A picture or painting’s beauty can be enhanced by the right frame because it brings focus to the subject and adds style in your presentation. However a wrong frame can diminish the picture or artwork’s beauty. Therefore if you are planning to display something make sure that you go about it the right way. If you have never selected a frame before and are confused on how to get started then read on.
Components of framing
There are four components to a Picture Frame and each one has its own duty to the artwork or picture. Do note that all four components would be important if you are displaying artwork such as an oil painting but not all components are important for a photograph. Also even in artwork, you can choose to skip a component if you think it is not needed. So framing is at your discretion!
Here is what you need to know about each one:
1) Actual frame: Selecting the frame for a picture is a very tough decision. Usually a frame is made either from wood or metal. A wood frame is considered best for paintings on canvas or artwork that has the traditional look about it. However a metal frame is used for contemporary artwork or black and white photography. Don’t try to choose a frame that blends with the picture. Trust your eye and choose custom framing that brings out the colors of your picture.
2) Matboard or matting: The matboard or matting is cardboard that keeps the artwork or picture safe from damage by separating it from the glass and custom frame. It does this by creating an air space between the glass and the artwork so that both don’t stick to each other. The matboard also increases the optical three-dimensionality of your picture. So with the right matboard, you artwork or picture’s details and expressiveness are emphasized.
Selecting the matboard’s color is also like selecting the frame because you should never choose one that blends with your artwork. Choose neutral colors that heighten your artwork and picture’s exquisiteness by bringing out the color.
3) The back board or mounting board: The back board is the board to which the artwork is attached to. Make sure that you buy a mounting board that is high in quality so that it doesn’t end up ruining your artwork or picture.
4) Glass: The last step in framing your artwork or picture is by placing a protective glass over it. This process is known as glazing. You would be surprised to find the variety of glass that you need to choose from. The wrong glass can taint your artwork or painting by reducing its brightness while the right one will keep it safe. Therefore experiment with all of them before you buy the glass that you deem suitable for your artwork or painting.
In conclusion take your time in framing your picture or artwork as this is the final step in your presentation.