Have you ever noticed how a beautifully framed piece of art seems to just *pop*, commanding attention and drawing the eye? It's no accident! Matting and framing are more than just protective measures; they are powerful tools that elevate your artwork, transforming it from a simple print or painting into a polished, professional statement. A thoughtfully chosen mat and frame can enhance the colors, highlight the details, and seamlessly integrate the artwork into your home's décor.
Beyond aesthetics, proper matting and framing are crucial for preservation. Acid-free materials and protective glazing shield your precious pieces from damaging UV rays, dust, and humidity, ensuring their longevity for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to present your work professionally, or a collector eager to safeguard your investments, mastering the art of matting and framing is an invaluable skill.
Ready to get started? What materials do you need, how do you measure for a mat, and what are the best framing options for your budget?
What size mat border is best for my artwork?
A mat border size of 2-4 inches is generally considered a good starting point, but the "best" size is ultimately subjective and depends on the artwork's dimensions, the frame size, and your personal aesthetic preferences. The goal is to create a visually balanced and pleasing presentation that enhances the artwork without overpowering it.
Consider the artwork's size and the overall dimensions of the frame. Smaller artwork can benefit from a slightly wider mat to give it more presence, while larger pieces may need a narrower mat to avoid looking overwhelmed. A general rule of thumb is to aim for a mat border that is roughly proportional to the artwork's dimensions. You can experiment by holding different sized pieces of paper around your artwork to visualize the effect of various mat widths before making a final decision. Another point to consider is the weight of the mat. Many framing professionals suggest a wider bottom mat border (by ½ inch to 1 inch) to anchor the piece visually and prevent it from appearing to sink to the bottom of the frame. This subtle asymmetry can create a more dynamic and balanced composition. Ultimately, the key is to experiment and trust your eye to determine what looks best for your particular artwork and frame.How do I choose the right frame color and style?
Choosing the right frame color and style involves considering the artwork's aesthetic, the surrounding decor, and your personal taste. Aim for harmony, either by complementing or contrasting the art, while ensuring the frame enhances rather than overpowers the piece. Think about the artwork's colors, textures, and subject matter and how those elements might interact with various frame options.
The frame's color should either complement or intentionally contrast the artwork. For pieces with warm tones, consider wood frames with warm undertones or metallic frames like gold or bronze. Cool-toned artwork may benefit from silver, black, or cool-toned wood frames. Neutrally colored frames, such as white, black, or natural wood, are often safe choices and can work well with a wide range of artwork styles. Consider the existing colors in the room where the artwork will hang. A frame that complements the room's color scheme will help the artwork integrate seamlessly into the space. The frame's style should also complement the artwork. A modern, minimalist piece may look best in a simple, sleek frame, while a traditional painting might be better suited to a more ornate frame. The frame's profile (the shape of the frame when viewed from the side) can also impact the overall look. A wider profile can add presence and drama, while a thinner profile can create a more understated look. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different combinations to see what works best for your individual piece and personal preferences. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a frame that enhances the artwork and makes it look its best.What type of glass or acrylic should I use?
For most artwork, either glass or acrylic (also known as Plexiglas or Perspex) is a suitable glazing option, but each has its pros and cons. Standard glass is economical and offers excellent clarity, while acrylic is lightweight and shatter-resistant, making it safer for large pieces or environments where breakage is a concern.
Standard glass, typically float glass, is the most affordable option. Its clarity is excellent, and it's scratch-resistant. However, it's relatively heavy, fragile, and doesn't offer UV protection. For artwork that is not particularly valuable or sensitive to light, standard glass is perfectly acceptable. Upgrading to UV-filtering glass is a significant improvement, especially for protecting delicate watercolors, photographs, or prints from fading over time. Anti-reflective glass minimizes glare, providing a clearer view of the artwork, but it's more expensive. Acrylic, on the other hand, is significantly lighter than glass and virtually shatterproof, making it an ideal choice for large framed pieces or for homes with children or pets. High-quality acrylic offers excellent clarity comparable to glass and can also be purchased with UV-filtering properties. The main drawback of acrylic is that it's more prone to scratching than glass, so it requires careful cleaning. Opt for acrylic if safety and weight are primary concerns, or if you are shipping framed artwork. Specialty acrylic, like museum-grade acrylic, offers the best of both worlds – UV protection, anti-glare properties, and scratch resistance, albeit at a premium price.How can I prevent artwork from fading or damage within the frame?
To prevent fading and damage, use archival-quality materials for matting and backing, choose UV-protective glazing, and control the artwork's environment regarding light exposure, humidity, and temperature.
The key to preserving artwork within a frame lies in creating a stable and protective environment. Acid-free or archival-quality matting and backing boards are crucial. Standard mat boards often contain acids that can leach into the artwork over time, causing discoloration and embrittlement. Archival materials are pH neutral and buffered to neutralize acids, providing a safe barrier. Ensure the backing board is also acid-free to prevent damage from the rear. Selecting the right glazing is equally important. UV-protective acrylic or glass filters out harmful ultraviolet rays, a primary culprit in fading colors and degrading paper fibers. Museum-grade glazing offers the highest level of protection. Finally, remember that even the best framing practices can be undermined by poor environmental control. Direct sunlight is the enemy; avoid placing framed artwork in areas with intense or prolonged sun exposure. Indirect, diffused light is preferable. Monitor humidity levels, as high humidity can promote mold growth and warping, while low humidity can cause cracking. Stable temperature is equally important; avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. These steps, combined with proper matting and framing, will significantly extend the lifespan and beauty of your artwork.What's the best way to center the artwork within the mat?
The best way to center artwork within a mat is generally to use "optical centering," which means placing the artwork slightly higher than dead center. Our eyes naturally perceive true mathematical centering as being too low, so optical centering corrects for this visual effect, creating a more balanced and pleasing composition.
While mathematical centering (measuring the exact center point) seems logical, it often results in the artwork appearing to sag visually within the mat. Optical centering compensates for this by shifting the artwork upwards by a small amount, typically around 1/8" to 1/4", depending on the size of the artwork and mat. The key is to trust your eye; step back and assess the overall balance. If the artwork looks perfectly centered, then you've achieved the desired effect, regardless of precise measurements.
To achieve optical centering, first measure the height and width of the visible area within the mat opening. Then, calculate the mathematical center point. Next, gently shift the artwork upwards from this center point by your chosen amount (again, a small adjustment, usually between 1/8" and 1/4"). Use acid-free tape or mounting corners to secure the artwork in its new position, ensuring it's straight and aligned with the mat opening. Finally, step back and assess the visual balance; make minor adjustments as needed until the artwork appears perfectly centered to your eye.
Can I frame artwork myself, or should I hire a professional?
Whether you should frame artwork yourself or hire a professional depends on several factors, including the artwork's value, your budget, your DIY skills, and the desired aesthetic. Simple frames for inexpensive prints are often easily handled at home, while valuable or delicate pieces usually benefit from professional expertise.
Deciding to DIY your framing can be a cost-effective option if you're working with readily available materials and standard sizes. Pre-cut mats and frames from craft stores are suitable for many projects, allowing you to personalize the presentation without a significant investment. However, consider the tools required (mat cutter, glass cutter if necessary, etc.) and the potential for mistakes, which could end up costing you more in the long run. Properly protecting the artwork from UV damage and ensuring it is mounted acid-free are crucial for its long-term preservation. For valuable or irreplaceable artwork, professional framing is generally recommended. Professionals have the experience and specialized equipment to handle delicate materials, ensure proper mounting techniques, and provide archival-quality materials that will protect your artwork for years to come. They can also offer design advice to help you choose the perfect mat and frame to complement the artwork and your décor. While more expensive upfront, professional framing can prevent damage and enhance the artwork's value, providing peace of mind.How do I properly secure the artwork inside the frame?
Securing artwork within a frame involves several key steps to ensure it remains protected, properly positioned, and free from damage. The ideal method utilizes acid-free and archival-quality materials to prevent deterioration of the artwork over time. It often involves a combination of hinging or mounting the artwork to the backing board and using appropriate pressure from the frame components to hold everything snugly in place.
To begin, center your artwork on the acid-free backing board. For lighter pieces, you can use archival-quality paper or linen tape to hinge the top edge of the artwork to the backing board. This “T-hinge” method allows the artwork to hang freely and expand/contract with humidity changes without buckling. For heavier pieces or artwork on thick paper, you might need to consider alternative mounting methods like corner pockets or edge strips made from archival materials. Ensure these methods distribute the artwork's weight evenly and don't apply excessive pressure to any one point. Once the artwork is hinged or mounted, carefully layer the mat over the artwork and backing board. The mat not only enhances the artwork's presentation but also provides a crucial barrier between the artwork's surface and the glazing (glass or acrylic). The frame itself then applies gentle, even pressure to hold all the layers together—glazing, mat, artwork, and backing board. This pressure is important for preventing the artwork from shifting or moving within the frame. If the frame is too loose, consider adding acid-free shims or spacers behind the backing board to create a snug fit. Finally, secure the backing board within the frame using flexible points or brads, ensuring they are evenly spaced and apply consistent pressure.And there you have it! Hopefully, you're feeling confident enough to tackle your own matting and framing projects. It might take a little practice, but the satisfaction of displaying your art beautifully is totally worth it. Thanks for reading, and come back soon for more creative tips and tricks!