Work on Paper - Posters, Photographs, Watercolors, Pastels etc.

Artwork on paper is usually mounted using acid - free materials. Visually the mount draws the eye into the picture. It can be decorated with lines and colour washes. Stepped mounts using various colours can help create a greater impression of perspective.

The mount separates the picture from the glass. If the picture is pressed against the glass this allows humidity changes in the atmosphere to become trapped, damaging the pigment. Heat from sunlight can cause photographs to bond with the glass. If for some reason a mount is not used a spacer can be placed in the rebate to separate the glass from the picture.

Work on paper needs to be glazed. 2mm clear glass is sufficient for most framing jobs. However large works should be framed with Perspex or Plexiglas, this makes it safer to handle and less heavy. Perspex/Plexiglas should not be used with pastels because the static electricity can draw pigment from the paper on to the glass.

Light sensitive works like watercolours and photographs should be glazed with conservation or museum guard glass. This has a UV filter to help reduce these damaging rays reaching the paper.

Oil and Acrylic Paintings

Oils and Acrylics are usually close framed without a mount. A slip is used to produce the same effect as the mount, i.e. to give perspective, enhance colour and to create a break between painting and frame.

The Frame

There are many profiles to choose from.

Within these groups there are many shapes and sizes.

After the choice of profile, there is the choice of finish.

Gold has always been the favorite choice, whether genuine 23 1/2CT gold or imitation. Other finishes are just as striking. Silver works well with cool colours, blues and greens. Frames painted with a complimentary colour suit modern oils and acrylics. Dark stained and polished woods have traditionally been used on equestrian and sporting prints. Light woods suit contemporary artwork and settings.

If you would like further information about framing your artwork, or would like to visit the studio, please e-mail or telephone us.