The right frame can enhance any painting. It is like giving a diamond of pictorial art a unique cut. It adds aesthetics, integrity and completeness. Not only that, but it is not for nothing that beautiful frames can cost as much as the picture itself and are valued as elements of culture and art,
In addition, quality and proper framing are also about the safety of the picture. The artist’s creation can genuinely live forever thanks to the frame, inspiring and impressing future generations.
Our article provides detailed instructions on how to frame a canvas painting and how to avoid possible mistakes.
Preparing the painting
Let’s start with the careful preparation of the canvas itself. Here, several important points in DIY canvas framing must be considered.
Check the condition of the canvas
Take into account possible irregularities, wear and tear, and damage. If the painting was painted recently, remember to check whether the paint is completely dry. If necessary, the canvas should be trimmed if its edges protrude too far beyond the frame.
Treating the painting
To protect the canvas from moisture, it should be treated evenly with a primer. An acrylic or oil primer is ideal for oil paintings. A lighter primer is needed for paintings created with watercolours. Such coating dries, on average, 24 to 48 hours. Paintings are covered with varnish, which also provides additional protection from sun and dust.
Mounting the painting on the stretcher
This is an essential preparatory stage. In this way, the canvas already acquires a particular texture. The dimensions of the stretcher must match the dimensions of the painting to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing result. It is important to maintain a balance when stretching the painting on the stretcher. The canvas should not be stretched too much, but it should not sag either. Also, do not forget about the risk of skewing and placing the picture off-centre.
Dusting
This is especially important for paintings that have been stored for some time in the workshop. It is performed carefully and only with dry tools.
By following all the above steps, you will 100% prepare the picture to meet with a stylish and practical frame.
Why is it important to choose the right frame for canvas art?
Every piece of art deserves its perfect frame. They should be an ideal match and complement each other.
The frame should match the overall style of the painting. Classic works of art are best suited to wooden frames with a gold and dark finish. Paintings by modern artists, especially abstractions, are worth choosing frames made of metal or plastic. It is important not to save money, as a cheap frame immediately makes the canvas less valuable.
The colour is also essential – it might be a gold frame or a dark one. A frame that is too light can detract from the painting. The right frame will emphasize the picture and its positive aspects and characteristics.
Of course, the size of the frame for canvas art should be mentioned. It should be more significant than the canvas. Stretching the picture will be essential in the future.
It is not uncommon for a picture to be complemented by a paspartum. It is a decorative frame made of paper or cardboard in a neutral color, such as white or milk. It creates a space between the glass and the picture, enhancing the visual appeal of the painting. And thus concentrates all the attention on the work of art.
However, the use of a Passepartout is not mandatory. Especially if the edges of the picture should not be hidden, as they play a role in the overall perception of the canvas. In this case, the chosen frame will frame the canvas on the edges,
Canvas painting framing guide
Now that the canvas is prepared and the frame is selected, it remains to join them together. We will analyze the process of framing the picture below step-by-step. By the way, before the final installation, it is recommended that a preliminary “fitting” of the picture and frame be made. This will allow you to identify possible inaccuracies
- Installing the picture in the frame
Special clamps are often used to qualitatively tension the canvas. They are placed evenly around the perimeter of the painting, especially at the corners. They smooth the canvas as much as possible, fix it, and do not allow it to move inside the frame.
- Installation of a protective layer
To protect the painting from the outside, you can cover the frame with glass. Anti-reflective glass is worth buying to avoid unnecessary glare and reflections. However, glass is not always a good solution for large paintings, as it weighs down the whole work.
- Installing hangers
Their primary function is to allow the piece to be hung on the wall. They are placed at the level of the upper third of the painting at the back. If the picture is heavy, it is better to choose hangers made of metal. Small and light canvas will withstand any plastic fasteners. In addition to hangers, a strong cord is used to hang the painting on a nail.
- Final check
The final result will be evaluated, and the accuracy of fixation and reliability of all fasteners will be checked.
Conclusion
Installing a painting on canvas on a stretcher is a beautiful ritual. With a comprehensive approach, its result will exceed your expectations. An elegant frame will emphasize every stroke of the artist. The pleasure of looking at your favourite picture in a suitable frame will be excessive.
Portrait is the perfect source of inspiration for true art fans. You will find many recommendations and the latest news about the creatable universe. Not only professionals are welcome here, but also amateurs who can’t live without art; if you don’t want to make mistakes when framing a picture, you can order a picture already with the perfect frame from Portraithy.