Understanding the Picture Framing Process
Buying a picture frame is an important part of setting up a new home. After all, it adds a cozy vibe that nothing else can compare to. That goes for people who’ve been living in a residence for a long time, too - sprucing it up with a new frame is a great way to take its interior design to the next level.
However, you can’t just frame a picture without first understanding the steps involved. It’s not a super complicated process, but there are a few things to consider, so we’ll outline some of the fundamental factors at play to help you get it done right.
First things first, you should know that the framing process doesn’t begin after you’ve bought a frame. Rather, it starts before the purchase has been made, starting with choosing the right material.
Choosing the Right Frame Material
There are a few different options you can explore. Here are some of the best ones out there:
- Wood
What could be better than bringing the rustic charm of a wooden frame into your home? It offers a traditional sort of vibe that’s truly out of this world, with a variety of textures and grains at your disposal. You can also go for unorthodox options like bamboo, which has the added advantage of being environmentally sustainable.
- Metal
If you desire durability above all else, consider purchasing a frame made out of metal. Aluminum is a popular choice for its lightweight nature that doesn’t compromise their robustness in the slightest, but you can also opt for the timeless elegance of brass or the industrial aesthetics and indestructibility of stainless steel.
- Acrylic
Want something strong yet versatile? You should give acrylic a try! The clear option is wildly popular thanks to the minimalist aesthetic it provides, and if that wasn’t enough, you also have colored versions that can add a bit of brightness to your surroundings.
Steps in the Framing Process
You can get your picture or artwork framed in by following these five steps:
- Measure the Size of the Mat Opening
Figuring out the mat opening size can tell you your picture’s visibility. You don’t want to hang it up only to find out that the mat covers it up, now do you? Now, there should be a 2mm border on each side, so make sure you account for that.
- Cut the Boards and Window
If you’re adding a backboard to the picture, which you should because it can help it last longer, you need to cut it to the right size. It should conform to the size of the frame’s interior border.
- Assemble the Frame
Most frames come with a handy guide that can help you attach all of the pieces. This mostly consists of adding the glass, the picture, and the backboard. The good thing about buying from Eagle Frames is that our products don’t require any assembly!
- Center the Artwork
Make sure your artwork is attached properly to the mounting board, then attach the hardware to the backboard and move things around until the image is dead center.
Custom vs. Standard Frames
A lot of people don’t know this, but you can choose either a standard, readymade frame or a custom made model! Both options have pros and cons, so we will tell you how to choose between them.
How to Choose a Frame Style
First up, let’s talk about the benefits of choosing standard frames:
- They’re the most affordable option
- They offer plenty of variety, allowing you to match them with your aesthetic preferences
- They’re much more convenient, since they don’t require as much assembly
- They can be delivered to you instantly
That said, custom frames bring some unique benefits to the table as well. Let’s discuss a few of them:
- They offer more aesthetic customization
- They can be personalized for gifts
Choosing between them might be hard at first, but you won’t have much trouble if you judge them based on your own requirements.
Practical Considerations for Framing
You can’t just hang your artwork or photos up anywhere, especially if you want them to stand the test of time! That’s why you should consider these practical aspects of framing:
- Light
Will you use natural or artificial light sources to illuminate your work? Sunlight has a slightly yellowish tint to it which turns into a rusty red at sunset, so you should try to use it for art that is complemented by those colors. Artificial light provides a lot more leeway in terms of color, but it’s still vital to gauge how much illumination the framed picture will get so that you can maximize its visual appeal.
- Humidity
Humidity is your biggest enemy, especially for wooden frames. Avoid hanging your pictures up in an area with high humidity, otherwise they might start to get soggy and damaged! The same goes for the frames themselves - they don’t do well in wet conditions, so try to keep them in a dry place.
- Placement
As we’ve mentioned before, negative space is important. It’s also essential to consider scale and perspective. Placing a tiny painting on an empty wall is a bold choice, but it might not work if the art isn’t centered. Consider how the frame looks to other hangings on your wall, and try to make everything go together as much as possible.
How to Properly Mount and Hang Your Framed Art
You’ll need some supplies, namely a hammer, a nail or a hanger, a marker, a pencil or masking tape, a measuring tape or a ruler, and your frame of course. You might also want to consider using a level to make sure everything’s straight. Here’s how you can get your framed art hung up:
- Mark Your Placement
After you’ve figured out where you want your picture frame to go, mark its shape on the wall with a pencil or masking tape. Markers work too, but it’s best to go with something that easily comes off.
- Mark the Midpoint
Take your tape measure and place each end on the sides of your outline. Once you’ve measured the width, mark the point that’s about 25% of the length of your frame in the center.
- Mark the Nail Point
If you’re using a sawtooth hanger, mark the point that’s 0.5 inches below the midpoint. Wire hangers work best if they’re a third of the way down the length of the art.
- Hammer In the Nail
All that’s left to do now is to get that nail in there! However, you’ll need to add a hook as well if you used a wire hanger.
Common Framing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Inaccurate Measurements
Bad measurements can lead to your frame looking odd when you hang it up, and also increases the risk of it falling and getting damaged.
- Skipping the Structural Connectors
Structural connectors make your frame much more robust and secure. They need to line up with the appropriate building codes, so when in doubt, check with your local authority.
- Drywall Damage
It’s important to add some drywall backing when hanging up a frame. This helps maintain your home’s structural integrity, and failing to get the job done might lead to serious damage down the line such as warping and sagging.
- Improper Nails
Your nail needs to be just the right size, otherwise it may be too fragile to keep the frame at your desired height. When in doubt, reach out to a professional and see what they have to say!
The Importance of Glass and Mat Selection
Both the mat and the glass in your frame serve important functions. The mat, which is usually made of acid paper, creates a border around your artwork, which separates it from the frame and also preserves it. Matting adds some aesthetic appeal to your picture, so it’s worth trying out if you haven’t already.
Aesthetics matter with the glass you use as well. The wrong type of glass can discolor the picture by refracting UV light, and as if that wasn't enough, this UV radiation also degrades the paper. Even though glaziers market 2mm glass panes as “picture frame glass, they don’t filter out any of the UV so you should avoid using them! Instead, use glass or some other material that filters 95% of the UV light out.
At Eagle Frames, we use a plexiglass sheet instead of glass because it’s far more durable. We also add a protective coating on each side to filter out UV light and protect it from scratches.
FAQs About Picture Framing
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What’s the standard size for a picture frame?
Answer: At Eagle Frames, we offer A2, A3, and A4 sizes. -
What glass do picture frames use?
Answer: We use double-coated plexiglass for added durability and scratch resistance. It’s also common to see regular glass and UV-resistant glass used. -
What materials are picture frames made of?
Answer: At Eagle Frames, we only offer the highest quality recycled wood handcrafted by our skilled artisans.
Why Professional Framing Matters
Simply put, professionals know how to frame your art without damaging it in any way, and they can also help you maximize its aesthetic impact. On top of all of that, professional framers are able to handle all of the measuring that goes into hanging the picture up, and can recommend materials for the process as well. The level of craftsmanship and expertise they provide makes them worth the asking price.
Future Trends in Picture Framing
Perhaps the biggest trend that’s worth mentioning is that of minimalism. Sparse design and clean lines are the name of the game nowadays, which is why we strive to create frames that meet that aesthetic requirement.
The trends also suggest that added picture protection might be just around the corner. UV resistance can only take you so far; at some point, you need to account for oxidation and moisture. Further technological advancement may allow you to keep a physical picture or a work of art looking vibrant for decades in the future.
Finally, sustainability is a prime concern, and future trends suggest that it’ll be incorporated more heavily into frame production. At Eagle Frames, we take great pride in offering only sustainable, recycled frames.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into proper framing, including techniques, materials, and proper frame selection. Considering how much work you’re going to put into the process, you should invest wisely and with the right company.
If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and gorgeous picture frame that’s easy to set up, give Eagle Frame a try! Get in touch with use today and we’ll be happy to help.