Framing to a professional standard Presented by Mark Parkin

Introduction: Framing artwork is an important aspect in terms of making a harmonious and visually stimulating visual presentation when exhibiting work professionally. A frame that doesn’t visually enhance or is not conducive with the image can detract from its final presentation negatively. An artwork should be the main focus to the viewer without being distracted visually by a frame or mount that is fighting for attention. In this light a simple frame is possibly better in some cases, and that the function of the frame is to give the appearance that it is mated to the artwork. However, with some traditional artworks a more decorative frame may be appropriate for the subject while contemporary and modern works generally seem to work with a clean simple design.

Tips on materials: Always select the highest quality materials that is within your budget. Be highly selective of what type of frame & mount you use and if you are not sure seek advice, research the subject or have it professionally framed. Make sure that when mounting works paper that all the materials are acid free. Otherwise, using inferior materials can create premature aging and discoloration over a period of time. Many contemporary artists today & in the past have constructed their own frames, if you are confident in your abilities try fabricating your own unique & original frames or recycle & refurbish used frames that have been discarded. This can save you a lot of money.

Select a frame that is in keeping with the style of the artwork Select a frame that is in keeping with the style of the artwork. A plain wooden frame looks good with an old-fashioned motif, while an ornate gold frame highlights a landscape. Select a colour so the encasing brings out the hues of the piece while emphasizing the composition ie; a simple black encasing sharpens a drawing, print or black & white painting or possibly an artwork with words. Select a Frame that allows sufficient space for the placement of the mount usually between 2-4 inches around the image.

Frame Landscape 3 inches Mount Image 3 inches 4 inches

Select a frame. Pair the artwork with a mount composed of acid-free material. Utilizing a mount creates a professional-looking product at a low cost and supports the fine art while preventing it from touching the glass.

Pair the artwork with a mat composed of acid-free material Pair the artwork with a mat composed of acid-free material. Utilizing a mat creates a professional-looking product at a low cost and supports the fine art while preventing it from touching the glass. Choose the right size mat. Normally, a mat covers the edges of the artwork, with an additional 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm) between the fine art and the frame. The bottom of the mat will be a little bit wider to enhance the overall composition. Decide whether you want to frame fine art with a colored mat. Usually, artists pair a plain white mat with fine art; however, you may want to select a color that will highlight the composition. Consider framing art in a textured mat. The texture of a mat can make a charcoal drawing stand out or look faded, so it is important to select a texture that will accentuate your artwork. Pair the artwork with a mat composed of acid-free material. Utilizing a mat creates a professional-looking product at a low cost and supports the fine art while preventing it from touching the glass. Pair the artwork with a mount composed of acid-free material. Utilizing a mount creates a professional-looking product at a low cost and supports the fine art while preventing it from touching the glass. Choose the right size mat. Normally, a mount covers the edges of the artwork, with an additional 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm) between the fine art and the frame. The bottom of the mount will be a little bit wider to enhance the overall composition. Decide whether you want to frame fine art with a coloured mount. Usually, artists pair a plain white or ivory coloured mount with fine art; however, you may want to select a color that will highlight the composition. Consider framing art in a textured mount. The texture of a mount can make a charcoal drawing stand out or look faded, so it is important to select a texture that will accentuate your artwork.

Attach the artwork. Use acid-free tape to preserve the image and hold it in place. Suspend the artwork from the top and use a strip of tape to attach it to the mount (do not tape it all the way around)  

Decide whether you use an acrylic or glass surface Decide whether you use an acrylic or glass surface. Acrylic tends to be a better insulator and lighter than glass. It is also shatterproof. However, acrylic can cause static electricity and is prone to scratching, so never place charcoal and pastel artwork behind it. Glass costs less than acrylic, but it can create a glare and of course can shatter if not handled properly.

Set the glass in the frame and then put the mounted image behind it Set the glass in the frame and then put the mounted image behind it. Make sure the glass is clean without any kind of dust or debris on both faces of its surface area.

Seal the package with an acid-free backboard this is usually done with backing clips & acid free tape. If your are framing art with a backboard that has tabs, turn them under the frame to hold the backing in place

Completion of framed artwork

Decide on a color. Frame artwork so the encasing brings out the hues of the piece while emphasizing the composition. To find the right size frame, measure the artwork. Add in enough room for any mat that you plan to use when framing art. Decide on a color. Frame artwork so the encasing brings out the hues of the piece while emphasizing the composition. To find the right size frame, measure the artwork. Add in enough room for any mat that you plan to use when framing art. FIN