Elena Rossi
When it comes to displaying and protecting artwork, framing behind glass is a popular method. However, it is not suitable for all art types and may cause more harm than good in certain cases. The decision to frame a painting behind glass depends on various factors, including the medium, surface, and environmental conditions. While glass provides protection against external factors such as grime, smoke, and vandalism, it may not be the best option for oil or acrylic paintings due to the risk of trapped moisture and direct contact with the paint surface. On the other hand, pastel, watercolour, and pencil drawings on paper require additional protection, making framing behind glass a recommended option. The choice between glass and acrylic glazing also involves considerations such as weight, cost, and the potential for static electricity to damage certain types of artwork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protection of the painting |
| Protection against | Grime, smoke, vandalism, etc. |
| Suitable for | Watercolours, photographs, prints, pencil drawings, pastels, collectibles in shadowboxes |
| Not suitable for | Oil paintings, acrylic paintings |
| Alternative protection methods | Varnishing, hanging without additional framing, using plexiglass/acrylic |
| Disadvantages | Risk of trapped moisture, detracts from the viewing experience, risk of breakage during shipping |
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What You'll Learn
- Pros of using glass: protection from grime, smoke, vandalism, and fragile artwork
- Cons of using glass: risk of glass breaking and damaging the painting, and trapped moisture
- Alternatives to glass: plexiglass, acrylic, and spacers
- Framing without glass: suitable for oil and acrylic paintings, and varnished paintings
- Framing with glass: suitable for watercolour, gouache, pastel, pencil, and ink paintings
Pros of using glass: protection from grime, smoke, vandalism, and fragile artwork
The use of glass or glazing when framing original paintings has its pros and cons. While it is generally recommended to avoid glazing for oil or acrylic paintings, there are certain benefits to using glass, especially when it comes to protection from external factors. Here are some advantages of using glass when framing original paintings, focusing on protection from grime, smoke, vandalism, and fragile artwork:
Protection from Grime and Smoke
One of the primary advantages of using glass when framing original paintings is the protection it offers against grime, smoke, and other airborne contaminants. Glass acts as a barrier, preventing dust, dirt, and debris from settling on the surface of the painting. This is especially beneficial for artwork created with sensitive materials that are susceptible to damage from these elements. For example, antique Japanese prints made with local botanical pigments can fade heavily due to exposure to smoke and grime.
Protection from Vandalism and Touching
Glass also provides a layer of protection against vandalism and accidental touching. In museums or public spaces where it may be challenging to control people's behaviour, glazing can help prevent unwanted contact with the artwork. This is especially relevant for fragile pieces that are more prone to damage from touch, such as pastels or watercolours.
Protection from Fading and UV Rays
Glass with UV filters can substantially reduce fading caused by harmful UV rays from sunlight. This is crucial for artworks on paper, as well as those with specific colour pigments, such as red shades, which are more susceptible to fading. While standard glass offers limited UV protection, UV glass is a mid-priced option that provides greater UV protection, typically around 70%.
Protection for Fragile Artwork
Some artworks are simply too fragile to be left exposed to the open air. Glazing is often used to protect prints, watercolours, and collectibles in shadowboxes. It helps safeguard these delicate pieces from damage and preserves their value over time.
While using glass when framing original paintings offers these protective benefits, it is important to consider potential drawbacks as well, such as the risk of broken glass damaging the artwork or the impact on the aesthetic experience. The decision to use glass should be made based on the specific artwork's needs and the environment in which it will be displayed.
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Cons of using glass: risk of glass breaking and damaging the painting, and trapped moisture
While framing a painting behind glass is a popular method of protecting artwork, it is not suitable for all mediums and may cause more harm than good. One of the main risks of using glass is the possibility of it breaking, which can damage the painting by scratching or slicing through the paint layers. This is especially common during shipping, transporting, or storing the painting, as the impact or movement can cause the glass to break and damage the artwork. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the glass or replace it with plexiglass or acrylic when transporting the painting to reduce the risk of damage.
Another consideration when using glass is the potential for trapped moisture. Oil paintings, for example, require a long time to dry and fully oxidize, and framing them behind glass can trap moisture, leading to the degradation of the paintwork and canvas. This risk of trapped moisture is also present in acrylic paintings, and it is generally recommended to allow these paintings to breathe by framing them without glass. However, if the acrylic painting is on paper, framing behind glass can protect the delicate paper from damage caused by moisture and other external factors.
Additionally, the use of glass can detract from the viewing experience of the painting. The glass may cause reflections, especially with impasto or thickly textured oil paintings, which can detract from the textured surface and the overall aesthetic of the artwork. Furthermore, direct contact between the glass and the painting can quickly damage the surface by smearing, chipping, or sticking to the paint, especially with oil and acrylic paintings. Therefore, it is crucial to space the glazing away from the artwork if glass is used.
In summary, while framing a painting behind glass can provide protection, there are several cons to consider, including the risk of glass breaking and damaging the painting, trapped moisture affecting the paintwork and canvas, visual distractions caused by reflections, and potential damage to the paint surface due to direct contact. When deciding whether to use glass when framing a painting, it is essential to consider the specific medium, the environment in which the painting will be displayed, and the potential risks and benefits of using glass.
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Alternatives to glass: plexiglass, acrylic, and spacers
When it comes to framing original paintings, there are a few alternatives to using traditional glass that can provide different benefits. Here are some options to consider:
Plexiglass
Plexiglass, also known as acrylic plastic, is a strong and flexible material that is less likely to break and shatter compared to traditional glass. It is lightweight, making it easier to hang, transport, and more cost-effective when it comes to shipping. Plexiglass is also harder to scratch than glass and provides protection from debris and dust. However, it may be more challenging to cut and can attract static electricity, which can introduce dust into the frame. Plexiglass is a good option for large, fragile, or frequently moved artwork. It is also ideal for safety-sensitive displays and shipping, as it is less likely to shatter and damage the artwork.
Acrylic
Acrylic, or acrylic glass, is a popular alternative to traditional glass among photographers and artists. It is optically superior, with greater clarity and no tinting commonly seen in glass. Acrylic is more lightweight and flexible than glass, making it a good option for larger artwork. It can also be manufactured with UV protection and anti-glare coatings, helping to preserve artwork displayed in sunlight or under bright lights. However, acrylic is more vulnerable to scratching and should only be cleaned with gentle microfiber cloths.
Spacers
When using glass or acrylic glazing, it is recommended to space the glazing away from touching the artwork. Spacers can be used to create this separation. Foamcore spacers are a popular choice and can be cut to the desired depth. They can also be lined with a matching mat colour to blend seamlessly into the frame. Another option is to use thinly cut foam-core, especially for smaller or black frames.
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Framing without glass: suitable for oil and acrylic paintings, and varnished paintings
Framing a painting without glass is a common practice, especially for oil and acrylic paintings. Oil paintings, for instance, have been around for centuries, predating the availability of large sheets of plate glass. As such, it is a tradition to leave oil paintings unglazed, allowing them to breathe and preventing any trapped moisture that could degrade the canvas and paintwork. Oil paintings, when varnished, are well-protected against dirt and dust and do not require glazing.
Acrylic paintings, on the other hand, are more recent and present a less clear-cut decision. Acrylic paint is chemically similar to decorators' emulsion and can soften in heat, making it vulnerable to cracking and dirt absorption. For this reason, some people opt to frame acrylic paintings behind glass. However, the majority still prefer to leave acrylic paintings unglazed, as glazing can detract from the artwork's texture and risk trapped moisture.
The decision to frame without glass is also influenced by the painting's location. Hanging paintings in areas with children or pets requires extra care to prevent accidental damage. Additionally, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources, such as fireplaces and heating vents, is crucial to prevent softening of the paint surface and potential dirt absorption.
Overall, for oil and acrylic paintings, and varnished paintings, framing without glass is a suitable option, provided the artwork is well-maintained and protected from potential sources of damage.
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Framing with glass: suitable for watercolour, gouache, pastel, pencil, and ink paintings
Framing with glass is a common way to protect artwork from external factors such as grime, smoke, vandalism, and damage from touch. While glazing is a suitable option for some types of art, it is not suitable for all. Oil and acrylic paintings, for instance, are better left unglazed as the paint layers can be scratched or sliced if the glass breaks. Additionally, direct contact with glass can damage the surface of the painting by smearing, chipping, or sticking to the paint.
Watercolour paintings, on the other hand, are often glazed due to their delicate and fragile nature as a water-based paint. To protect watercolour paintings from the effects of ultraviolet rays, framing them under UV protection glass or acrylic glass, such as Plexiglass, Acrylite, or Perspex, is recommended. This will also protect the artwork from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and discolouration over time. When framing with glass, it is important to space the glazing away from the artwork, leaving at least a 1/8" gap to prevent the paint from sticking to the glass.
Gouache, pastel, pencil, and ink drawings can also be glazed, although it is not a requirement. For pencil drawings, framing with glass can help protect the artwork from moisture, temperature changes, and humidity. Pastel drawings, on the other hand, may require extra spacing between the artwork and the glass to prevent pastel dust from sticking to the glass. Framing with glass can enhance the appearance of coloured pencil drawings, providing a more complete look and easier cleaning.
While glazing can offer protection, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. Glazing can be expensive, and it can also create a static field that pulls pastel dust off the artwork. Additionally, if the glass breaks, it can cause damage to the artwork. When shipping, transporting, or storing glazed artwork, it is recommended to remove the glass, cover it with tape, or replace it with plexiglass to minimise the risk of damage.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of painting. Oil and acrylic paintings on canvas do not require framing behind glass. However, paintings made on paper, such as watercolours, gouache, or ink paintings, are typically framed behind glass, similar to drawings.
Oil paintings, especially when varnished, can be displayed without additional glazing as they are capable of being exposed to the environment. Oil paintings should be allowed to breathe, as the risk of trapped moisture caused by framing behind glass could degrade the paintwork and canvas. Acrylic paintings on canvas are also typically not framed behind glass, especially when varnished, as the varnish provides protection from dust and dirt.
Framing a painting behind glass offers protection against grime, smoke, vandalism, and unwanted touching. It is especially recommended for pastel, watercolour, gouache, pencil, and ink paintings on paper, as these mediums are prone to smudging and require additional protection.
