Canvas framing: Is it the same as framing a print
Finding the right framing option for your artwork is essential. A canvas painting or photo is a unique form of artwork that requires careful attention when choosing a frame. The right framing option for your canvas and print can make a huge difference in how your artwork is displayed, how long it lasts, and how much value it holds over time.
Framing a canvas painting is very different from framing a print. While prints can be mounted behind glass and include matting, canvas paintings require a different framing process. A canvas painting is hand-stretched and stapled wrapped around an inner frame, with hanging hardware attached, this is ready to hang. You may opt to add a frame to the stretched canvas in order to protect the corners from knocks, hide unfinished or raw sides, for aesthetics to add to the artwork and create a boundary, defining the space.
The frame you choose will depend on your personal preferences, the artwork itself, and where it will be displayed. There are two framing options to choose from:
1. Float Frames:
A float frame is designed to make the artwork appear as though it is floating within the frame. The artwork sits slightly away from the frame edge, creating a visible gap that adds depth and a contemporary, gallery-style finish. Because the artwork does not touch the frame, the sides of the piece remain visible, making this style especially well-suited to canvas works. Float frames are often chosen when a clean, modern look is desired and when the artwork itself is meant to be the main focus.
2. Capping Frames:
A capping frame sits over the edge of the artwork by approximately 5mm, holding it securely in place. The frame slightly overlaps the front of the piece, creating a more traditional and structured appearance. This subtle overlap helps protect the edges of the artwork while providing a clean, defined border around the image. Capping frames are commonly used for works on paper, photographic prints, and three-dimensional items, though they can also be used for canvases. They are particularly useful when a wider border is desired, allowing the artwork more visual breathing space on the wall. With a broad range of colours, sizes, and styles available, capping frames are ideal if you’re looking to make a stronger visual impact.
Once the canvas has been stretched and the frame has been put on, it’s time to hang it on the wall… But we haven’t added glass yet, so why not?
Using glass when framing a canvas is generally not recommended because glass can come into direct contact with the canvas, which can lead to several problems.
Firstly, glass can stick to the canvas, especially if the painting is exposed to heat or humidity. This can cause the paint to lift off the canvas when the glass is removed, damaging the artwork.
Secondly, glass does not protect paintings from fading. In fact, if the glass is not UV-resistant, it can accelerate the fading process by allowing harmful UV rays to penetrate the painting. Over time, this can cause the colours in the painting to fade and become less vibrant.
Thirdly, condensation. Glass can also cause condensation to form between it and the painting. This can happen when there are rapid changes in temperature or humidity, such as when a painting is moved to a different location. The moisture can damage the artwork and cause mould and mildew to grow.
For these reasons, we do recommend that you don’t put any glass on top of a painted canvas. Once it’s on the wall, a gentle wipe with a dusting cloth should remove any dirt and dust that has settled on the artwork.
Artist: Felicity Lee