Want to know the best guidelines for framing canvas that all the professionals use for their work? They are all here! These are all the guidelines you need to pick stellar frames for canvas artwork.
Isn’t it exciting when you finish a painting and it’s ready to be framed? A frame for canvas can really make or break a painting. But, if you’re like me, with so many options, the research can get overwhelming. So, being an artist myself, I’m going to sum up the best guidelines, so you can pick a frame for canvas like a pro!
You are going to learn all about frames for canvas, including Frames for canvas paintings, Frames for canvas art|frames for stretched canvas, Frames for canvases, Floater frames for canvas, Wood frames for canvas, Ready made frames for canvas paintings, Custom frames for canvas, Frames for canvas panels|frames for canvas boards, Frames for canvas pictures|frames for canvas prints and so much more!
As an artist myself with decades of working with frames for canvas, I can tell you first hand the best guidelines for picking frames for canvas that will elevate your art work to the next level!
Best Frames for Canvas
1.Frames for canvas
To frame or not? Unframed, stretched canvas hanging on its own is minimalist, modern, and inexpensive. It’s a decidedly modern look for your home and is also pretty popular these days.
But I think of frames for canvas as like accessories for your outfits, they may not be necessary but they can add a whole lot of glam to your artwork!
But how do you decide, there are so many options out there!
This post is all about helping you pick the frames for canvas art that work best for you.
2.Frames for canvas paintings
These are the basic facts you need to know about frames for canvas paintings.
Frames for canvas are open with no glass and the best have grooves in which the painting can sit.
It is not necessary, but sometimes a piece of paper is added to the back of the framed canvas using brown paper to ‘tidy up’ the back and prevent dust.
You’ll want a frame that will complement your painting and not compete with it. So you will not only have to take into consideration the size, but also the material, the color, and the texture of the frame.
When measuring, make sure to consider the painting’s depth. If the frame isn’t as deep as the canvas, you’ll see part of the edge of the canvas from the side- NOT a good look, lol!
Now, let’s move on and fill in these basic facts about frames for canvas paintings with more details.
3.Frames for canvas art|frames for stretched canvas
- An open-backed canvas frame (instead of a glass-covered frame).
- A groove to sit your canvas art or stretched canvas into.
- Clips to hold your canvas art in place.
4.Frames for canvases
You can purchase these perfect frames for your own triptych display by clicking here.
For frames for multiple canvases, such as diptychs or triptychs, you’ll need multiple frames that work well together as it in the example above.
These are my to help you pick winner frames for canvases:
- A thinner and lighter frame style so the frames in duplicate don’t overwhelm the paintings or the space
- Confirm your triptych’s depth. The best frames for hanging in multiples are 1/4″ in thickness, again to keep the multiples from getting overwhelming.
- Sleek molding as opposed to busy or intricate molding.
- It’s best to use the exact same frame for each “panel” for a cohesive look.
You’ll find it fun to explore the possibilities for frames for canvases by following this simple guideline.
5.Floater frames for canvas
Floater frames are designed specifically for canvas paintings.
Adding a small gap between the work and the frame gives the amazing illusion that the painting is floating in the frame!
Also, if you want to give special attention to the edges of your art, the floater frame for canvas doesn’t sacrifice any important details in the work.
The small space between the frame and the painting also ensures that your artwork will be safeguarded from the contact and pressure that can result from traditional framing processes.
You might want to consider floater frames if you are looking to:
● Highlight The Contemporary Aspects Of Your Art – Floater frames are the go-to frames for all contemporary artwork.
● Maximize Your Space – If your exhibition space does not offer you a lot of real estate to lay out your pieces, floater frames are a wonderful way to use tight space efficiently by allowing for each work of art to have proper framing without adding the extra inches.
● Feature The Edges Of Your Piece – Floater frames highlight and accentuate edges of paintings, so your framing can provide structure without hiding important peripheral details.
By distancing the artwork from its frame, floater frames for canvas add a sense of dimension that enhance your art by adding contemporary sophistication and the wow-factor you will love.
6.Wood frames for canvas
The main question you’ll have to answer when you’re deciding on frames for canvas art is: wood or metal?
Let’s cover some basic differences.
- Weight – Metal is typically lighter, but this is marginal.
- Strength – While metal is stronger, the difference isn’t typically a factor in a framing decision.
- Finishes – Wood offers a much greater variety of finishes from gold leaf, antique, weathered, ornamental, and many more. Metals are typically anodized colors or brushed Florentine matte finishes
- Price – Until about 3 years ago metal was typically 20-30% cheaper but recently the price playing field was leveled.
- Conservation- Metal had wood beat here but with the popularity of sustainable forestry, wood frames are popular again with the ecologically conscious artists.
With it’s long tradition and varied options, you can’t loose in choosing wood frames for canvas artwork!
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7.Ready made frames for canvas paintings
If your lucky enough to score ready made frames for canvas paintings, then connecting it to your canvas is easy!
You simply slip the canvas into the frame, making sure to set in the grooves.
Our DIY (do-it-yourself) framing kits make framing your stretched canvas art easy!
Haven’t stumbled across a frame, no problem. Framing Kits give you everything you need to frame your canvas.
The best framing kits includes:
- Frame Mounting Clips – to secure artwork to frame
- Picture Wire – cut to the appropriate length
- Fasteners – to secure picture wire to frame
- Picture Hanger – to hang the artwork on your wall
- Illustrated Instructions – to make it easy!
Click here for this frame kit from Walmart.
Ready made frames for custom paintings can be found in antique stores, on art sites like Etsy or in ready to make framing kits. So there’s no reason for you not to dress up that painting!
8.Custom frames for canvas
On the other hand, if your canvas is a unique size or shape, you might find it easier to go with custom frames for canvas.
A professional framing service will have a wide selection of frames along with the specialty tools needed for precision miter cuts.
With the right custom frame, you can perfectly accentuate your art while protecting it for years. Working with a local art expert to determine the right color and style of frame helps bring out the best in your canvas art.
A lot of the big craft brick and mortar and online art supply stores do custom framing, so it’s easy to find a reputable framer. Michael’s or DickBlick.com for example will be able to assist you with your custom framing needs.
Custom framing also comes with the best advice! So if you’re lost this is the option for you.
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9.Frames for canvas panels|frames for canvas boards
Canvas panels (otherwise known as canvas boards) are canvas type material adhered to a stiff panel. They don’t have the depth of the stretched canvases and therefore are tricky to frame.
Frames for canvas panels (or frames for canvas boards) can be created by modifying existing frames in two ways:
1 The first option is to use a “plein air frame.” These come in smaller sizes better suite for these smaller panels and there are easy to find online.
You can silicone glue to adhere it to the frame. This isn’t as aggressive as wood glue, so you can remove the painting in the future without damage.
You can purchase a top rated plein air frame from Dick Blick’s by clicking here.
2.Traditional Frame
You can can use traditional frames for canvas panels and adhere the canvas panel with points. Points are those flexible little metal pieces on the back of frames that you can bend toward the front of the frame to secure the picture.
It is better, more professional, to do this with a point driver than nails. For small paintings like 8×10″ you need only one point per side.
Simply place the canvas panel into the frame, press the front of the point driver up against the edge of the frame and squeeze the handle. It will drive a point into the frame. You can then adjust the point to hold the canvas board in place.
You can get a top-rated and well-priced point driver such as this from Hobby Lobby by clicking here.
Altering frames for canvas panels and frames for canvas boards is easy!
10.Frames for canvas pictures|frames for canvas prints
When it comes to frames for canvas pictures or frames for canvas prints, you can let the edges be “the frame.”
The canvas picture or canvas print can be continued over the edges and thus you can see it from the sides. The exposed, wrapped edges become part of the piece.
Another term for this is “gallery wrapped” and most print shops give you the option to print your picture or photo on a gallery wrapped canvas.
However, a frame creates a polished look for canvas pictures and canvas prints. Most framers offer a range of finishes such as these: dark oak, maple veneer, and weathered wood. If you are showcasing many prints on the same wall, framing them all with the same wood unifies the artwork.
Basically, frames for canvas pictures and frames for canvas prints come with the same options as frames for canvas paintings.
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