Elena Rossi
When measuring a painting, it is generally agreed that the dimensions given should be that of the painting itself, excluding the frame. This is especially true when submitting artwork for jury or gallery exhibitions, where the focus is on the artwork itself, rather than its display. However, when selling paintings, it is common practice to provide both the image size and the framed size. When measuring artwork for framing, it is important to use precise measurements and a standard measuring tool, such as a rigid measuring tape, to ensure the frame fits the artwork securely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to measure | The width and height of the artwork |
| Units of measurement | Inches, centimetres, or millimetres |
| Tools | Standard, rigid measuring tape, contractor's measuring tape, ruler, yardstick, or tailor's measuring tape |
| Border | Measure the extra space of the border you want to be visible |
| Thickness | If the artwork is over 1/4" thick, look for a shadow box frame |
| Frame size | The frame size is determined by the size of the artwork, not the frame opening |
| Mat window | Cut 1/4" smaller than the artwork to prevent it from falling through |
| Mat overlap | 1/8" on all sides |
| Frame lip overlap | 1/4" to hold the artwork in place |
| Artwork orientation | Portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) |
| Artwork presentation | For art submissions, only show the artwork itself; for online sales, show the artwork both framed and unframed |
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What You'll Learn
- When measuring a painting, start by measuring the width and height of the artwork?
- The orientation of the painting is important as it will affect the direction of the hanging wire
- If you are selling paintings framed, provide both the image size and the framed size
- When measuring, use a standard rigid measuring tape as flexible measuring tapes may not be accurate?
- If you want to display the border, measure the extra space you want to be visible
When measuring a painting, start by measuring the width and height of the artwork
When measuring a painting, the first step is to measure the width and height of the artwork. This is important because these dimensions will determine the size of the inside of your frame, not the opening on the outside. The lip of the frame will overlap the artwork by about 1/4" to prevent the artwork from falling through the opening of the frame.
To measure the width and height of your artwork, start by placing your art in the correct orientation of how you'd like to view it. Then, using a standard, rigid measuring tape, measure the width and height of your art, as well as its thickness. The width is the horizontal measurement from left to right, while the height is the vertical measurement from top to bottom. Make sure to measure to the nearest 1/16 of an inch, as small variations can affect the fit of your frame.
If your artwork is on a stretched canvas, it's important to measure at the top, middle, and bottom in both directions (top to bottom and side to side) as canvas isn't always perfectly symmetrical. If these measurements vary, order a frame with the largest measurement to ensure the canvas fits.
Additionally, consider the thickness of your artwork. If it's over 1/4" thick, you may need to look for a framer that can create shadow box frames, which are suitable for wrapped canvas and 3D items. If your artwork is thinner than 1/4", a standard picture frame will typically work.
By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can ensure that your artwork will fit securely in your chosen frame.
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The orientation of the painting is important as it will affect the direction of the hanging wire
When hanging a painting, it is important to consider the orientation of the artwork. The orientation of the painting will determine the direction of the hanging wire and the placement of the D-rings on the frame.
The width of the painting describes the measurement from left to right, while the height describes the measurement from top to bottom. This distinction is important because it determines the orientation of the frame and the hanging hardware. For example, if the width of the painting is greater than the height, the painting is considered landscape-oriented, and the hanging wire will be placed horizontally. On the other hand, if the height of the painting is greater than the width, the painting is portrait-oriented, and the hanging wire will be placed vertically.
To install the hanging wire, you will need to attach D-rings to the back of the frame. The placement of the D-rings will depend on the orientation of the painting. For a landscape-oriented painting, the D-rings should be placed on the left and right sides of the frame, with the hanging wire strung horizontally between them. For a portrait-oriented painting, the D-rings should be placed on the top and bottom of the frame, with the hanging wire strung vertically between them.
It is important to use the correct type of hanging wire for the weight of your artwork. Braided wire can typically hold up to 36 pounds (16 kg), while stainless steel wire can hold up to 100 pounds (45 kg). Vinyl-coated wire has an average weight capacity of 60 pounds (27 kg). Always refer to the package's instructions for the specific weight ratings of the wire.
By considering the orientation of the painting and following these guidelines for hanging wire installation, you can ensure that your artwork is securely and properly hung on the wall.
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If you are selling paintings framed, provide both the image size and the framed size
When selling paintings, it is important to provide accurate measurements to potential buyers. This is especially important when selling framed paintings, as the frame will add to the overall dimensions of the artwork.
The convention is that the size given for a piece of art is that of the actual painting, excluding the frame. This is an important measurement as it allows the buyer to understand the size of the artwork itself and enables them to compare it to other works. This measurement is also typically required for jury submissions, gallery exhibitions, and catalog listings.
However, if you are selling paintings framed, it is beneficial to provide both the image size and the framed size. This gives the buyer all the information they need to assess the artwork and plan where they might hang it. For example, the framed size will give them an idea of the space the painting will take up on their wall, including any additional border or mat board.
To measure the artwork itself, you should measure the width and height of the painting, from paper edge to paper edge. It is important to use precise measurements and a standard measuring tool, such as a rigid measuring tape, to ensure an accurate fit for the frame. The width is the horizontal measurement from left to right, and the height is the vertical measurement from top to bottom.
Once you have these measurements, you can choose a frame that will fit the artwork. The frame will typically have a slight overlap, usually about 1/4", to hold the artwork in place and prevent it from falling through the opening of the frame. Therefore, when measuring the frame, you will need to take into account the additional width and height that the frame adds to the artwork.
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When measuring, use a standard rigid measuring tape as flexible measuring tapes may not be accurate
When measuring a painting, it is important to use a standard rigid measuring tape, as flexible measuring tapes may not provide accurate measurements. Flexible measuring tapes, such as those used for measuring fabric, are not designed for measuring art and photography.
To ensure the most precise measurements, it is recommended to start from the second inch on your ruler or measuring tape, as the first inch is often inaccurate. This is especially important when ordering custom frames, as precise measurements are crucial for a perfect fit. Measure to the nearest 1/16 of an inch to ensure accuracy.
When measuring artwork for framing, it is essential to measure the width and height of the artwork itself, excluding the frame. The width is the horizontal measurement from left to right, while the height is the vertical measurement from top to bottom. These measurements will determine the size of the inside of the frame, ensuring that the artwork fits securely without falling through the opening.
Additionally, consider the thickness of the artwork. If it exceeds 1/4" in thickness, a shadow box frame or a frame with a deeper rabbet depth may be required.
By following these guidelines and using a standard rigid measuring tape, you can achieve accurate measurements for your artwork, ensuring a perfect fit for your frame.
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If you want to display the border, measure the extra space you want to be visible
When measuring a painting for framing, it is important to be precise. It is recommended to use a standard, rigid measuring tape, as flexible measuring tapes may not be entirely accurate. You will also need a clean, flat surface to work on, and it is helpful to have pen and paper to note down the measurements as you take them.
If you want to display the border, the first step is to measure the width and height of your artwork. Then, decide how much of the border you want to be visible. You can add the desired border width to both the left and right sides of your overall width. After that, add the desired border width to both the top and bottom of your overall height. These measurements should be entered as the "frame size".
If you are using a mat board, you may want to double the border width and add it to your measurements, which will then be the size of the mat board's opening. Be sure to change the mat overlap amount to "zero" so that it is not automatically factored into your dimensions. The window in a mat is normally cut 1/4" smaller in both width and height than the size of the artwork to prevent it from falling through.
Additionally, stretched canvas may not always be perfectly symmetrical. Therefore, it is recommended to measure the canvas at both ends, as well as in the middle, in both directions (top to bottom and side to side). If the measurements vary, order a frame with the largest of the three measurements to ensure the frame can accommodate the entire canvas.
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Frequently asked questions
First, measure the width and height of your artwork. You can use a ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape. Make sure to use the correct unit of measurement. If your canvas is stretched, measure at the top, middle, and bottom in both directions, and order a frame with the largest measurement.
The standard format for denoting the size of a painting is width first, then height (WxH). The width is the horizontal measurement from left to right, and the height is the vertical measurement from top to bottom.
Generally, the size given for a piece of art is that of the actual painting, excluding the frame. However, there may be circumstances where you want to include the finished size with the frame, such as when selling framed paintings.
There should be a slight overlap of about 1/4" between the frame and the artwork to hold it in place and prevent it from falling through the frame opening.
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