Framing Artwork

Do I need a mat? Artwork should never touch the glass. Oil and acrylic paintings that are done on canvas do not need glass and so don't need a mat. To create a space between the glass and the artwork at mat board is usually placed over the artwork with a window cut through it.

What is a float? Another option is to place the artwork over the mat board. This is called a float. The framer will still need to put spacers in between the mat board and the glass inside the molding. Sometimes you can use a float and a mat.
Why use a float? A float is used when you want to see the edges of the artwork. This is true for watercolors that have a deckled edge all the way around. Also, charcoals done on rough Kraft paper can look especially sophisticated with a float.

Do I have to pay extra for acid free? Always insist that your framer use archival 100% acid free mat board. Mat boards that contain acid will yellow over time. You will notice this first on the bevel (that is the cut edge of the mat board.) A really bad framing job could even yellow the artwork! Watercolors look best with a white or soft white mat. An exception to this if you are matting a print.

What color mat should I choose?
There are many shades of white. It can be confusing to pick the best one. If you turn the artwork over and try to match the mat color to the color of the paper that is usually a good bet. Don't use today's trendy colors for the mat color or you'll be sorry tomorrow.

How wide should the mat be? Don't use a skimpy mat. A 3" border looks great. You can also do what is called a "dropped" mat where the bottom is wider than the sides. A good money saver is to have a piece custom matted to fit a standard size ready made frame.

What should I use for the molding? Now the molding becomes a matter of personal taste and how to suit your decor. And custom molding (and fitting) is expensive. Always mat to the piece. With a neutral mat you could really go with anything for the frame but I love bamboo style frames. Gold leaf frames are very traditional and pewter is more trendy and edgy. Some nice frames can be ordered online. A custom framer will charge you more because of the labor and other materials and finishing this is not something you want to do yourself. Your framer will give you a dust cover for the back, wiring for hanging etc.

Do I have to frame my oil painting? If the artwork is sold as stapled on the back with sides painted you can just hang it on the wall balanced on a nail. If it is side stapled you will need a frame to hide the staples. Some artists will remove the painting from the stretcher bars. They do this to save you money on shipping and also so that the large painting will be less likely to be damaged in transit. You will have to take it to a professional framer to be both stretched and framed.

I want a frame for my oil painting anyway. What should I do? Even if you work on canvas requires a frame, or you desire one for a more traditional or finished look, framing oil is still cheaper than a work on paper since you only need the molding, fitting and wiring. Again, gold leaf is still the most traditional route.