Framing an artwork? Here’s What You Need to Know
Framing a piece of art is much more than enclosing it in a border; it’s about enhancing the visual appeal of the artwork, protecting it from damage, and ensuring it fits seamlessly into its surroundings. A well-framed piece can completely transform how it’s perceived, whether it’s displayed at home, in an office, or in a gallery.
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Why Framing Matters
A frame is more than decoration—it acts as a protective barrier, shielding your artwork from dust, moisture, and mishandling. For delicate works on paper, such as photographs, watercolors, or prints, UV-protective glass and acid-free matting are essential for long-term preservation.
Beyond protection, good framing draws attention to the artwork itself, emphasizing its colors, textures, and composition. The right frame, matting, and glass create a harmonious balance, complementing the art without overwhelming it.
Glass Choices: Regular Glass vs. Art Glass
The type of glass you choose for your frame affects both the appearance and preservation of your artwork.
Regular Glass: Affordable but prone to glare and limited UV protection. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to fading.
Art Glass: Reduces glare significantly and provides up to 70% UV protection, preserving the original colors and details of your artwork.
Museum Glass: Offers the highest protection with over 99% UV resistance and nearly invisible reflection. Ideal for valuable or delicate works, though it’s a premium choice.
If your artwork will be displayed in a sunlit room, higher UV protection is essential. Although specialty glass costs more, it’s worth the investment for preserving your art’s vibrancy and ensuring it remains free from distracting reflections.
Floating Mount or Passepartout?
When framing works on paper, photos, or prints, it’s crucial to prevent the artwork from directly touching the glass to avoid sticking over time. The two most common methods are floating mounting and framing with passepartout (also known as matting).
Passepartout: Comes in various colors and adds depth or contrast to your presentation. It’s a traditional option that keeps the artwork protected while offering a polished, professional look.
Floating Mounting: Attaches the artwork directly to the backing with a spacer, leaving the edges visible. This modern method is ideal for works on fine paper or those with decorative, torn edges.
The choice between these two methods depends on the artwork’s style, paper type, and how you want it presented.
How Much Does Framing Cost?
The cost of framing varies based on size, materials, and the type of glass or matting you choose. For example, framing a 30x40 cm piece with standard glass might cost around 1000 NOK, while upgrading to art glass could increase the cost to approximately 2500 NOK.
At Atelie, we partner with professional framing workshops to provide our customers with high-quality framing at discounted prices when purchasing art through our platform. Whether you’re looking for a classic or modern look, we can help you choose the right frame, matting, and glass for your piece.
Let Us Help You
Framing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Contact us at hello@atelie.art, and we’ll guide you toward the best solution for your artwork.
FAQ
Why is framing important for artwork?
Framing enhances the visual appeal of your artwork while protecting it from dust, moisture, and damage. It also helps integrate the piece into your space and ensures its longevity.
What’s the difference between regular glass and art glass?
Regular glass is more affordable but reflects more light and offers limited UV protection. Art glass reduces glare significantly and provides up to 70% UV protection, helping preserve the colors and details of your artwork.
Is museum glass worth the investment?
Museum glass offers over 99% UV protection and minimal reflection, making it ideal for valuable or delicate artwork exposed to sunlight. While it’s more expensive, it ensures the highest level of preservation and clarity. However most people choose artglass with 70% UV protection, mainly because its a more affordable option.
What is the purpose of a passepartout?
A passepartout, or matting, creates a border around your artwork, adding depth and preventing the artwork from touching the glass. It also allows you to customize the presentation by choosing different colors and widths.
What is floating mounting?
Floating mounting involves attaching the artwork directly to the backing with a spacer, leaving the edges visible. It’s ideal for showcasing details like torn or decorative edges and offers a modern, airy look.
How much does it cost to frame an artwork?
Framing costs depend on the size, materials, and type of glass or matting you choose. For example, a 30x40 cm frame with standard glass might cost around 1000 NOK, while adding art glass could bring the cost to 2500 NOK or more.
How do I choose the right frame for my artwork?
Consider the style of your artwork and the space where it will be displayed. Neutral frames like black, white, or natural wood are versatile, while bold or decorative frames can make a statement. Professional framers can help guide your decision.
How do I prevent my artwork from sticking to the glass?
Using a passepartout or floating mount ensures the artwork doesn’t come into direct contact with the glass, preventing sticking and damage over time.
Can I frame any type of artwork?
Yes, but the method and materials may vary. Works on paper, like prints or photographs, often benefit from UV-protective glass and matting. Paintings on canvas typically don’t require glass but may need a protective frame.
Do you offer framing services?
Yes! Atelie partners with professional framers to offer high-quality framing at discounted prices. Whether you’re framing a new piece or preserving a cherished work, we can help you find the perfect solution.
