Marcus Chen
There are many ways to attach a painting to a frame, and the specific method will depend on the type of artwork and frame you have. For example, attaching a painting to a metal frame is different from attaching it to a wooden one. Before you begin, it is important to measure your artwork and choose a frame that complements it without overpowering it. You should also consider whether you want to use glazing to protect your artwork from damage and fading.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Wood, Metal |
| Artwork Material | Canvas, Board, Paper, Glassine Paper |
| Tools | Clips, Glue, Nails, Sandpaper, Epoxy Glue, Clamps, Foamcore, Acrylic Cover, Saw, Miter Box, Staple Gun, Canvas Offset Clips, Spring Clips |
| Techniques | Measure Artwork, Slide Art into Rails, Re-screw Corner Brackets, Use a Mat or Border, Varnish, Stain, Wax |
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What You'll Learn
Measure the painting and frame
Measuring your painting and frame is a crucial step in the framing process. Here is a detailed guide to help you measure accurately:
Select an Appropriate Measuring Tool:
Choose a standard, rigid measuring tape to ensure precision. Avoid flexible measuring tapes as they may yield inaccurate results. A contractor's measuring tape is ideal, but a ruler, yardstick, or tailor's measuring tape can also work. Ensure your measuring tool is in good condition, with no signs of damage or warping that could affect your measurements.
Prepare the Artwork:
Place your painting on a clean, flat surface to prevent accidental damage and provide ample room for measurement. Have a pen and paper ready to note down the dimensions as you take them.
Measure the Painting:
Start by determining the orientation of your painting, whether it will be displayed in portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) format. Then, measure the width and height of your painting. The width is the horizontal measurement from left to right, while the height is the vertical measurement from top to bottom. If your painting has a three-dimensional element, also measure its depth or thickness.
Be sure to measure to within 1/16th of an inch on each side for maximum precision. If using a ruler, start from the second inch mark, as the first inch on some rulers may not be accurate. Align your measuring tape with the nearest fractional increment to ensure accuracy.
Consider the Frame's Overlap:
When ordering a custom frame, keep in mind that the frame's lip will overlap your artwork slightly, usually by about 1/4" (0.635 cm) all around, to hold it securely in place. If you want the artist's signature to be visible, you may need to adjust the overlap to 1/16" (0.1587 cm).
Measure the Frame:
If you already have a frame, measure its interior dimensions, as these will determine the size of the artwork it can accommodate. Measure the width and height of the frame's opening, ensuring you account for any overlap.
Account for Border Width:
If you want to display a border around your artwork, add the desired border width to both the width and height measurements. This will be your "frame size."
Understand Frame Material Considerations:
The process may vary slightly depending on the frame's material. Metal frames typically require sliding the artwork, backing, and cover into rails, while wood frames may have different assembly requirements.
Remember, precise measurements are critical to ensure a perfect fit for your painting within the frame. Taking the time to measure accurately will ensure a professional and secure result.
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Choose a frame that complements the artwork
Choosing the right frame is an art in itself and can enhance a piece of art. A frame should complement the artwork and draw viewers into the piece. Here are some tips to help you choose a frame that complements your artwork:
Firstly, consider the overall style of your artwork. A contemporary or abstract piece may suit a sleek, minimalist frame, while a classic painting might be better suited to an ornate, decorative, or traditional frame. Think about the dominant colours in your artwork and consider tying those tones to your frame. For example, a bold black or dark wooden frame can work well with acrylic or oil paintings, while pastel or lighter colour-based artworks may suit a lighter frame. If your artwork is a black-and-white photo, a metal frame could be a good option, as it will subtly enhance the display with a crisp finish.
The thickness of the frame is also important. Ensure the frame's thickness complements, rather than overwhelms, your artwork. A delicate watercolour or painting with thin lines is likely to be better suited to a thinner frame, while a bold piece of art with vivid colours and thick lines can stand up to a thicker frame.
You should also consider whether to use a mount, or 'mat', inside your frame. A mount can add depth and emphasis to your artwork, and help to protect it from damage. Most artworks on paper look better with a mount, as it provides an elegant finish and prevents the glass from touching the artwork directly.
Finally, consider the environment in which the artwork will be displayed. The frame should complement the colours and decor of the room. If your home has a modern aesthetic, a minimalistic frame may work best, while a detailed and ornate frame might complement a traditional space.
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Prepare the frame and artwork
Preparing the frame and artwork is a crucial step in the framing process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Measurements and Materials
Start by measuring your artwork to get the precise dimensions, including height, width, and depth. These measurements will help you select a frame that complements your artwork without overwhelming it. Consider the type of artwork you have—whether it's a simple photo, poster, or print on paper, or a painting on canvas or board. The material and construction of the frame will depend on the type of artwork. For instance, wood frames and metal frames have different assembly requirements.
Cleaning and Protection
Before framing, it's essential to ensure your artwork is clean and protected. If your artwork will be stored for an extended period, wrap it in acid-free, neutral pH glassine paper to shield it from dust and other potential damage. For varnished paintings, you might need to remove the varnish with a solvent like turpentine if it has accumulated dust and dirt over the years.
Framing Techniques
The specific steps for preparing the frame and artwork will depend on the type of artwork and frame you have. Here are some general techniques:
- Canvas Paintings: If you're framing a canvas painting, you usually place the frame over the wood frame of the canvas. You can find premade frames that fit standard canvas sizes, get a custom frame made, or even make your own. To attach the canvas to the frame, you can use canvas offset clips, which hold the canvas in place. Space the clips evenly, with the same number on each side. Alternatively, you can use stretcher bars and attach screwless clips by sliding the pointed end between the frame and the canvas's edge.
- Art on Board: If your artwork is on a board, you can attach it to the frame using glue. Apply glue to the cradle, press the artwork firmly onto the frame, and remove any foam wedges once the glue is dry. You can also use screws to attach the artwork to the frame. Sand the cradle and the frame where you'll apply the glue to ensure a stronger bond.
- Simple Prints and Photos: Simple prints, photos, and posters are typically easy to mount. They can be framed directly within a custom frame ordered to exact measurements or mounted to a matboard or backing using methods like the T-Hinge or H-Mount.
- Puzzles: When framing puzzles, use glue or tape behind the pieces to prevent them from falling apart once framed.
- Metal Frames: With metal frames, you'll need to slide the artwork, backing, and cover into the rails. Then, re-screw the corner brackets, add spring clips, and attach eurohangers for hanging.
- Finishing Touches: You can finish a wooden frame with paint, stain, or wax. Use sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections, and then apply your chosen finish.
Remember, always handle your artwork with care and consider seeking professional framing services for valuable or delicate pieces.
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Attach the painting to the frame
Attaching a painting to a ready-made frame is a straightforward process, but it does require some care and attention to ensure your artwork is secure and undamaged. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Frame and Artwork
Firstly, ensure your painting and frame are ready for assembly. If your artwork is on canvas, you should have a wooden frame to attach it to. If your artwork is on board, you will need to prepare the frame by applying glue to the cradle—the wooden slats attached to the bottom of the frame—and securing the painting to it. You can also use thin wood slats and attach them to the sides of your canvas with tacks or glue. Sanding the cradle and frame with grit sandpaper can help the glue adhere better.
Attach the Artwork
Once the glue is dry, you can attach the frame to the canvas stretcher by screwing it in place. For canvas artworks, you can use stretcher bars and attach the canvas with clips. Space these clips evenly, with an equal number on each side, and push down firmly to ensure the canvas is secure. Alternatively, you can use spring clips, especially for metal frames, to create a snug fit and prevent damage to your artwork.
Finalize the Display
Now that your artwork is attached, you can add the finishing touches. For metal frames, re-screw the corner brackets, and add eurohangers to the frame rails to string your hanging wire through. If your artwork is on board, you may need to adjust the height by mounting it on a cradle. Finally, consider adding a glaze to your artwork. Glass is the most common material, but acrylic is a newer, shatterproof option.
Display Your Artwork
Now that your artwork is framed, you can hang it up and display it! Consider grouping artwork together by size, colour, or subject matter, or creating an eclectic look with different frame shapes and styles. Remember to use wall buddies or similar hardware for larger frames to prevent bowing. Enjoy your newly framed artwork!
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Display the painting
Displaying your painting is the most gratifying part of the framing process. If you've used a metal frame, you'll need to slide the art, backing, and cover into the rails, then re-screw the corner brackets. Once you've added spring clips, you can hang your frame on the wall. Hammer a hook and nail into the wall, then hang the frame from the wire off the hook.
If you're using a wooden frame, you can use canvas offset clips to hold the canvas in the frame. You can also use screwless clips, which you attach to the stretcher bars on the back of the canvas. Space these evenly, with an equal number on each side. If you're using screw clips, mark their position with a pencil, then drill a pilot hole into each mark. Set the clips over the holes, then screw them into the frame.
If your artwork is on a board, you'll need to glue it to the cradle. Apply glue to both the frame and the cradle, then clamp them together and leave them for around half an hour. Use a strong glue, like a two-part epoxy glue.
When displaying your artwork, try grouping pieces by size, colour, or subject matter. Hang artwork at different levels to create interest. You could also create a gallery wall with framed art, mirrors, photographs, and sculptures. Try using a square or oval frame for an eclectic look.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the type of painting and frame. If your painting is on a canvas, you can attach the frame to the canvas stretcher by screwing it in place. If your artwork is on a board, take it out and apply glue to the cradle. Then, press the painting onto the frame firmly and remove the foam wedges once the glue is dry.
The most common types of art to frame — simple photos, posters, and prints on paper — are typically the easiest to mount and/or assemble. They will either be the perfect fit within a custom frame ordered to exact measurements or can be mounted to a matboard or backing using the T-Hinge or H-Mount methods.
You will need to slide the art, backing, and cover into the rails, then re-screw the corner brackets into each corner. Once you add spring clips to the back channel, everything should be secure.
If your canvas is too big for the frame, you can make your own frame out of thin wood slats, paint or stain, a hand saw and a miter box. You can also buy a custom-made frame.
Before framing a puzzle, you will need to either glue or place tape behind your puzzle, so it doesn’t fall apart when you go to add it to the frame.
