with warm tones.
- Colored Mats: Can be used strategically to complement or contrast with specific colors in the painting. This requires a good eye for color harmony.
- Double/Triple Mats: Using two or more mats of slightly different colors or widths can add depth and sophistication, especially for intricate artworks.
Mat Width
The width of the mat should be proportionate to the painting and the frame.
- Small Paintings: May need wider mats to appear balanced.
- Large Paintings: Can often handle slightly narrower mats, or a combination of wider top/sides and a slightly wider bottom mat.
Canvas Framing: Specific Considerations
Framing a canvas, whether it’s stretched or on board, has its own set of rules and options.
Stretched Canvas Framing
- Stretcher Bars: Most stretched canvases are mounted on stretcher bars.
- Floater Frames: These are extremely popular for stretched canvases. They offer a clean, modern look by recessing the canvas slightly within a frame that has a small gap around the edges. This makes the artwork appear to “float.”
- Traditional Frames with Inserts: Some traditional frames can accommodate stretched canvases, often with a small rebate or insert to hold the canvas securely.
- Gallery Wrap: If the canvas is gallery-wrapped (meaning the canvas extends around the sides), a floater frame is often the best choice to showcase this modern presentation.
Canvas Board or Panel Framing
- Regular Frames: Can often be framed like a flat print, with a mat or a custom-cut mat board insert to fit the canvas within the frame.
- Varnish or Sealant: Ensure the canvas surface is properly sealed or varnished before framing, especially if a mat is used, to prevent any interaction between the canvas surface and the mat.
Archival Framing: Protecting Your Investment
Archival framing is crucial for preserving the longevity and integrity of your artwork. This involves using materials and techniques that will not degrade or damage the artwork over time.
Key Archival Framing Components
- Acid-Free Mat Board and Backing Board: As mentioned, these prevent yellowing and embrittlement.
- UV-Protective Glass or Acrylic: Standard glass can block some UV rays, but specialized UV-filtering glass or acrylic significantly reduces the risk of fading caused by light exposure. This is especially important for works displayed in brightly lit areas.
- Acid-Free Adhesives: Only use specific archival tapes and glues that are pH neutral and reversible. Never use regular tape, glue sticks, or staples directly on the artwork.
- Proper Mounting Techniques: The artwork should be attached to the backing board using methods that allow for expansion and contraction with changes in humidity and temperature, such as using linen hinges or Japanese paper with archival adhesive.
When is Archival Framing Essential?
- Valuable Art: For any artwork that has significant monetary or sentimental value.
- Artwork with Archival Pigments/Paper: If the artwork itself is made with archival materials, it makes sense to frame it archivally.
- Long-Term Display: If you plan to display the artwork for many years, archival framing is a must.
Gallery Framing: The Professional Touch
Gallery framing refers to the high-quality, often custom framing services offered by professional framing shops and art galleries.
Benefits of Professional Framing
- Expert Advice: Professionals can guide you through the vast array of options and recommend the best solutions for your specific artwork and needs.
- Quality Materials: They typically use high-quality, archival-grade materials.
- Precision Craftsmanship: Frames are cut and assembled with precision, ensuring a perfect fit and a polished finish.
- Specialized Techniques: They have the tools and knowledge for complex framing jobs, such as deep rebates, multiple mats, or framing fragile items.
- Conservation: They can advise on and implement conservation techniques to protect delicate or valuable artworks.
When to Opt for Gallery Framing
- Important or Valuable Artworks: Definitely for pieces you consider investments or highly cherished items.
- Complex Framing Needs: If you want multiple mats, deep boxes, or unusual framing solutions.
- Desire for a Flawless Finish: For a truly professional, gallery-quality appearance.
DIY Framing: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
DIY framing can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to frame your art, especially for less valuable pieces or when experimenting with different looks.
Tips for Successful DIY Framing
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accuracy is key.
- Invest in Basic Tools: A good mat cutter, a frame chop saw (if cutting your own moldings), and a staple gun or point driver can be very helpful.
- Source Quality Materials: Even for DIY, try to use acid-free matting and backing if possible.
- Practice: If you’re new to mat cutting or frame assembly, practice on scrap materials first.
- Consider Pre-Cut Mats: Many suppliers offer pre-cut mats for standard frame sizes, saving you the hassle of mat cutting.
When is DIY Framing Suitable?
- Less Valuable Art: For prints, posters, or pieces that aren’t irreplaceable.
- Experimentation: When you want to try out different framing styles or mat colors without a significant investment.
- Learning a New Skill: If you enjoy crafting and want to learn the process.
Putting It All Together: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a practical approach to choosing and executing your frame selection.
Step 1: Assess the Artwork
- What is the medium? (Oil, acrylic, watercolor, print, photography, etc.)
- What is the style? (Classical, modern, abstract, representational, etc.)
- What are the dominant colors and mood?
- What is its value and fragility?
Step 2: Define Your Goals
- What is the purpose of framing? (Protection, aesthetic enhancement, emphasis, budget friendliness)
- Where will it be displayed? (Consider lighting, room decor, wall space)
- What is your budget?
Step 3: Explore Frame Options
- Visit Framing Shops: Look at different picture framing styles, frame moldings, and framing materials.
- Consider Online Retailers: Many offer a wide selection of pre-made frames and custom framing services.
- Look at Examples: Browse magazines, online galleries, and even other homes for inspiration.
Step 4: Select the Frame and Mat
- Frame Molding: Choose a style and material that complements the artwork and your decor.
- Mat Color and Width: Select a mat that enhances the artwork without overpowering it.
- Glass/Glazing: Decide between regular glass, UV-protective glass, or acrylic. Acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant, but can scratch more easily than glass.
Step 5: Professional vs. DIY
- For valuable or complex pieces: Choose professional framing.
- For simpler pieces or budget constraints: Consider DIY framing or semi-custom options.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overpowering the Artwork: Choosing a frame that is too busy, too large, or too dominant.
- Using Acidic Materials: Leading to damage over time.
- Incorrectly Sized Frames/Mats: Causing a poor fit or unbalanced appearance.
- Ignoring the Environment: Framing a delicate watercolor with open-back framing in a humid bathroom, for instance.
- Not Considering Lighting: Framing a piece that is highly susceptible to fading without UV-protective glass for a sunny window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much should I spend on framing?
A1: The cost of framing can vary greatly. For valuable artworks, it’s often recommended to spend 10-20% of the artwork’s value on professional, archival framing. For less valuable pieces, DIY framing or ready-made frames can be a more budget-friendly option.
Q2: Can I frame a painting without a mat?
A2: Yes, you can frame a painting without a mat. This is very common for oil paintings and stretched canvases, especially when using floater frames or frames with a deep rebate designed to hold the artwork directly. For works on paper like watercolors or prints, a mat is generally recommended for both aesthetic and preservation reasons.
Q3: What is the difference between a shadow box and a regular frame?
A3: A shadow box is a type of frame with a deep box-like structure designed to house three-dimensional objects, such as memorabilia, textiles, or collections. A regular frame is typically shallower and designed to hold flat artwork like paintings, prints, or photographs.
Q4: How do I clean a framed painting?
A4: For the frame, use a soft, dry cloth to dust it. For wood frames, you might use a slightly damp cloth sparingly, followed by a dry one. Avoid harsh chemicals. For the glass or acrylic, use a specialized glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth, spraying the cleaner onto the cloth rather than directly onto the glazing to prevent it from seeping behind the artwork. Never touch the artwork itself.
Q5: When should I choose metal frames over wood frames?
A5: Metal frames, particularly aluminum, are excellent choices for modern and contemporary art, photography, and graphic prints. They offer a clean, minimalist aesthetic and are very durable. Wood frames are generally more versatile and can lend themselves to a wider range of styles, from traditional to rustic and modern.
Choosing the right frame is an art in itself, transforming a piece of art from something you look at to something you experience. By carefully considering the painting, your space, and the materials available, you can select a frame that not only protects your artwork but also elevates it to its full potential, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your environment for years to come. Whether you opt for the precision of professional framing or the personal touch of DIY framing, the goal is always to create a harmonious and lasting presentation.