Why Framing Matters

Beyond making a piece look “finished,” a frame acts as a physical shield. It protects delicate mediums—like watercolors or pastels—from dust, moisture, and damaging UV rays. It also creates a necessary visual pause, separating the artwork from the chaos of the wall behind it.

The Core Components of a Frame

If you are framing a work on paper or a print, you’ll generally interact with three main elements:

• The Glazing: This is the clear cover (glass or acrylic). Acrylic is lightweight and shatterproof, while glass is ideal for charcoal and pastels because it avoids static electricity that can smudge the art.
• The Mat: The cardboard-like border placed around the art. It draws the eye inward and prevents the art from pressing directly against the glass.
• The Backing: The rigid material that holds the artwork flat and secures everything inside the frame.

Rules for Choosing the Right Frame

Don’t fall into the trap of trying to match your frame to your furniture. Instead, focus on the art itself using these guidelines:

1. Highlight the Art’s Tones: Pick a frame color or texture that brings out a subtle tone within the artwork, rather than simply matching your couch or floorboards.
2. Consider the Style: Modern, abstract pieces look striking in simple, thin metal or box frames. Traditional, classical works often shine in ornate, gilded, or warm wooden frames.
3. Use Floater Frames for Canvas: If your painting is on a stretched canvas, a floater frame is a must-have. It leaves a small gap between the canvas and the frame, making the artwork appear as if it is floating inside.

To DIY or Not to DIY?

You don’t always need a high-end custom framer to get a beautiful result. If you are on a budget or working with standard-sized prints, there are plenty of excellent, ready-made options. For affordable, high-quality custom sizing, consider online retailers like Art to Frame or Frame Destination. For original or highly valuable pieces, however, take the work to a local custom picture framer who can use conservation-grade materials to preserve the piece’s integrity.