Fitting Art: Framing Precision For Your Masterpiece

Measuring a frame to fit a painting is a straightforward process, but it is important to get it right. The first step is to select a measuring tool. A standard rigid measuring tape is recommended, but a ruler or yardstick can also be used. It is important to use a tool with the correct unit of measurement. The next step is to lay the painting on a clean, flat surface to ensure accurate measurements. Measure the height and width of the painting, making sure to measure from edge to edge, not the frame's inner lip. It is also important to note that stretched canvas may not be perfectly symmetrical, so it is recommended to measure at both ends and in the middle, both top to bottom and side to side. With these measurements, the appropriate frame size can be determined.

Select a measuring tool

When selecting a measuring tool, it is best to use a standard, rigid measuring tape to measure your artwork. Flexible measuring tapes, such as those used to measure fabric, may not be entirely accurate for measuring art and photography. If you do not have a measuring tape, a ruler or yardstick is also fine to use, or even a tailor's measuring tape. Just make sure you are using the correct unit of measurement, as rulers and measuring tapes usually have a side for inches and a side for centimetres.

It is important to avoid using vintage tools or tools that have been broken or warped in some way, as this could affect your measurements. It is also important to note that on many rulers, the first inch isn't accurate. To be precise, start measuring from the second inch on your ruler and subtract that inch from your final measurement.

If you are measuring a three-dimensional object, you will also need to measure its depth or thickness. If your artwork is more than 1/16" thick, you should make sure your frame accommodates this.

For custom frames, you will need to input your measurements in millimetres (mm). If you are measuring a stretched canvas, it is recommended that you measure it 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 that the frame can accommodate the entire canvas.

Prepare your painting

Before you start measuring, you'll need to gather your materials. You will need a measuring tool, such as a measuring tape, ruler, or yardstick. Make sure to use a rigid measuring tape, as flexible ones may not be accurate. Ensure your measuring tool has the correct unit of measurement. You will also need a pen and paper to note down the measurements.

Now, prepare your painting by laying it on a clean, flat surface. Ensure it is fully extended and not bent or curled. If your painting has white borders that you do not want to include in the frame, trim them off before taking measurements.

If you are framing a stretched canvas, it is recommended that you measure at both ends and in the middle, in both directions (top to bottom and side to side). This is because stretched canvas is not always perfectly symmetrical. If the measurements vary, order a frame with the largest of the three measurements to ensure the frame can accommodate the entire canvas.

If you are attaching your artwork to a mat board or mounting board, measure the width and height of the artwork first. Then, decide how much border you want and add the desired width to all four sides. For example, if you want a 2-inch border, add 2 inches to the height and width measurements. This will be the size of the uncut mat board, frame, acrylic, and mounting board.

Measure width and height

Measuring the width and height of your painting is a critical step in the framing process. It ensures that your frame fits flawlessly, highlighting your artwork to perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you measure the width and height accurately:

• Prepare your artwork: Place your artwork on a clean, flat surface to avoid accidental damage and allow enough room to manoeuvre. Ensure that your artwork is laid out flat and fully extended, with no bends or curls.
• Choose your measuring tool: You can use a standard rigid measuring tape, a ruler, or a yardstick. Avoid using flexible measuring tapes, as they may not provide accurate measurements for artwork and photography. If you are using a ruler, it is recommended to start measuring from the second inch, as the first inch on many rulers is not always accurate.
• Understand width and height: Width describes the measurement from left to right, while height describes the measurement from top to bottom. This is important to ensure you don't get the dimensions confused, as it will determine the orientation of your frame and hanging hardware.
• Take width measurements: Using your measuring tool, start from the beginning (zero inches point) and measure the width of your artwork. Measure from edge to edge, not from the frame's inner lip. For canvas art, measure from wrapped corner to wrapped corner. If you are adding a mat or border, decide on the desired width and add it to your overall width measurement.
• Take height measurements: Similarly, measure the height of your artwork from top to bottom. Again, ensure you are measuring from edge to edge. If you are adding a mat or border, add the desired height to your overall measurement.
• Note down your measurements: Write down the width and height measurements as you take them. Always double-check your measurements for accuracy. These dimensions will be used to determine the size of the inside of your frame.
• Consider depth: If you are framing a three-dimensional object or a stretched canvas, you may need to consider the depth or thickness of the item. While depth measurements are not typically needed, it is a good idea to provide this information if your artwork is more than 1/16" thick, so the frame can accommodate it.

By following these steps, you will be able to accurately measure the width and height of your painting, ensuring a perfect fit for your frame.

Account for matting

When measuring a frame to fit a painting, it is important to account for matting. Matting, or a window mat, is the border that surrounds a piece of artwork and is placed directly behind the frame. It is usually made from paper-based materials, such as cardboard or wood, and is used to enhance the appearance of the artwork.

Matting serves several important functions. Firstly, it separates the artwork from the glazing, which is the glass or acrylic that serves as a window to the art. This prevents harmful humidity or condensation from building up and damaging the artwork. Secondly, matting keeps "fugitive media", such as charcoal or pastels, from making direct contact with the glass or acrylic, which could cause significant changes in appearance over time. It also hides hinges, corner pockets, and art edges that are better kept out of sight.

When measuring for matting, it is important to ensure that the mat is wider than the frame mouldings surrounding it. A general rule of thumb is to make the mat at least 1.5 times the width of the frame. If the mat is smaller than the frame, the artwork may appear stuffed. The mat should also cover at least 1/8 inch of the artwork on all sides to prevent the edges from peeking through or falling through the mat opening.

When determining the size of the frame, it is recommended to have a border of about 1 to 2 inches around the artwork. This can be adjusted depending on personal preference and the style that is desired. For a more precise measurement, it is recommended to measure the stretched 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 that the frame accommodates the entire canvas.

In addition to the size of the artwork and the desired border, other factors should also be considered when choosing a frame. The frame should have a rabbet deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the mat, backing board, and glazing material. The backing board should be sturdy enough to support the artwork, while the top or "window" mat should be thick enough to protect the artwork from any surface damage.

Choose a frame size

Now that you have the measurements of your painting, you can determine the appropriate frame size. The frame size should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the painting to ensure a proper fit. Generally, a border of about 1 to 2 inches is recommended for most artworks.

If your painting's size corresponds with a standard frame size, you may opt for a standard-sized frame for convenience. There are over 200 standard picture frame sizes to choose from, covering everything from small postcards to huge ordnance survey maps.

However, if you have a bespoke-sized painting or don't know the dimensions, it is best to choose a custom-sized frame. These are made-to-measure and tailored to your artwork's exact size, providing a better fit and increased protection.

When ordering a custom frame, be sure to input the measurements of your painting's height and width into the framing studio or product page. These measurements should be in millimetres (mm) or the unit of measurement specified by the framing company.

For digital artworks or photographs, you generally won't need to worry about manual measurements, but it is important to always use the highest resolution image possible for the best results.

Frequently asked questions