Framing an oil painting is a relatively straightforward process that can be done at home. To begin, measure the painting and select the right frame size, making sure to leave 2-3 inches of space around the edges of the frame.
Next, securely attach the backer board to the back of the frame to provide a smooth surface that the painting can be mounted against without getting damaged. Once the backer board is in place, secure the painting to it with a few pieces of clear mounting tape.
Finally, attach the frame’s hanging hardware (typically felt bumpers along the top and small hooks or wires along the sides) to the back of the frame so that the painting can be securely hung on a wall.
Should oil paintings be framed with glass?
Yes, it is highly recommended to frame oil paintings with glass. This is because glass helps to protect and preserve the artwork, as well as add a layer of protection from dust, dirt, and pollutants.
It also helps to enhance the colours and details in the painting. Additionally, since oil paintings are often placed in high-traffic areas, glass helps to safeguard the artwork from being touched or damaged in any way.
As a result, framing oil paintings with glass helps to ensure that they stay in good condition and last for a long time.
How long should an oil painting dry before framing?
The exact amount of time an oil painting should dry before framing will depend on the environmental factors and the type of oil paint that was used to create it. Generally speaking, it is recommended to leave an oil painting to dry for 12 weeks at a minimum before framing it.
This gives the paint enough time to properly cure. If the painting was created with wet-on-wet layering, more time will be required for complete drying. Such as increasing the temperature of the painting area or fanning the painting to encourage faster evaporation of solvents.
However, care should be taken when attempting to speed up the drying process, as this may cause problems if the paint is not completely dry.
Do acrylic paintings go behind glass?
Yes, acrylic paintings can go behind glass, but it is not always recommended. Acrylic paint is very durable, and the paint offers strong protection against UV light and other environmental elements. However, if you choose to put an acrylic painting behind glass, it is essential to ensure that the painting is securely mounted and framed to prevent warping of the paint due to excess heat or humidity.
Most importantly, if your acrylic painting is put behind glass, use conservation grade glass which has a special coating to help filter out any UV light without compromising the color of the painting.
Additionally, when cleaning the glass, only use a soft cloth or microfiber duster and gentle window cleaner to avoid damage to the painting’s surface.
Can you put a canvas print in a glass frame?
Yes, you can put a canvas print in a glass frame. Glass frames are an attractive way to display and protect art work, especially canvas prints that have been stretched and gallery wrapped. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before committing to this type of framing.
First, it is important to make sure your glass frame is able to accommodate the size and thickness of the canvas print. If the canvas is too thick for the frame gap, you will find your print sticking out and the frame may appear as if it’s bowing out.
The solution to this problem is purchasing a frame with adequate space or a deeper rabbet depth to allow the print to fully fit inside the frame.
Second, UV protection is important. While the glass on the frame will protect the print from dust and dirt, it will not protect the structure against ultraviolet rays. Consider a glass that is especially designed to screen out UV light such as Museum glass, which will help extend the life of your canvas by reducing fading and color shifting due to sun damage.
Finally, consider finishing touches such as mounting hardware, spacers, and rubber bumpers for protection. Mounting hardware will ensure the print is held securely in place. Spacers will keep the glass at a distance from the canvas and prevent the glass from touching print itself, reducing the chances of scratching and scraping from occurring.
Rubber bumpers can further protect against scratches, dents, and wear from where the glass meets the frame.
Overall, it is possible to put a canvas print in a glass frame. However, by taking into account the size and thickness of the canvas, UV protection, and finishing touches, you can create an attractive and protective display that will extend the life of your artwork.
When should you frame a canvas?
Framing a canvas is a great way to give your artwork a professional look and increase its longevity. The best time to frame a canvas usually depends on the intended use of the artwork and your own personal style.
If you plan to keep the artwork for a long time, it is best to frame it as soon as possible. This way, you can protect it from dust, dirt, and ultraviolet light, which can cause the colors to fade.
If the artwork is for sale or public viewing, it is best to frame the canvas before displaying it. In some cases, framing can increase the perceived value of the artwork and may increase the likelihood that it will be sold.
If you want a more contemporary feel, you can opt to not frame your canvas. However, when displaying un-framed artwork, it is still important to protect it in some way. This may include adding a coat of protective varnish to the surface of the painting or adding an ultraviolet filtering plexiglass above the artwork.
It is also important to take steps to protect the canvas itself, including keeping it away from damp areas and hanging it in a way that the canvas cannot sag or be subject to too much weight.
Does canvas art look better framed?
Framing canvas art can certainly add a polished, professional feeling to the piece. Most ready-made canvas art pieces will already come with some type of frame or mountings designed to support the canvas and give it a finished look.
Canvas art also looks good when it is simply hung up on the wall as-is with no extra treatment. Ultimately, it’s really up to your personal preference. Some people like the minimalist look of canvas art hung without a frame, while others feel that it looks less complete without the extra framing.
Additionally, depending on the environment, a bare canvas might not look as well as framed art due to issues like dust accumulation and other environmental factors. Generally speaking, it is safe to say that canvas art does look more finished with a frame, but that is certainly up to you as the individual.
What’s the difference between framed and unframed canvas?
The main difference between framed and unframed canvas is that framed canvas is already prepared and ready to hang while unframed canvas needs to be prepared before being ready to hang on the wall. Framed canvas has the canvas material stretched over a wooden frame and then secured with staples and the outer edges are finished with a decorative wooden frame.
Unframed canvas is just the canvas material that needs to be attached to a stretcher and then framed.
When it comes to framing options, framed canvas is generally easier to work with and has more design options, as there are reference sites that provide a wide variety of frames in different shapes and sizes.
Unframed canvas, on the other hand, requires more time and effort to prepare, requires specialist tools to attach the stretcher, and requires more time to finish, making it hard to compare to framed canvas.
Additionally, framed canvas tends to last longer, as the wooden frame adds extra support to prevent the canvas material from sagging. Unframed canvas, on the other hand, doesn’t have a frame to provide additional support, so it can be more prone to sagging over time due to the canvas stretching onto itself and the stretcher warping.
Is canvas wall art out of style?
No, canvas wall art is definitely not out of style. In fact, canvas wall art has been embraced by interior designers, home decorators and art lovers alike for decades. It’s versatile, affordable, and can instantly transform any room.
Canvas wall art is timeless and can easily be tailored to any style, from traditional to modern décor. Plus, there are literally countless options available, from traditional oil and acrylic paintings, to more abstract works, to designer prints and digitally-manufactured pieces.
Whether you’re an art collector, an interior designer, or a casual decorator, canvas wall art adds a unique touch to any room.