Framing art drawings involves several options to enhance and protect your work, including standard and floating frames.
Standard Framing
Steps for Standard Framing:
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Mounting: To achieve a perfect fit within a standard frame and mat, mount your artwork on a piece of contrasting archival paper. This creates a clean and professional look, highlighting your drawing.
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Matting: Use a mat board to separate the artwork from the glass. This creates visual space and prevents the artwork from sticking to the glass. Mat boards also come in a variety of colors to compliment the drawing.
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Frame Selection: Choose a frame that suits the style of your drawing. Consider the color and material of the frame to ensure that it compliments the art.
- Frame Material: Consider materials like wood, metal, or synthetic options.
- Frame Color: Choose a color that enhances the artwork without overpowering it.
- Frame Width: A thicker frame can add importance to the piece, while a thinner one can give a more subtle and modern look.
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Glass: Use either standard glass or UV-protective glass to protect your drawing from damage and fading. Acrylic can also be used and is lightweight and shatter-resistant, but it can scratch easily.
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Assembly: Secure the layers with backing board, the artwork and matt, and then the glass before fitting it into the frame. Make sure the artwork is not creased, or folded.
Considerations for Standard Framing:
- Choose acid-free mat boards and backing to prevent damage to the drawing.
- Ensure that your frame and mounting materials match the size of the artwork.
Floating Frames
Floating frames offer a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
How Floating Frames Work:
- Two Pieces of Glass: This frame style uses two pieces of glass instead of a backer board.
- Art Placement: The art is placed snugly between these two pieces of glass.
- Transparent Mat: The glass creates a transparent mat around the artwork.
- Floating Effect: This setup gives the impression that the drawing is floating within the frame.
Considerations for Floating Frames:
- These are ideal for artwork that you want to showcase without obstruction.
- Floating frames provide a unique perspective and create a contemporary feel.
Framing Options Comparison
| Feature | Standard Framing | Floating Framing |
|---|---|---|
| Mat | Uses mat board to separate art from glass | Uses transparent glass as a 'mat' |
| Backing | Utilizes a backer board | Employs two pieces of glass |
| Aesthetic | Traditional, can be customized with different mats and frame styles | Modern, minimalist, 'floating' appearance |
| Artwork Style | Versatile, suitable for most drawings | Best suited for artwork with clean edges |
| Protection | Good protection from dust and physical damage | Good protection with the artwork enclosed in glass |
