To Frame or Not to Frame

Many have asked this question and I believe it floats around your head when you are considering getting an art piece for your home - Are frames really necessary for the art piece I am getting? To be very honest, there are no right or wrong answers to this question. It is really up to individual preferences and we will have to look at the type of art piece you are getting to properly advice whether or not a frame is needed.

1. Painting on canvas

Paintings on canvases are generally gallery wrapped and what is gallery wrapping you might ask? Gallery wrapping refers to the canvas being stretched and wrapped, and then tightly secured onto the back of the wooden backing with staples. This type of mounting leaves the sides of the canvas smooth and artists often continue their painting to the sides or leave them neutral with a solid colour. Hence, framing is optional as the sides are usually decorated and it is really up to you if you want to cover or display them. The wooden backings are also usually thick enough for you to hang the painting as it is.

If the painting is not gallery wrapped and the wooden backing used are thinner with staples visible at the side, the artist has intentions for the painting to be framed. When deciding the frames for such paintings, keep in mind that the frame has to have sufficient depth to make room for the thickness of the wooden backing and canvas. You can also look into floater frame options where the painting sits into the frame.

2. Prints and Art on paper

If your art piece is printed or painted on paper, framing would be highly recommended to give it structure and protection. Having the art framed up will enhance its presentation as well. But before sending your art pieces to be framed, your art has to be first mounted for support. We would advice you to use conservation mounting as it would not cause any damage to the art in the event you decide to remove it from the framing structure in the future.

Once you got it mounted, you can choose whether or not to use a matboard for your art piece. A matboard has a cut out window and is placed over the art. Besides adding visual aesthetics, matting will help prevent your art and glass from coming into direct contact. And when it comes to glass, pick one which blocks out as much UV lighting as possible. UV lighting is a natural enemy to all kinds of art as it will discolour and cause fading of pigments.

Frames are there to help enhance a piece of art so do choose them wisely and don't be afraid to choose something different. But with that being said. do remember to consider the art style of your paintings or prints before deciding on a frame. They should be complimenting each other and not fighting for attention. After all, the frames are just setting the stage for the art piece to shine in the spotlight.