How to Frame an Oil Painting

Have you ever stood in front of a beautiful oil painting and wondered how it was made? The colors, the brushstrokes, the texture – they all come together to create an exquisite work of art. If you’re an aspiring artist or just someone who appreciates fine art, learning how to frame an oil painting is an essential skill.

But framing a painting is not just about protecting it. It’s also about enhancing its beauty and making it stand out on your walls. And let’s face it, choosing the right frame can be overwhelming. Which style should you choose? How do you make sure it complements the painting? What about the size and color?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of framing an oil painting step by step. We’ll share expert tips and tricks that will help you choose the perfect frame for your masterpiece. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on to discover everything you need to know about framing an oil painting.

Materials Needed to Frame an Oil Painting

Framing an oil painting is not just about adding a decorative edge; it also helps protect the artwork from dust, moisture, and other damaging environmental elements. To properly frame an oil painting, you will need the following materials:

– Frame: Choose a frame that complements the style of your painting and enhances its overall appearance.
– Matting: Matting adds visual depth to your painting and prevents it from touching the glass or plexiglass cover of the frame.
– Glass or Plexiglass: Covering your painting with glass or plexiglass protects it from dust, moisture, and other environmental hazards. Choose a high-quality UV-protective glazing material to prevent fading over time.
– Backing Board: A backing board provides support for your painting inside the frame and keeps out dust and insects.
– D-rings or Picture Wire: D-rings or picture wire allows you to hang your framed painting on a wall securely.

Before purchasing these materials, make sure that you measure your painting accurately (see next section) to ensure that you get the right size frame. It’s also crucial to invest in high-quality materials for long-lasting protection of your oil paintings.

Optional Materials

Some additional materials you may want to consider include:
– Acid-free tape: Use acid-free tape to secure your artwork onto the backing board without causing damage.
– Varnish: Applying varnish on top of an oil painting seals it from environmental pollutants.

How to Measure Your Painting for a Suitable Frame Size

Measuring your oil painting correctly is essential when choosing a suitable frame. The following steps will help guide you through this process:

1. Remove any existing framing or matting from the artwork carefully.

2. Place your oil painting on a flat surface with its front face down.

3. Use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of the painting from corner to corner.

4. Record these measurements in inches or centimeters, whichever you prefer.

5. Add 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) to both the height and width measurements to allow for matting and any necessary trimming.

6. Choose a frame that fits these new measurements.

When choosing a frame, it’s crucial to select one that complements your artwork’s style and color scheme while also protecting it from environmental hazards.

Best Types of Frames for Oil Paintings

The right frame can enhance your oil painting’s beauty, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which one is best. Here are some popular types of frames that work well with oil paintings:

Ornate Frames

Ornate frames have intricate designs and carvings that add an extra layer of elegance and sophistication to classical paintings like landscapes, portraits, or still-lifes.

Minimalist Frames

Minimalist frames are perfect for modern styles and abstract works since they don’t distract from the artwork itself. They’re usually sleek with thin profiles made with metals such as aluminum or steel.

Floater Frames

Floater frames give contemporary paintings the illusion of floating in space by suspending them within a wooden box frame without touching the sides. This type of framing is ideal for canvases since it allows their edges to be visible.

Custom Made vs Pre-made Frames

While pre-made frames are generally more affordable than custom-made ones, custom framing offers more flexibility regarding size, color, and material options. Custom framing may also ensure better protection for your oil painting.

Considerations for Choosing a Frame Based on Painting Style and Color Scheme

When choosing a frame for your oil painting, it’s essential to consider both the artwork’s style and color scheme. Here are some tips:

Style

Choose a frame that complements the style of your painting. For example:
– Ornate frames work well with classical paintings like landscapes, portraits, or still-lifes.
– Minimalist frames are perfect for modern styles and abstract works.
– Floater frames give contemporary paintings an illusion of floating in space.

Color Scheme

Consider whether you want the frame to match or contrast with the dominant colors in your painting.
– A matching frame can help tie together various elements in the artwork.
– Contrasting frames can add an extra pop of color and make your oil painting stand out.

Remember that less is often more when it comes to framing an oil painting. The primary goal is to enhance its beauty without overpowering it.

Properly Mounting an Oil Painting in a Chosen Frame

Mounting an oil painting correctly inside its chosen frame is crucial for its long-term protection. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Cut a piece of matting board slightly larger than your painting’s size.

2. Place the matting board on top of your painting, centering it as best you can.

3. Secure all four corners of the matting board onto the backing board using acid-free tape.

4. Carefully place your framed painting into its chosen frame and secure it using turn buttons or metal clips.

5. Attach D-rings or picture wire securely onto each side of the back of the frame so that they’re level with each other.

6. If using picture wire, attach two hooks securely into your wall at equal distances apart and hang up your framed oil painting.

Glass or Plexiglass: Which is Better for Protecting an Oil Painting?

When it comes to protecting your oil painting from environmental hazards, both glass and plexiglass have their advantages and disadvantages.

Glass

Glass is a traditional option that provides excellent clarity. However, it’s also fragile and can easily break or shatter. Additionally, glass reflects light, which can distract from the artwork’s beauty.

Plexiglass

Plexiglass is a lightweight, shatterproof material that offers better UV protection than glass. It’s also less reflective than glass, allowing for clearer viewing of the artwork. However, plexiglass is prone to scratches.

Ultimately, the best choice between glass and plexiglass depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for maximum protection and don’t mind reflections or scratches, go for plexiglass. If you prefer crystal-clear viewing with slightly less protection but are okay with the risk of breakage or shattering, choose glass.

Safely and Securely Hanging a Framed Oil Painting on the Wall

Once you’ve framed your oil painting correctly using the steps outlined earlier, it’s time to hang it up securely on your wall.

Here are some tips:

1. Choose an appropriate location: Avoid hanging your painting in direct sunlight or areas with high humidity levels like bathrooms or kitchens.

2. Use picture hooks: Picture hooks provide sturdy support for heavier frames without damaging walls. Make sure you use hooks rated above your painting’s weight.

3. Leveling: Use a level to make sure your framed oil painting hangs straight on the wall.

4. Keep it at eye level: Hang your painting at eye level so that its center aligns with yours when standing in front of it.

5. Use multiple hooks if necessary: For larger paintings or heavy frames, consider using multiple picture hooks evenly spaced apart to distribute weight evenly across the wall.

Remember to check the stability and security of your painting regularly, especially after earthquakes or other natural disasters.

Special Considerations and Precautions for Storing or Transporting a Framed Oil Painting

When storing or transporting a framed oil painting, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to prevent damage. Here are some tips:

1. Wrap the painting: Cover the painting with acid-free paper or bubble wrap to protect it from scratches and dust.

2. Keep the frame upright: Store or transport the frame in an upright position to avoid bending, warping, or breaking.

3. Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep the painting in a cool, dry place away from heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight.

4. Use protective corners: Protect the edges of your frame by using foam corner protectors when packing.

5. Label correctly: Label your wrapped painting clearly to avoid any confusion during transportation.

Remember that oil paintings are delicate works of art that require special care and attention. By following these guidelines, you can preserve your artwork’s beauty for years to come.

In conclusion, framing an oil painting is an important aspect of preserving and enhancing its beauty. By following the right techniques and using the appropriate materials, one can ensure that their artwork is showcased in the best possible way.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Frame an Oil Painting

How should an oil painting be framed?
When selecting a frame for an oil painting, it is important to avoid using glass as it can hinder the painting’s breathing and potentially harm the artwork. If you insist on using glass, consider a frame that includes a spacer to separate the painting from the glass.

What is the best frame for an oil painting?
Black wooden frames are a versatile and classic option for home decor, complementing any color scheme and enhancing the beauty of oil paintings. For a more modern painting, black metal or pewter frames are appropriate, while traditional themes are best conveyed with wooden or gold leaf frames.

Do oil paintings need a glass frame?
Generally, oil paintings and acrylics do not require glass, unless they are painted on thin material like paper. Glass is necessary for paintings created with more delicate mediums like watercolor, ink, pencil, pastel, and charcoal.

What is the best way to frame an oil painting on paper?
The process of framing an oil painting on paper is much like framing a watercolor or acrylic painting on paper, including the use of a mount and glass. However, due to the flexibility of paper, it is important to frame it on a rigid surface with a backing board. Even if the painting is varnished, it is still recommended to frame it behind glass.

Do you use a mat when framing an oil painting?
Typically, oil paintings do not require matting. However, if you are framing a piece that does not cover the entire canvas, adding a mat may help draw attention to the artwork.

How long should an oil painting dry before framing?
After 6 to 12 months, oils on canvas will start to cure and dry from the top layer down, due to oxidation caused by exposure to air. It is recommended to wait until this time period has passed before applying varnish or framing the canvas.