Framing: A word to the art-wise
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Framer at
work |
Rarely does contemporary art benefit from elaborate frames; the
attention should always remain on the work. We buy art because
it speaks to us personally, and the frame shouldn't get in the
way of that experience. In fact, many artists prefer that their
pieces (especially paintings on canvas) be displayed without any
frame at all. Some artwork comes pre-framed, and in some cases
the frame is actually part of the work itself. At Artsender, we
have art consultants who will gladly assist you in making
recommendations about appropriate framing.
To protect and serve
A frame serves many purposes: It protects and enhances the work,
while providing a stable platform for hanging. For media that
require more protection (prints, photography, drawings, pastels,
watercolors, and some mixed media), we recommend museum quality
framing. This type of framing is simple — with no distractions,
like ornate frames or colored mats — and archival. "Archival"
means framing that will protect the work from moisture, light,
and corrosive elements. See
Conservation.
Keep it simple
Simple moldings (frames) are recommended over elaborate ones.
They are inexpensive, and less likely to compete with the rest
of your décor. Choices in finish range from natural to light or
dark stains to black. The samples below show the types of
moldings we recommend. Simple square or oval top frames are not
only elegant, but also help keep the price of framing down.
We typically recommend a single white mat for most frames. Don't
be talked into multiple colored mats; they are unnecessary and
tend to cheapen the work. Remember, the first aesthetic rule in
framing is: "Don't let it compete with the art." The picture to
the left shows one mat being cut by hand, and a second being cut
by a computer operated mat cutter.
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| Hand operated mat cutter |
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Computer operated mat
cutter |
Saving face
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Mat, museum
board,
and backing board |
A frame is a sort of sandwich that protects the surface of
delicate artwork. Glass or clear acrylic (usually Plexiglas) is
held off the surface of the artwork by the mat or an invisible
spacer called a "float." Since a mat covers part of the artwork,
spacers may be used instead of a mat so that the entire piece
can be displayed.
When in doubt, ask
Professional framers (including Artsender art consultants) will
be glad to make framing recommendations relative to the work.
For example, a framer may recommend a white stained birch frame
and wide mat for a delicate piece that needs some breathing room
to be properly appreciated. But bear in mind that the framer
can't know where you will hang the piece, so the framer's advice
is based solely on the requirements of the artwork.
Watch your back
The back of the work should be attached to acid-free museum
board, with linen or rice paper hinges. Most cheap frames use
backing board and matting material that contains small amounts
of acid. Over time this acid leaches into the artwork, staining
it and making it brittle. In museum quality frames, all material
that touches the work is PH neutral (free of acids). The picture
above shows a four-ply mat, over museum board, over an acid-free
corrugated backing board.
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Attaching the
hanging wire |
All frames should be sealed against moisture to avoid damage
from mold and humidity. Small frames (under 32" x 40") are
usually sealed with brown paper. Larger frames are strengthened
by a another flat wood frame called a strainer that, along with
the corrugated backing board, seals the back of the frame. The
picture to the right shows the gray corrugated backing board and
the strainer.
Below is the final product, ready for shipping to your home.
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| Ready for shipping |
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