Choosing a suitable frame for a painting is an important step that can enhance and protect your work of art. Depending on the type of painting - whether it's on canvas or a solid surface like foamboard or MDF, there are significant differences in the approach to choosing a frame. If your painting is done on canvas or a rigid surface - foamboard, MDF, etc., you'll find more information in our article on framing canvas and foamboard paintings. If your painting is done on paper - watercolor, graphics, charcoal, pastel, pencil, etc., it's a good idea to consider the following recommendations:

 

Painting Size: The first thing you need to know is the size of your painting. The frame must be suitable for the size of the painting, so that it can fit snugly, without leaving visible empty space. If you order the frame at one of our physical stores, our consultant will measure the painting. If you're just ordering a frame with the idea of assembling it at home, always measure the exact size using a tape measure.

 

Details:

a) If you've chosen to put a frame directly around your image, without a paper mat, it's recommended to add 2-3mm to the measured size. The goal is for the painting to fit comfortably in the frame, without creating excessive tension that could cause warping.

 

b) If you've decided to put a paper mat around the painting, provide the exact size, without allowing for additional millimeters.

 

Choosing Glass: It is highly recommended that paper paintings be protected by glass. Glass is used that will protect the painting from dust, moisture, and damage. The glass can be regular or non-glare, plexiglass, or museum glass. You can read more about the different types of glass we offer here.

 

The generally accepted rule is that if the painting has pale colors, fine lines, and details, regular glass is recommended. In other cases, you have the choice of opting for the clear image with regular glass or avoiding glare with non-glare glass.

 

We recommend regular glass for watercolors and graphics; non-glare glass for pastels and charcoal. For prints, posters, photos, and pencil drawings, choose suitable glass depending on the detail of the work.

 

Mat: The main function of a mat is to highlight the painting and separate it from the frame. Sometimes, however, the paper mat serves another important function - to provide additional space between the painting and the glass. This is useful when the painting technique is dry pastel or charcoal, because it prevents smudging. Dry pastel and charcoal cannot be 100% fixed, and direct contact with the glass could result in the painting smudging over time. Paper paintings can be framed with either a paper mat or a frame mat. You can read more about mats here.

 

Frame Material and Style: Frames for paintings are available in different materials such as wood, plastic, or aluminum. The choice of frame depends on your preferences and the style of the interior where the frame will be placed, with the width needing to be adjusted for the weight of the finished product, especially given the need for glass for paper paintings. It's important to choose something that is in harmony with the interior of the room where the painting will be displayed, but you should not neglect the image either - the frame must be stylistically and color-coordinated with the painting itself, in order to achieve an optimal result. You can view the profiles we offer here.

 

Regardless of the type of your image, you should not forget that the frame is chosen to complete the painting, not to color-coordinate with the interior of the room. There are cases where color coordination between the painting, interior, and frame is possible, but the priority should always be the painting. Our experienced consultants are always ready to advise you on choosing a color combination of frame and/or mat that matches the color scheme of the puzzle. However, the final decision is always yours.