Do you want to frame your artwork, but don't know what type of frame to choose or which framer to turn to? Artsper offers expert advice to help you select the ideal frame!
Framing has a dual function. It protects the work of art while enhancing it. Choosing a frame can be complex. Here are our recommendations for finding the right frame for your work.
Framing a painting on canvas
A painting on canvas can be framed in a number of different ways. For a canvas on a stretcher (a wooden structure that holds the canvas taut), we recommend framing with an American box.
The American crate gives depth and relief to your canvas, thanks to the floating effect of the work in the frame and its absence of glass. The framing technique involves leaving 1 to 2 cm between the canvas and the edge of the moulding. The space between the frame and the edge of the canvas allows the subject to be seen completely, making it more interesting.
If your canvas is not stretched and you received it rolled in a tube, you have two options. You can choose to have the stretched canvas professionally stretched, or you can frame it with a simple glass frame.
You can also choose to have your canvas stretched on a stretcher by following the instructions below or by clicking here.
Framing a Photograph on Dibond
Dibond is a composite material with a "sandwich" structure, where two aluminum sheets are thermally bonded to a solid polyethylene core. Dibond is lighter than aluminum yet designed to retain rigidity and flatness. It is stainless steel, resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and impacts. Dibond panels are generally available in 2, 3, or 4 mm thicknesses.
If you want to frame your photograph on Dibond, we recommend opting for a floater frame (known as a "caisse américaine" in French). This type of frame perfectly highlights works with some thickness.
Like canvas paintings, floater frames provide depth and relief to your photo with the floating effect of the artwork inside the frame.
Framing a Lithograph, Photograph, Engraving, Serigraph, Digigraph, or Drawing
Paper-based works are most often framed with a simple frame. A simple frame consists of wooden or aluminum moldings forming the edge of a glass front and a cardboard back. You can choose between full-page framing (where the frame matches the artwork's dimensions) or framing with a mat (passe-partout).
The mat is a central cardboard sheet placed between the frame edges and the artwork. It gives depth to the artwork by creating a margin between the print and the frame's edges.
The Marie-Louise, a cousin of the mat, is used for oil paintings. Like the mat, it is placed between the artwork and the frame, but it differs in material. It is a wooden panel covered in fabric, typically linen.
For smaller formats (less than A4), choose a mat between 1 and 10 cm wide to give your artwork space without overwhelming it with too much empty space.
A white or off-white mat is the most common. It allows the artwork to "breathe" within the frame. This is recommended for detailed works, paired with a relatively wide frame to avoid crowding the piece.
A black mat with a black frame adds depth to dark-toned artworks.
For a creative touch, you can choose mats or frames in various colors.
Different Types of Glass for Simple Frames
Once you've chosen the right frame, selecting the appropriate glass is crucial. The glass protects your paper-based works (e.g., watercolor, prints, engravings, drawings) from dust, humidity, and other external factors.
There are four main types of glass:
Basic / Standard
Standard glass is the most commonly used. While it protects the artwork, it reflects light, which can hinder the appreciation of the piece.Anti-Reflective
Partially frosted glass reduces reflections but may affect the rendering of colors.Optical Invisible
Optical invisible glass faithfully reproduces the colors, detail, and quality of paper-based artworks like drawings, engravings, and photos. Treated on both sides, it ensures transparency while blocking reflections and light rays.Anti-UV
Anti-UV glass provides maximum and long-lasting protection against harmful rays, ensuring an optimal display of the artwork.