Picking Picture Frames for 1-minute to 100-year-old Artworks

Framing is in its most basic sense, a way of presenting a picture that can either be hung on the wall or be placed on a flat surface like a desk. The goal is that the overall effect—not only the frame nor the picture—suits both the artwork and the tastes of the person who owns the work.

Framing also serve to protect and preserve pictures. Spending on quality materials and techniques is worth it since these can prolong the life of precious visual treasures.

How does a picture frame get protected? By putting a picture or photo between a sheet of, say, glass and cardboard instead of staying stacked together, the photo has more chances of prolonging its life. Framing a picture also flaunts its good points. The nicest aspects of a picture or photo comes to light by having it framed.

Check well the place where the picture will be hung; take a holistic view of the color scheme, furniture, lighting, etc. How can the picture that you will put into a room help the room to look better? What does the space (that your picture will go to) need for improvement? For example, consider that bright pictures fit well in dark rooms, while rooms taking in a lot of sunlight may make pictures in it fade quickly.

Want to visualize ahead of time how your picture frame will look on your wall? Check out this great picture frame sandbox by clicking here.

If your picture goes without a mat, choose a frame size that matches the outer dimensions of the picture for framing. But if you will go matted, base your measurements on the outer limits of the mat for your frame size.

Thus, for an example, an 8” X 10” image, without a mat, pairs up with an 8” X 10” frame. Otherwise, the same image, when going with a 1” mat border all around, will need a 10” X 12” frame. Note that in the event of double mats, both mats will have the same outer dimensions.

In using the word mounting, we use it to refer to the various means of attaching a picture onto a flat board, prior to framing.

Who or what needs mounting.

YES for posters and low cost replaceable prints; artwork on fabric

NOTE THAT while mounting is permanent, only potentially damaging chemical solvents can sometimes to reverse the process.

Who or what does not

NO for limited editions, signed and numbered prints, or original artwork

NOTE THAT even removable adhesive can leave residue on a print, and will drastically alter the value of the piece.

Dry mounting.

Perhaps the most common and least fussy method. It involves attaching a large poster or a photo to a flat board with anything from glues to tapes. The advantage with this process is that your picture won't shrink or warp in its place.

Wet mounting.

Slightly complicated than dry mounting, this method is appropriate for fabric material. The glue used in wet mounting is, as the name suggests, wet when placed behind the picture. This ensures a strong bond with uneven surfaces; hence, it's a perfect match with fabrics or unpredictable paper material. Nevertheless, lay off wet mounting anything that have value which will appreciate in the long-run. This process is difficult to reverse--let alone implement it at all.

Block mounting.

This is an option if someone doesn't want a picture fully framed. In block mounting, the picture is attached to a backing made of medium-density fibreboard . Lamination is also an optional add-on to preserve the life of the paper surface.

Read about What Glass to Use, Why Use a Mat, and Hanging Method by clicking here.