A Few Pointers on Framing

 

Glass-covered paintings: Once a glass-covered picture is in its frame it is important to tape the back. This will seal the work from damp and dust, and hide unsightly pins. Apply broad, brown picture framer’s tape all the way round the edge on the back, covering the fine slit between the frame and the backing board. Watercolours and drawings in particular, can suffer if not sealed in this way, leading to cockling in damp weather, and to eventual staining.

 

Paintings on canvas: While the deep box canvases are acceptable as they are, it is preferable, though not essential, that a painting on a thinner canvas is framed.

However, if the canvas is presented in such a way that the edges can be seen, there must be no staples or nail heads visible.

In order to avoid such problems purchase canvases that are stapled on the back. Colour can be continued around the edge, or white or pale grey applied to give a neat finish to the edge.

 

Hanging method: For all paintings Use a pair of D-rings screwed on over the tape approximately one third down from the upper edge of the frame. Any lower and the picture will hang outwards from the wall. Any higher and the cord will show above your work.

The metal ring is often D-shaped, but could just as usefully be triangular or circular. All are equally acceptable as they lie flat. The D-ring plate must be well attached with screws. With this in mind, avoid plastic frames, or very thin frames, as they do not provide a secure grip for screws. Look for something more robust to avoid problems.

 

Hanging cord: Do not use sewing thread, garden twine or metal filament as hanging cord. Always use picture hanging cord, made for the purpose, available at hardware shops, usually in four thicknesses. Thick is for heavy frames, and fine for small pictures. It is also available, of course, online. It’s quite cheap. Ideally bend the ends of the knot to one side and wrap with brown tape: neat, secure, and the traditional finish.

 

The cord should not be pulled into a tight, horizontal line, as this is difficult to handle and to hang. Neither should it be very long and loose as, when hung, screws and hooks appear above the picture, not acceptable in exhibition. For a medium-sized picture the ideal distance from the top of the hung cord to the upper edge of the frame is three-to-four inches. This helps the person hanging it…..and the person who buys it!

 

The front of the picture frame, of course, should be clean and free of marks.

 

Things which are unacceptable are rusty nails, carpet tape, crossed out prices and general mess.

 

Think of what you would like to buy - a neat and attractive object.

Good luck with your sales!

 

Ernie Lee