How Should Artists Frame Paintings for Exhibition and Sale?
For artists, the frame is part of the presentation but it should not compete with the artwork. The right choice depends on where the work will be shown, how it will be transported, the materials used and the price you need to meet.
What should the frame do?
A frame gives an artwork a clear boundary and helps it sit comfortably in a gallery, home or other display. It can also provide separation between the artwork and the glazing, along with support during handling and display. The frame does not need to be the most expensive option. It needs to suit the work, the intended setting and the way the piece will be sold or displayed.
How should you choose framing for a series?
If you are preparing several works for an exhibition or a collection, keeping the framing specification consistent can make the group easier to present. This might mean limiting the moulding choices, using a consistent border or matboard approach, and agreeing the sizes before production.
Consistency does not mean every painting has to be framed identically. Different sizes, orientations and surfaces may need slightly different treatment. The useful goal is a related set of frames that lets the artwork remain the focus.
When should you consider conservation materials?
Conservation considerations become more important for original, valuable or irreplaceable work and for pieces intended for long-term display. Options can include the mounting method, matboard, backing materials, glazing and how the artwork is separated from the glazing.
The right specification depends on the artwork and the budget. Ask your framer what each material is intended to do rather than assuming the highest-priced option is necessary.
What about glazing for exhibitions and sales?
Glazing affects reflections, weight, handling and the way the artwork is viewed. Glass and acrylic have different practical characteristics and the best choice depends on the size of the frame, the display location, any requirements from the gallery / exhibitor and the handling requirements.
If a work will travel to exhibitions, be installed in a public space or be handled frequently, discuss those conditions before the frame is made. They can affect the glazing and the construction of the finished piece.
How can artists manage the framing budget?
Start with the requirements of the artwork and the place where it will be displayed. Then compare the frame moulding, matboard, mounting and glazing options that meet those requirements. For repeat work, a consistent specification can also make quoting and ordering simpler.
Tell the framer the artwork dimensions, quantity and intended use.
Explain whether the work is for an exhibition, sale, collection or permanent display.
Ask which parts of the specification affect appearance, protection, weight and cost.
Keep the final framing specification recorded if you expect to produce more work in the same series.
Should you frame the work yourself?
Standard frames can be suitable for some small, standard-size works. Custom framing becomes more useful when the artwork is an unusual size, needs specific mounting, requires particular glazing or is being prepared for a professional presentation.
A framing workshop can also help when several pieces need to be handled consistently. Bring the artwork details or the pieces themselves where practical, so the options can be discussed before you commit.
Where can artists get practical framing advice?
Amarisco has been framing artwork in Sydney since 1976 and works with a number of local artists. Our in-house team at the Artarmon workshop and can discuss frame moulding, matboard, mounting and glazing options for individual works or a series.
If you are preparing paintings for an exhibition or sale, bring the details of the work and your budget to the workshop. We can help you work through suitable options and provide a quote. Visit the the artists and gallery page for more information.
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