Framing is a unique art form that can either enhance or distract a piece. When selecting the ideal frame, there are many considerations beyond its visual qualities, such as considering environmental elements that may eventually impact your artwork. However, subjectivity and personal taste do influence the framing decisions you make.
Furthermore, understanding a work’s medium and support is crucial for selecting a frame that complements and protects it over time. Consider the following factors while selecting the ideal frame for your artwork.
Factors to Consider while Choosing the Ideal Frame For Artwork
Colour, Material & Style
Today, frames are available in thousands of styles because the options are practically limitless. The options are limitless because frames come in thousands of styles. However, it’s important to remember that the artwork and its frame should complement each other because they are always viewed together. The incorrect execution of a frame can overpower the artwork or fail to give it the proper presence it deserves.
While choosing a less striking picture framing than your artwork is vital, you should also avoid frames that are overly cluttered with embellishments or have too similar colors. Think about how a frame may best display the piece. For example, a black frame on a light painting can provide a good degree of contrast, establishing and accentuating the artwork.
UV Protection
It is important to confirm that the glass includes a UV filter. This is crucial in preserving artwork that will eventually deteriorate with UV radiation exposure. Low-reflective glass varieties are the greatest because they don’t obstruct the view of the artwork.
For huge artworks, acrylic glazing, also called Plexiglas, is an excellent substitute because it is significantly lighter than glass. Despite its susceptibility to scratches, it is almost impervious to breaking. It is available in standard and non-glare variants and typically offers around 60% UV protection.
Framing Oil Paintings
The glass was never originally used to frame oil paintings. In addition, oil paintings with a glass frame are rare in galleries and museums unless they are valuable or at risk of damage.
When considering framing alternatives, the properties of oil paintings are crucial. In contrast to other paints, oil paint does not “dry.” Rather, it solidifies as the oil undergoes oxidation, a chemical reaction with air.
It is not as good as watercolor. For example, when drying is brought on by the paint’s water content evaporating. After a few weeks, oil paintings may feel touch dry and be safe to handle. However, it usually takes much longer for the paint coats to completely dry, depending on their thickness.
Choosing a Mount or ‘Mat’
The most common mounts are neutral, yet other colors can give an artwork a fascinating depth. Layering mats on top of one another is a good way to add subtle color. It is called double matting. Underneath the neutral mat lies a colored mat, with the windows of the two mats sliced to reveal only a quarter of the color.
Additionally, artwork can be framed using a “liner,” typically a piece of wood that fits under the rebate around the frame’s inner edge and functions as a separate inner frame.
Don’t be afraid to be Unconventional
Not every piece will look good in a traditional frame, so don’t be scared to try something different. You may not even need a frame if you go bare and show your painting unframed on a tabletop against the wall.
The ideal frame—or no frame at all—is the one that highlights your artwork, but there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to framing!
