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Frames for Canvas Paintings
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Message
Posted
I've been trying to find some info regarding framing canvas paintings, both stretched and board. IE How much does it cost for a modern, no fuss, frame of around 50 x 40 cms. I don't want the frame to compete with the painting btw. I don't mind mounting them myself but I'm pretty much in the dark as to reasonable pieces. I have looked on a few sites but everything seems a tad vague. It's a bit like going to the doctors. "Oh, it could be any number of things". *smile*
I know it's an inexact question but any help would be very much appreciated. I've received a request or two for the odd painting, that's all, and up till now my paintings have remained frameless.
Best to all
Bri
PS
I live in the Greater Manchester area, if that helps at all.
B
Edited
by Beemax
Posted
This company has a wide selection Bri, don’t be put off by the bulk buying info, most come in packs of four, I think that’s the minimum. Cost obviously comes down to size, quality and material. A friend of mine uses the company but she does buy in bulk, keeps the cost down.
https://www.tradepictureframes.co.uk
Posted
Take a look at Ashcraft Framing, and Woodware Workshops. There's also a company called, from memory, Eze-frame, which does standard sizes that don't look like those cheap and nasty photo frames you used to find: horrible, flimsy things.
A local framer, if you can find one, might offer you a fair price for a job lot of frames of the same dimensions, but prices are going to be higher for a skilled job at bespoke dimensions. I still think it's worth it, because I hate a canvas without a frame - and if selling a framed painting, you make sure you factor in the cost. IF you can find a buyer in today's market.......... gloom mode....
Posted
Thank you very much indeed, Fiona, Marjorie, Sylvia and Robert, for the more than generous replies. I genuinely appreciate the advice and recommendations, all of which I'll look at closely. I always think my standard canvases look unfinished when I see them on the wall without a frame, yet the deep edged variety look fine IMHO. I've even toyed with the idea of sticking with deep edged for all paintings from now on, but I'm not at all sure. I've just started a deep edged painting for my sister, so I'll see how it turns out before telling her about the decision. I think it'll be a case of trial and error in the end but your thoughts, and especially your experiences, have helped enormously.
Ah, today's market indeed, Robert! Hope springs eternal. *smile*
Thanks again
Best
Bri
Edited
by Beemax
Posted
I have a few small paintings on deep edge canvases - and on the whole am inclined to the view that they're better unframed; although you're then faced with the question of whether you paint the sides or not; we've been here before! I don't like paintings which continue on the sides, but there we are: some do.
For a larger canvas - anything from 8" by 10" upwards (which is tiny for some people here of course) I think a frame almost invariably helps the picture to work. I've seen plenty of really large paintings without frames, taking up half a wall in someone's house - I've always felt they're just not complete; orphaned, even. But - modern fashion and I are not on close terms.
You'll be guided by the customer more often than not - but if they're spending a few hundred pounds on a painting, it's always worth reminding them that a frame will help to protect it from accidental knocks, picture hooks failing, even objects banging into the picture, because a frame can deflect quite a lot of accidental contact with someone's head or shoulder if you're having a party!
But my real reason for liking frames is that they help to concentrate the eye.
Posted
I've bought online in the past and been reasonably pleased, but a decent size one still isn't cheap, and don't forget that postage. Many offer free postage as we know over a certain amount.
For most of my stuff on sale locally I make my own up, having some framing kit here, but also unlimited access to professional Morso guillotines and underpinners etc. just a stones throw away at a little craft shop that sells my work.
Prices for moulding varies considerably, there are some good alternatives to wood to be had mind you which will keep the price down. Polcore is the most commonly used plastic based moulding, and it's excellent. But making one's own frames is an expensive set-up and certain crafting skills are required, but easily mastered over time.
For competition entries I always take my work to an old established framers that I've used for years. They need to be spot-on for competitions and obviously they have a huge range of mouldings to select from, as well as offering advice. I generally opt for a double frame for my oil paintings, most of which are painted on canvas board or 3mm gessoed MDF. I like the thin white inner frame (called a slip) next to the work, it just adds that little something. The frame, (or frames to be correct) below was on a 20 x 20in board and cost me fifty quid, which ain't bad for what you get. And they come back all superbly finished off at the back. Yes, I know nobody sees the back, but I like perfection.
Edited
by alanbickley
Posted
Thank you very much, Rachel, for the info'. Appreciated. I'll have a look at easyframe to see what's what, so thanks for the helpful nudge, and please DO keep me informed about your experiences with your new frames. It's becoming clear that it's not always just about price even though price is definitely an important factor.
Bri
Posted
There's a framer close to where I live but they seem a bit reluctant to talk. The first guy I spoke to ignored my requests for frame prices and said they weren't buying just selling. I hadn't a clue what he was talking about and had to push to get him to commit to a 40 x 30 cms frame price, made to order. Eventually he quoted approx £30. You'd think I'd asked him for the keys to his house.
I love the way you frame your paintings, Alan, especially with that slip providing space between the painting and the exterior frame. It looks classy.
Ah, I didn't know the deeper frames were available, Sylvia, but like you, I like the large deep edged canvases left unframed. I have one in my bedroom and it looks great without the frame, although I don't paint the edges. I leave them blank, usually by adding a brightened titanium white. In this way they stand out from the wall, I find.
Excellent point about protecting the back of paintings, Robert. I have a habit of writing the title, in oil, on the back with an extra and fuller signature & date.
Lots of good advice and helpful pointers, here, so thank again to all for the generous contributions. Much appreciated.
Bri
Bri
Posted
Open frames, of any design or material, are best for canvas art. Do not cover it with glass, as condensation between the glass and painting can cause mold or mildew and damage the painting. As for the design of the frame, that is dependent upon the art itself. Ornate framework well with detailed, traditional pieces. Simpler frames work better with simpler art. The details of frame design are really a personal preference. A professional framer can help you assess your options.
Posted
Don't think so, Alan - I can't find a way to, anyway. Well, there is a way, but it's cumbersome.
Much better if we can prevail upon people not to insert irrelevant links promoting their business - unless that business or website is related to the activities of this forum, it just causes irritation without even benefiting the person posting it!
Edited
by RobertJones