Framing Artwork on Paper

Professionally custom framing artwork is not inexpensive. It is purchasing a fine piece of furniture to be exhibited in your surroundings for a long time. It is the finishing touch to the re-designed living room. It is the newly framed photo of 4 generations of your family. It is a memory of a person, place or event in your life.

How do you find a competent framer?

Ask questions and get recommendations. Who does the framing for your artist friends? Which shops advertise as being members of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA)? Does the shop have a Certified Picture Framer (CPF) on staff? What kind of sample mat corners do they have? Are the samples of rag mat boards? Are the samples acid-free, lignin-free mat boards? Does the framer ask you questions about your artwork?

Step 1. You have chosen a framer to visit. You present the framer with a piece of artwork on paper. The framer will ask about the origin. Original watercolor? Etching? Laser jet printed on watercolor paper? Digital photo? Digital print? Original tempera painting on newsprint?

The framer will ask where you intend to hang the artwork. Home? Office? Sunroom? Den? Furniture color? Predominate colors in room? Style of furniture? Contemporary? Traditional? Art Deco? Early Attic? All these questions will give the framer a sense about what to recommend.

Step 2. Usually artwork on paper is matted. The purpose of the mat is to prevent the art from touching the glass or glazing. The second purpose is accent the artwork. The art should be the focal point. The mat will need to cover at least the edge of the paper or photo. Most will recommend covering ¼” minimum. This amount ensures that the paper will stay under the mat. A good framer will not mark on or trim the art. They will only measure the “image” –the part that you wish to be visible.

The best matboards are composed of cotton. We refer to them as “Ragboards.” They are naturally acid- free and lignin-free. The next best matboards are composed of alpha cellulose. It is a wood pulp board but is produced so that it is acid-free and lignin-free. Rag and alpha cellulose boards will not harm your artwork. To give you a point of reference, newspapers are printed on paper that contains a large amount of lignin (the woody part of a plant). If left in the sun for even 2 hours, the paper will start to deteriorate. It turns yellow and eventually becomes brittle. When the deterioration begins, acid is produced.

With the aid of the framer choose a mat color that is enhancing to the artwork. Many times a double mat that includes a neutral face mat and a darker color second mat will accent the art best of all.

Note: Pastels have two special needs. One, pastels need to be matted. Two, the mat needs a spacer on the back side. This spacer is usually comprised of another mat with a slightly larger window opening. The pieces of pastels that shed will fall down into the space and not onto the face of the mat or the mat bevel. Step 3. Now is the time to choose a frame. At this point the questions about style definitely come into play. Contemporary? Sleek? Metal? Wood? Traditional? Gold? Black? Silver? There are so many choices. Consider the depth of the rabbet (the area where the glass, mat and art fit). Consider the color, style, width, etc. Consider the moulding on all corners. The moulding may look good on top and not fit the colors, style, etc on the lower edges.

Step 4. Matting and Frame have been chosen. The next item to discuss is the glazing. It can be composed of glass or acrylic. There are many kinds of glass. The most damaging element for artwork at this stage is UV light. Museum and conservation glass is coated to resist the UV light and protect the artwork. Museum glass goes one step further and eliminates reflections. Please consider one of these when framing. They are the most protective. Your framer should have samples and be able to give you quotes on price. Ultimately it is your decision. Acrylic is also available with a UV protective coating.

Note: Do NOT use acrylic glazing on pastels. The static electricity generated by the plastic will pull pieces of the pastel onto the plastic. The integrity of the artwork will be damaged.

Step 5. The framer will give you a quote based on the materials that you have chosen. Most framers require payment in advance or a 50% deposit. Remember that this is a “custom” activity. You made many choices so the artwork would reside in a safe, enhancing environment. If you decide that the quote is more than your budget will allow, work with the framer on other options. They want you to be pleased with your choice.

Step 6. Pick up your framed artwork. Are these the items that you chose? Is the craftsmanship up to your standards? Many shops will include a hanger or two for your convenience. Do you need special instructions on hanging? Don’t be hesitant to ask questions. You are a special customer.

Step 7. Enjoy your newly framed art.