Tips: The Importance of Framing Art
Posted on | November 11, 2009 | 5 Comments
…because empty frames, no matter how pretty, will only take you so far…
I couldn’t possibly go straight into a discussion on how to hang artwork without first explaining the importance of proper framing, could I? No, no… I couldn’t.
When I say “proper framing,” I’m not talking about a frame’s overall aesthetic. Instead, I’m talking about quality – we can discuss aesthetics later, after we’ve discussed what makes a frame a quality frame. Now why is framing important? Because it has a significant effect on the preservation of whatever it is holding!
There are two basic types of frames:
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Readymade
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Custom
As you may have guessed… readymade frames are straight off the shelf and ready to go. All that is missing is your picture. Custom frames, naturally, are the opposite. Truth is, custom framing can get expensive. After all is said and done it could easily cost you as much as the artwork itself. Essentially, it’s an investment. Think about it this way: if you dropped 1K on a piece of art you’ll want to enjoy that piece for years and years to come, right? (You spent 1K on it for reason after all.) To help ensure your art’s longevity, you’ll need to protect that 1K investment with proper framing. A readymade frame from, say, Target isn’t going to fit the bill.
The best framers are consistent, creative craftsmen who leave their customers satisfied and are conservationally correct. Many so-called custom framers – an imprecise term connoting quality but not always guaranteeing it – will cut corners. I admittedly lack the skills and tools (and patience) for at-home framing, so I would certainly hire an expert to do the job – but, it’s nice to get involved with the process. If nothing else, being conversant in the craft will help you choose a framer of quality.
First, some Frame/Framing Lingo:
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Rabbitting – the routed-out inner edge of the frame on which the glass, mat, picture, etc. sit
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Spacer – can either be strips of acid-free mat board or one of the commercially available, purpose-made frame spacers
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Mats or Matts are not just for looks, they also protect the print from contact with glass
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French Mat – a mat with hand painted designs around the opening of the mat.
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Acid Burn – discoloration caused by the naturally occurring acids and resins found in paper pulp.
Frame Construction (in order):
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Mitered Corner Joints – the 45 degree angle cut for the meeting at the corners to form a perfect 90 degree angle square corner.
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Dust Seal – It is recommended that a paper dust cover be installed on the back of the frame. The dust cover provides a barrier to insects and dust and is one more layer of protection for your art or other treasured item.
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Mounting Board – Boards made from chemical wood pulp contain lignin, a naturally occurring substance in wood. There are boards made from wood pulp from which lignin and other damaging substances have been removed. These are often called conservation or museum board.
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Fillet
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Mat or Matt
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Glass
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Frame
General Guidelines for Framing + Care:
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You don’t want your photo/art to touch the glass, because it can eventually stick to the glass itself (especially in damp or humid climates – Hello Georgia!) When you go to take out your photo or print… *rip* Yep, your beautiful picture is now ruined. You can avoid this either of 2 ways: use a mat or use a spacer.
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Glass vs. Acrylic: You should never use acrylic to glaze charcoals, pastels or items with other types of powdery media. This is due to the fact that an acrylic sheet develops a static charge that can lift powdery media off the paper and onto the acrylic itself.
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Never spray liquid glass cleaner directly on the glass in a picture frame. The dripping liquid may fall behind the glass and stain the picture or mat.
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For mats, use cotton.
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You can add depth to your picture by using additional mats with a space between each.
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Many advise that mats should be wider than the frame width and that you should never have the two widths match.
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Cardboard is very acidic and when used as a backing for a picture will cause the picture to look “scorched” because of the acidity. If the picture is of little or no value, okay, but if you want to avoid this “scorching,” use ragboard or a rag liner over foamcore.
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Don’t use scotch or masking tape to adhere your photo to a mat. It is better to use acid-free linen top.
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When selecting a frame, choose one that will enhance the piece, not detract from it.
The terms acid-free and archival are often used to indicate that a material is safe for matting, but these terms can be misleading. For optimal preservation, the board use to make a window mat and mount backboard should be free of acid and lignin to neutralize acids that may develop over time.
I’m not suggesting we all run out and purchase new framing for all of our photos, posters, etc. After all, not many of us have the funds to do so and not everything needs it. I am, however, suggesting that if you own priceless heirlooms, cherished family photographs, or anything else that you hold near and dear to your heart, that you seriously consider custom framing. That way you will be able to enjoy them for years and years to come.
Stay tuned next week as we delve deeper into framing and how to hang your artwork!
Check out: The Picture Framing Handbook
[Sources: Minnesota Historical Society pdf, Logan Ward, and old school notes, Images: Anonymous, Brian Art Galleries, Hello Tiger, Interior Design, Apartment Therapy]
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Hello!
My name is Kristin and, if the blog name didn't give it away, I'm an interior designer. I'm also a self - proclaimed nerd, a grad student at SCAD-Atlanta, and a big fan of architecture, photography, travel, and iced chais. In a nutshell: I'm a lover of good design of all kinds.
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November 11th, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
Great post! I was debating getting some stuff framed as well…. cusotm made looks so great for awkward size prints / photos… it’s so expensive, but worth it for a treasured image!
That’s so funny that the ‘K’ is your desktop! That’s awesome. I just thought it was cool that she provides all the code for them… and her portfolio is amazing!
November 11th, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
This is so helpful, thanks! Coincidentally just yesterday I was on art.com playing around with their custom framing feature. It makes a huge difference in the overall look of the artwork! Too bad it is so pricey.
November 12th, 2009 @ 8:10 am
I am relatively new to your site and I LOVE your tips, pictures, and overall fresh design vision. So inspiring! These posts on framing are timely for me since I just bought my first “serious” piece of art, a gorgeous work of acrylic and charcoal on a large (36 x 48) canvas. I am reluctant to have it framed for fear that it would change its personality and “raw” feel. Are there instances when you would recommend not framing?
November 12th, 2009 @ 11:29 am
Great post. As an interior designer I am consistently challenged by clients who don’t understand this concept. You did a beautiful job detailing all aspects of framing. Thank you!
November 14th, 2009 @ 7:05 am
[...] The art of framing – {Discover: Interior Design} – really great info about framing! [...]