Lena Rivera
Framing a painting without losing the border can be a tricky task. The first step is to decide how much of a border you want to be visible. There is no standard measurement, and it depends on the artist's preference. The next step is to choose a frame that is slightly larger than the painting to accommodate the border. If you want to preserve the entire border, you can opt for a mat or mount, which creates a gap between the art and the frame. This can enhance the aesthetic of the artwork and provide added depth. Another option is to affix the painting directly to a mounting board, which provides support and stability without a frame or border.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Framing without glass | Traditionally done for oil paintings |
| Framing with glass | Use spacers to prevent condensation and damage to the painting |
| Framing with a mount | Minimum 5 cm (2 inches) wide, with no maximum size |
| Framing without a mount | Affix the painting directly to a mounting board |
| Framing with a mat | Use a mat window that is slightly smaller than the artwork to prevent gaps |
| Framing without a mat | Measure the full dimensions of the paper for the frame |
| Framing with a border | Leave at least 1/4" to 1/2" of white space around the edges |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use a mat board to create a colourful border without a frame
Mat boards are a great way to create a colourful border for your painting without using a frame. They come in a variety of colours and can be cut to custom sizes, allowing you to have as much or as little border as you like. You can mount your artwork directly onto the mat board, centring it or placing it off-centre for a more modern look.
If you want to get creative, you can decorate your mat board to make your artwork stand out and add a personal touch to your space. Here are some ways to do this:
- Painted Bevel: Mat boards with bevelled edges provide the perfect surface to add a pop of colour. Place your mat board face up and use water-based markers or acrylic paint to slowly and fluidly add your chosen colour(s) to the bevelled edge.
- Tape and Paint: If you're worried about getting paint on the face of the mat board, use removable tape along the edge of the bevel to protect it. Apply a burnishing bone folder to ensure the tape adheres well and prevent paint from seeping underneath. Once the paint is dry, slowly remove the tape.
- Cut-Aways: For dark or deeply coloured mat boards, you can cut away the surface paper and use a stencil or traceable design to create a unique pattern. Use a hobby knife to carefully cut out your design, and consider practising on a separate piece of paper first.
- Rubber Stamp: Use paint and a rubber stamp to create a unique design on your mat board. Map out your design with a pencil, then spread a thin layer of paint onto a piece of glass or tile. Press the rubber stamp into the paint and then onto your mat board to create your desired pattern.
- French Lines: For a more antique look, consider creating hand-painted edging of banded lines, known as French Lines. You can use water-based markers or acrylic paint for this technique, choosing colours that complement your artwork.
Remember, when using mat boards, you can decide how much border you want to display. If you wish to preserve a signature or edition number, measure the space needed to showcase this detail and adjust your mat board size accordingly.
Finding Your Artistic Voice: Painting Inspiration
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Consider the thickness of the mount board
Mount boards are typically only 1.4 mm to 3 mm thick, or approximately 1/16" to 1/8" thick. The gap between the painting and the frame can be deepened by layering two or more boards or by adding a spacer behind the glass. The thickness of the mount board is important to consider as it will determine the overall depth of your frame. If you are using a spacer to separate the painting from the glass, you will need to ensure that the mount board is thick enough to accommodate this.
If you are framing a watercolour or drawing, a mount board can add extra width and height to the image, which is often desirable as these pieces tend to be smaller than canvas paintings. A mount board can also add a decorative element to your frame. For example, you could consider a ''stepped board' with a 'V' groove bevelling, which is when a border is routed out in a 'V' shape around the edge of the image. Antique mounts sometimes feature hand-painted edging, known as 'French Lines' and 'French Panels'. Alternatively, some framers offer machine-printed decorative lines in different colours, or embossed lines and patterns.
If you are framing your artwork with glass, a mount board is essential to prevent damage that can occur from direct contact with the glass. Without a mount board, condensation can form and cause rotting in the canvas and damage to the paint layers. A spacer can be added to create a gap between the painting and the glass, but this can be tricky to get right and may cause the centre of the artwork to buckle. A mount board is a more effective way to create the necessary gap between the painting and the glass.
If you are framing your artwork without glass, a mount board can still be useful to add depth and separate the artwork visually from the frame. In this case, the thickness of the mount board will be a key factor in achieving the desired aesthetic. A thicker mount board will create a more pronounced gap between the artwork and the frame, while a thinner mount board will result in a more subtle effect.
Repairing Drywall Holes: Patch, Prime, and Paint
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[2-Pack] Kids Art Frames, 8.5x11 Front Opening Kids Artwork Frames Changeable, White Artwork Display Storage Frame for Wall, Holds 50 Pcs, for 3D Picture, Crafts, Hanging Art, Portfolio](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718t69oU94L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Use a float mount to avoid buckling
Float mounting is a technique where the artwork appears to be floating above an uncut blank mat board. This method is ideal for showcasing the raw or frayed edges of the artwork and is especially suitable for watercolour paintings on heavyweight paper.
To create a float mount, you should first measure the mat board to the size of your backing board. You can then attach your artwork directly to the mat board using T-hinges, which are removable with water or a small amount of alcohol. The T-hinges should be made from materials such as rice paper, linen tape, or archival pressure-sensitive tapes, allowing the artwork to breathe and ensuring that it does not tear if the hinge falls off.
To achieve a more dramatic shadow effect, you can first attach the artwork to acid-free foam core so that it sits higher in the frame. However, ensure that the raised artwork does not press against the frame's glass, as this can cause condensation and ruin the art over time.
Float mounting is also known as floating, and it is different from floating frames or floater frames, which are designed to hold stretched canvas artworks or photographs and other flat paper prints.
Repairing Chipped Paint Protection Film: A DIY Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Measure the full dimensions of the paper
To frame a painting without losing a border, it is important to measure the full dimensions of the paper. This is a crucial step to ensure that your artwork fits within the frame and that the border is preserved. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Measure the Height and Width of the Paper
Use a ruler or a measuring tape to determine the height and width of your artwork. Measure the length from the top edge to the bottom edge, and the width from the left edge to the right edge. Make sure to measure accurately and record the dimensions in inches or centimetres, depending on your preference.
Consider the Desired Border Width
Decide on the width of the border you want to retain around your artwork. This is a personal preference, but a common practice is to have a border of about 1/4" to 1/2" on each side. If you have a signature or edition number on the border, you may want to leave more space, such as 5/8", to showcase it properly. Consider your specific requirements and adjust the border width accordingly.
Calculate the Mat Window Opening
To preserve your desired border, you need to calculate the size of the mat window opening. Add the border width to both the height and width dimensions of your artwork. For example, if your artwork is 8" by 10" and you want a 1/4" border on each side, add 1/2" to both dimensions, resulting in a mat window opening of 8-1/2" by 10-1/2".
Choose a Frame Size
After determining the mat window opening size, you can select a frame that accommodates those dimensions. The frame should be larger than the mat window to provide a visually appealing border. Consider the style and colour of the frame to complement your artwork and the surrounding décor.
Finalize the Frame and Mat Combination
Once you have selected the frame, you can finalize the mat board size. The mat board should be cut to fit within the frame and have the specified mat window opening. Ensure that the mat board colour enhances the artwork and complements the frame. If you are using a pre-made frame, you may need to adjust your mat window opening to fit standard frame sizes.
By carefully measuring the full dimensions of the paper and following these steps, you can successfully frame your painting while retaining the desired border. This process ensures that your artwork is displayed beautifully and that no important details or signatures are lost.
Revive Dull Walls: Low-Sheen Paint Fixes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[2-Pack] Kids Artwork Frames Changeable, 8.5 x 11-IN Frames for Kids Artwork, Front Opening Picture Frames, Home Decor, Up to 150 Pcs of Kids Art Frame, Craft Storage, Hanging Wall Decor, Art](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sUA1tF7YL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Account for the size of the mat window
When framing a painting, the mat window size, or mat opening, is the cut-out in the mat board through which the image can be viewed. The size of the mat window is important as it determines how much of the artwork will be visible and how it will be held in place.
The standard practice is to cut the mat window slightly smaller than the artwork to create an overlap, typically between 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch on each side, which prevents the artwork from falling through. This overlap can be adjusted to accommodate specific requirements, such as displaying the artist's signature or print data. For example, the bottom border might be expanded to reveal between 1/4 to 1 inch of the border, while the side and top border measurements are typically kept between 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
When determining the mat window size, it's essential to consider the desired border width. The border width refers to the extra space around the artwork that you want to be visible, which can include features like the artist's signature. To calculate the mat window size, subtract the desired border width from the overall width and height of the artwork. For instance, if you want a 2-inch border on all sides of an 8" x 10" image, you would set the mat window size to 6" x 8", resulting in a 2-inch overlap on each side.
It's worth noting that the mat window size can be customised to achieve a specific look or feel for the artwork. For instance, some people prefer equal borders on all sides, while others might opt for bottom weighting, where the bottom border is wider than the top and sides. Additionally, if you're working with a stretched canvas, it's recommended to measure it at both ends and in the middle, as slight variations in measurements might require a canvas floater frame.
Finally, when ordering pre-cut mat boards or custom frames, it's crucial to provide the exact measurements of your artwork to ensure the mat window size is accurate.
Exporting Substance Painter Materials to Unity: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There is no standard measurement for the white border around a painting. It depends on the artist's preference. However, it is recommended to leave at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch of white space on all sides to allow for framing without losing any details.
If you want to frame your painting without a mat or mount, you can affix it directly to a mounting board. Choose a board that is cut to the exact size you need, or mount your painting on a larger board and then cut the board to size. You can also use spacers to raise the glass and keep it from touching the artwork.
Mats and mounts can enhance the aesthetic of your artwork by providing a border that separates it visually from the frame. They also add depth and sophistication to the overall presentation. Additionally, mats and mounts provide protection for your artwork by creating a gap between the art and the glazing, preventing damage from direct contact with the glass.
The size of the mat or mount can vary depending on your preference. Typically, mats are a minimum of 2 inches wide, but there is no maximum size. You can use the "Golden Ratio" (a proportion of 1.618 derived from the Fibonacci sequence) to determine the width of the mat relative to the artwork's size. Additionally, consider any signatures or edition numbers on the border and ensure they are visible.
