How to Frame Art: A Simple Guide to Framing Art

To frame art means to mount it within a picture frame, typically behind glass. Framing fine art, art prints, vintage posters, photographs, or any other work can help to protect the art from dust, water, scratches, or UV rays. Frames can increase the value and visually enhance the artwork, making it look more professional and accentuating colors and details. If you are looking to display your art collection or family photos, get your pieces custom framed professionally, or buy framing supplies at an art supply store and frame them yourself.

A mat, also known as a mount, is a thick piece of paper or board that sits between the artwork and the framing glass to protect the surface of the work. Colored mats can accent a piece of art, and small pieces thickly matted can make for a dramatic display.

When choosing a mat, consider these mat elements:

• Material: Mats can be made from wood pulp—which are called paper mats—and cotton. Museum-quality mats, also called conservation or archival mat boards, are one hundred percent cotton and can last more than one hundred years.
• Acidity: Mats can be acidic or acid-free. More acidic mats discolor as they degrade, and parts of the artwork exposed to the mat will turn brown. The discoloration is not a concern for poster frames but can be catastrophic for an expensive oil painting. Paper mats are generally acidic, though certain paper mats, like paperboard, have been treated so that they are acid-free. Cotton mats are naturally acid-free, and the most expensive cotton mats are conservation or archival mat boards.
• Thickness: Typically, a mat is at least 2 inches wide and wider than the selected frame. A thicker board gives a more professional look and is more sturdy and won’t warp over time.
• Core: When matting a piece of art, you can trim the mat with a bevel cut along the edge of the artwork. Cut designs will reveal the mat’s core, which can be standard/cream, white, or black. The standard core will yellow and degrade the fastest, and white and black cores are acid-free and will maintain their color longer.
• Texture: A framing mat can feature a smooth finish, or it can be beveled, patterned, or wrapped in fabric, such as suede.
• Color: Mats are available in many colors; when using a colored mat, it’s typical to mount artwork on a white mat or a neutrally-colored mat with a second mat behind it featuring the accent color.

Professional custom framers typically frame art, but if you want to take the DIY approach and frame your art yourself, you’ll need these framing tools:

1. 1. Hammer: Use a hammer to secure nails and picture hangers into the wall where the framed art will hang.
2. 2. Measuring tape: Use a measuring tape to make sure your frame is at the right distance from the floor. Generally, the midpoint of a framed piece of art is approximately 60 inches from the floor. If you are hanging a number of frames on one wall, measuring tape will ensure all the frames are spaced evenly from each other.
3. 3. Level: Use a level to ensure the frames are hung straight.
4. 4. Glass: Glass is optional, depending on the material of the artwork. Placing glass or plexiglass behind the frame is common for photographs or paper-based artwork such as watercolors, but oil and acrylic paintings release gases as they age and are usually not framed behind glass.

There are many ready-made frames of various styles and colors to fit your artwork and your home decor. Some popular frame styles to consider when making a frame selection include:

1. 1. White or black frames: White frames, common for art gallery walls, are neutral and keep the visual focus on the artwork. You can also create a minimalist gallery wall with black frames.
2. 2. Wood frames: An ornate wooden frame is a classic choice for canvas paintings and can also be paired with modern art.
3. 3. Shadow box: Use a shadow box to frame 3D objects and mementos. These frames are thicker than a standard frame and make objects appear to be floating in space.
4. 4. Floater frames: In standard frames, the artwork or mat is positioned directly against the frame. A floater frame pushes the artwork slightly away from the edges of the frame so that the frame does not cover the edges of the artwork—this gives the illusion that the artwork is floating inside the frame.

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