Custom Framing Your Art – Things You Should Know

If you have purchased an original or limited edition piece of artwork you need to have it framed properly so that it extends the life of the art instead of shortening it. Art is an investment and framing is as well, so being knowledgeable about the methods is your assurance that it’s being done correctly.

First of all, make sure you go to a reputable framer, one that has proper education and experience in the field.

The mat and frame that you choose should not overwhelm the artwork. The art is the focal point and the framing should complement it. If you walk into a room and the frame and mat is what your eye is drawn to first you need to rethink your choices. Never frame the art to match your room décor. Your décor may change and the art will always be appropriate for any room if framed properly. Custom framing is all about getting exactly the right thing for your artwork.

If you are framing paper, you will want to make sure it is framed with acid free or rag mat. Standard mat can burn your artwork over time and depreciate its value. You don’t want that to happen. There are thousands of mats and frames to choose from so there is no shortage of choice even in the acid free range. Generally speaking, two mats are better than one and in many instances a third mat gives an amazing look. If you have artwork with deckled edges you will probably want them to show because they are very pretty. In this case, your framer will hinge the artwork with acid free products and float the object on mat so that it is entirely visible. Watercolors, pastels, chalk, and charcoal are often floated on a mat, using a second mat with a window opening and spacer between it and the art, allowing dust from the art to fall in the space that application provides.

Color choices should be taken from the artwork. Often there is just a touch of a bright or stronger color and that can be used as an accent color in the matting. Perhaps two top mats of other calmer colors with 1/8", ¼", ½" or whatever reveal you choose with an accent mat of the stronger color and a 1/16" reveal. Just enough to make the color in the artwork pop. Or if the accent color is beneath the top mat a cut out of a desired design

will let the color show through along with the reveal and can be extremely attractive. Again, make sure they are using acid free or rag mat.

One of the purposes of the mat is to keep the artwork back from the glass. The art or item should never touch the glazing. If you are framing an extremely large piece you may want to choose acrylic (Plexiglas is a brand name) because it weighs much less than glass and will be safer, but acrylic scratches easily and cannot be cleaned with regular glass cleaner. Acrylic cleaner can be purchased from your framer. Acrylic should not be used on watercolor, chalk, pastel, charcoal or any other powdery surface due to static electricity issues You will want to make sure the glazing used on your art is conservation. Conservation clear will allow a sharp clarity to the art but will also have a glare in the right situation. Conservation non-glare will not have the glare but will blur out at certain angles. Many people feel it’s worth that not to have a glare on their artwork. Non-glare does not work well on art or photographs with a high sheen. Museum glass is rather pricey but has such good visibility that you wonder if there is even glazing on the item. Some consider it well worth the price. It is the ultimate in picture framing glazing.

The framing industry has outdone itself by manufacturing many stunning frames both in color and design. There is something for every need. Make sure it is scene appropriate, don’t put a modern frame on a Tuscany print. There are vintage frames, modern frames, Italian frames, anything you could want is available. Make sure it is the proper width for your artwork, again so that it enhances the artwork and doesn’t overwhelm it. The frame and mat width should not be the same. Your framer can give you the guidance you need.

If you have a canvas you won’t be putting matting and glazing on it. Canvas must breath and all that is necessary is a frame. Adding a liner to that and maybe a fillet (fill-it) makes an extremely attractive application for your artwork. Again, always choose framing that will enhance the art. It will be lighter weight without glass on it but always remember that canvas cannot tolerate any moisture, water, excessive heat or humidity. It is best hung where it will not get excessive sunlight. Canvases are wonderful. They tend to look a lot like an original and add a great deal to a fine decorating look.

Whatever your choice of art and framing is – get it done. Don’t hide your art away in a box (which is usually not acid free) shoved under the bed or poked back in a closet where it can be forgotten. Get it out, have it framed properly, and you can enjoy it for many, many years.

By June Johnston

http://www.westernshadowsart.com