Art Framing

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Art framing is an important factor to consider on purchasing a new painting.

Framing fine art can enhance the overall appeal of a piece of artwork. But if you don't frame your art wisely it can ultimately ruin the paintings appeal altogether.  

"On The Beach" by Carl (CAKUart)
60.9 x 50.8cm Oil on Canvas
 

It may be a good idea to assess putting your art to frame with as much consideration as you took with buying the actual painting. After all, your painting and its frame are going to be spending a long time together, so its important you make sure they are a good match.

So the overall key here is to find a frame that "compliments" the artwork.

While framing a painting adds to the visual appeal of a piece of artwork, the frame itself also contributes towards the protection of the painting. Therefore...adding a frame to your art will help to keep it free from dust, dirt and insects.

There is also another factor to consider when framing paintings: Cheap workmanship will ultimately effect the value of the artwork.

If you have not invested a lot of money to purchase your painting, then you may not be too concerned with quality in terms of the framework. But if you have invested time and money into buying a piece of artwork, then no doubt you'll want to maintain the value of the painting both visually and financially.

Quiz Your Art Framing Professional

• Quality of materials being used

• Glass for the frame (UV Protection etc)

• Frame Spacers

• Labour and Material costs

A lot of quality frame makers can produce an archival frame for your painting. 

In essence they will use appropriate materials such as linen tape to secure the artwork inside the frame (so it doesn't move around) as apposed to regular masking tape.

Glass protection is most certainly a factor to consider. Regular glass is often a lot heavier and does not offer a UV protection. This will ultimately contribute to the deterioration of the artwork over time. 

Ultimately, your artwork is always going to look best in an environment that offers a lot of natural light. So if you have plans to use a natural light environment to hang your art, then consider having a UV glass incorporated into your frame design. 

But keep in mind, you should try to avoid having your art hung in direct sunlight... even if you have a UV glass protection on your painting frame.

Extreme variances in temperature and light will effect the quality of the painting over time. So be sure to mount your artwork in an environment with moderate moisture, light and temperature.

Ensure that your art framing professional adds spacers that create a small distance from the painting and the glass to prevent both areas sticking together. Don't be too concerned about the aesthetics of your painting with these spacers being inserted as you will not see them anyway. 

I think you can easily determine if you are getting good service from an art framing professional. Just make a note about how much he or she knows about the business of framing art. 

If he or she can explain the framing process to you properly, then you know you are dealing with a true art framing professional. 

So make sure you ask a lot of questions...please take the time to look around, get familiar with prices and quality framing materials. Just be aware that you will pay more for quality materials (i.e. Solid Wood) and quality service. 

A gallery wrapped canvas is a painting canvas that really requires no frame as the sides of the painting have been painted. 

The sides of the canvas don't have any visible fasteners such as staples. 

This makes the painting much more "aesthetically appealing" as the canvas has been fastened by staples on the back of the canvas. 

The canvas can often vary in terms of thickness. 

Nearly all of my paintings are produced on gallery wrapped canvas with a depth of four centimetres. 

I like the depth the canvas gives my work as I can continue the painting around to the sides of the canvas. In addition to this... it requires no frame, therefore it is  ready to mount on the wall. 

I also insert a hanging wire (see photo >>) on the back of the canvas for your convenience. 

Can gallery wrapped canvas be framed? Yes!

In fact if you prefer to have a frame on a gallery wrapped canvas painting it is quite easy to do. If you are not the handy type, then I would suggest you refer to the notes above in regards to seeking an art framing professional to help you build a suitable frame for your painting.  

There is no question that a quality piece of art will look good with or without a frame. Typically a thinner canvas (or hardboard) painting will be enhanced greatly with a quality frame though. 

A gallery wrapped canvas painting looks great with or without a frame provided the artist has delivered great workmanship.

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