Framing of oil paintings the right way is both an art and a science. If done correctly, a piece has greater appeal, last longer, and becomes more valuable. Proper framing does more than just “finish” your painting, it will enhance, protect, and increase its value.
All in all, framing really isn’t optional, it’s essential. Whether an original, family heirloom, or your very own work that took hours to complete. In particular if you’re in humid, salty air, and strong sunlight like in Florida.
Why Proper Framing Matters So Much
A frame isn’t just for decoration alone, it’s for protection too. Although oil paintings are usually pretty durable, they’re not exempt to environment damage. Your artwork can face some real issues in areas like near oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Also, unlike posters or photos, oil paintings have both texture and depth. This means they require unique structural stability.
The culprits proper framing protects against
- Salty air that can degrade materials over time
- Humidity that loosens canvas and warps stretcher bars
- UV rays from strong sunlight that can cause fading
What a proper frame can do for your painting
- Prevent canvas sagging and wood warping over time
- Protect against dust, moisture, and other damages
- Adds value to and preserves it for the long-term
Even an oil painting of the highest-quality can degrade faster than you expect without the right frame.
Do Oil Painting Frames Need Glass?
This is one of the most common questions we get and the answer may surprise you.
In most cases, oil paintings do not need glass when framing. This is because the oil-based paint dries to a durable surface. So, adding glass incorrectly can actually create problems. Things like unwanted glare or trapping moisture inside which can be risky in humid climates if sealing is not done properly.
However, there are a certain exceptions where glass is highly recommended.
Exceptions where framing glass is needed
- On old or very fragile paintings
- Pieces with surface cracking or flaking
- Paintings in dusty or high-traffic areas
- Artwork exposed to touching by human hands
In these cases, we advise adding protective glass or acrylic. With this the glass/acrylic is spaced away from the painting via an inside frame with spacers or raised liner. This prevents the artwork from touching it.
Frame Types and Styles for Oil Paintings
Your framing should match your oil painting AND your space. I know, this is easier said then done but the right choice truly comes from the painting’s style, size, and where you display it.
Most popular frame choices:
- Minimalist Frames: Clean lines for modern or abstract art, great for contemporary condos and offices
- Wood Frames: Rich and detailed for classic or formal art, complements coastal tones and organic textures
- Ornate Frames: Decorative and bold, ideal for traditional homes and offices or historic properties
- Floater Frames: Produces a “floating” gallery-style look, perfect for beach homes and modern interiors
Each one of these frame styles change how the painting is perceived. Thicker, carved frames add drama but a slim, sleek frames help to keep the eye on the artwork.
“The right frame for your oil painting should accentuate it and not compete with it.”
Victoria Jones
Owner of Frame of Mind
Frame vs. No Frame: What Works Best?
You may have seen oil paintings with no frame displayed in some places. While frameless does sometimes work, it’s not always the best option.
Is going frameless right for you?
Well, here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Best For | Visual Effect | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framed | Traditional, formal, valuable art | Polished and complete | High |
| Unframed | Modern, gallery-wrapped canvases | Minimal and contemporary | Moderate |
| Floater Frame | Contemporary and coastal styles | Clean with subtle separation | High |
Going frameless can work if your painting has finished edges and a modern style. But, for most pieces, mainly valuable ones, a frame adds protection and presence. Think of a frame as armor and a spotlight. It shields your piece while drawing attention to the art’s best attributes.
How to Get the Right Oil Painting Frame
Choosing the right one is not about matching colors with your sofa. Instead it’s about complementing the artwork in its place.
Here’s how to make a great framing choice:
- Color harmony: The tone of your oil painting should match. Gold or wood frames work best with warm tones. But black, silver, or neutral finishes work better with cool tones.
- Scale: Think about the size of your oil painting’s canvas. Larger paintings can handle wider frames while smaller pieces look better with thinner options.
- Room style: Look at the room your mounting your painting in. Your frame should fit the environment without overpowering it.
- Artwork first: Let your artwork lead. The frame should support the painting but not compete with it.
- Good rule of thumb: If you notice the frame first, it’s probably too much.
If you’re unsure about how to do any of these, then working with a local custom frame shop can make a huge difference.
Framing Materials Matter a Lot in Florida
Not all frame materials perform well in all environments. The materials used in framing of oil paintings really do affect longevity and appearance. So, choosing the right ones matter.
Here’s a breakdown of the common frame materials.
| Material | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Durable, classic, timeless look, highly customizable | Higher initial cost |
| Composite (MDF) | Budget-friendly, consistent finish with no grain patterns | Less resistant to humidity |
| Metal | Sleek, modern, lightweight, easier to keep clean | Limited styles for oil art |
For oil paintings, the solid wood kind are most often the best choice. This is because it provides strength and a timeless look and feel. Solid wood frames with proper sealing perform the best over time especially in Florida’s environment.
8 Common Framing Mistakes With Oil Paintings
A few missteps can hinder both the beauty and life of your painting. Even a perfect painting can lose its appeal with the wrong frame around it.
Be extra mindful to avoid these 8 mistakes:
- Using a frame not designed for canvas artwork
- Low-quality materials that warp or fade with time
- Ignoring humidity and environmental exposure
- Getting a frame that is too small or large
- Selecting style over structural quality
- Overlooking the painting’s style and era
- Not adding glass or acrylic when it’s needed
- Skipping proper mounting and backing support
Make note of these mistakes because they actually do affect the appearance and lifespan of your artwork.
How Framing Increases the Value of Artwork
The right frame is, without a doubt, important to your art that has financial or sentimental value.
A well-framed oil painting:
- Enhances color, contrast, and visual impact
- Boosts the artwork’s perceived value
- Is more appealing to collectors and buyers
- Strengthens its structural integrity
With this in mind, a poor frame can make the piece look less refined which reduces its value.
When Working With a Professional Is Worth It
If your oil painting has value then working with a seasoned frame shop is priceless. A good framer brings experience, proper tools, and safer materials that can save you a lot of time and costly mistakes. Not to mention their design insight can bring out the most from your framed piece.
You should consider custom framing services if any of these apply:
- Your painting is valuable or irreplaceable
- Climate-aware framing is important to you
- You want personalized design suggestions
- A specific design or finish is required
- You’re unsure on materials or mounting
- The size of the frame is non-standard
- You want faster turnaround and local support
Good frame shops guide you through the entire process because they want the best results. They will help in making decisions to promote beauty and durability.
How to Choose a Good Custom Frame Shop
When it comes to framing of oil paintings, custom work gives the best results. Custom framing gives you control over every detail like style, fit, materials, and protection. This is where it all comes together.
Here’s what you should get with a quality custom framing shop:
- Expert design guidance for your specific oil painting
- Moisture resistant materials for coastal areas
- Better preservation against environmental damage
- A perfect fit for any canvas including non-standard sizes
- High quality materials for long-term strength and support
Buying a mass-produced frame online may seem convenient and less expensive at first. But, way too often they fall short of expectations.
An Example of Framing an Oil Painting
This vibrant oil painting was brought in to us by a collector looking for conservation. First, the painting was cleaned of dust and residue. Then prepped for its new forever home in a simple but eye drawing wood frame.
In order to protect the painting from pests, dust, and other environmental elements, the collector chose Optium Museum Acrylic to seal the face. This ensures the glass will never shatter and damage the painting while keeping reflections nonexistent.
The back of the canvas is nestled on acid-free foam to stabilize it. Then the canvas was placed into the frame and secured into the moulding with metal offsets. This allowed the stretcher bar to remain undamaged and without adhesive residue.
The frame package was slipped into a floater frame. The floater works to protect the sides and creates a completely sealed microenvironment when backed with acid free backing paper. It also protects the edges and allows for the display to rest flat on the wall.
The design of the frame draws the eye in with its warm colors complementing those in the painting. It was neutral enough to work in any surrounding and does not draw attention away from the artwork.
Custom Oil Painting Framing Services
Frame of Mind Custom Frame Shop has been framing oil paintings for nearly two decades. In short, the possibilities are endless at Frame of Mind. Call us at 386-673-0577 or visit our frame shop and art gallery. Ask us about design consultation, delivery, and installation service available only to our custom framing clients.
FAQ
It depends. The style of a painting and the space its going in plays a role. Wood frames work well for classic artwork while metal frames give a more sleek look. Floater frames are popular for modern pieces. Above all, wooden frames with proper sealing gives the best durability in coastal areas.
Yes. Humidity over time can loosen canvas and warp stretcher bars which degrades the structure of the painting. However, proper frame sealing combats these issues by reducing exposure to the painting.
No. Most oil paintings do not need glass. Oil paint forms a stable surface and glass can trap moisture especially in humid climates like Florida. But, in some conditions, protective glass should be used with proper spacing to not directly come into contact with the artwork.
Absolutely. Especially if its valuable or a sentimental piece. Custom framing features a precise fit, better materials, and protection from the environment. In contrast, these are features pre-made frames lack.
It depends really. Custom framing costs can vary based on design, size, and materials used. Smaller pieces usually cost less while larger or more detailed frames cost more. Normally though, the investment reflects better protection and long-term value.