How To Matt/Frame and Hang Art

How to matt/frame and hang art:

Now that you have purchase your artwork, there are several options available for matting and framing it. All work done on paper or similar media should be matted- this is a great way to enhance the picture.

Oil paintings: Can use wooden or metal frames. Frames may be purchased ready made at any art supply or arts and crafts store. Make sure the frame is for a canvas painting .There should be no glass to the frame, and it should also have a wooden or metal edge on the back to support the side of the canvas. Consider bringing the painting to the store in order to try out different frames-think of the frame as a part of the painting. If the painting is simple, so should be the frame. Finally, never pick a frame to match the color of your walls, as wall color may change, but the painting will always remain the same.

For Everything Else: Matting and Framing: Matting and framing are most often used with pieces that are one dimensional, such as watercolors, pastels, and ink or pencil drawings. The picture is framed under glass, matted, and has acid free foam board backing. Acid free foam board is available at any art supply store, it prevents paper from aging and is well worth the inexpensive cost. The color of the matt and frame should complement and enhance the picture. Finally, all can either be custom made for a premium cost or inexpensively purchased precut at any art supply or arts and crafts store.

How to hang art:

In order to complete the process, you will need the following supplies: picture framing wire, 2 small eye hooks, brown wrapping paper, paper cutter or scissors, pencil, measuring tape, glass cleaner, paper towels, wire cutter, and glue.

Supplied needed:

Eye hooks:

First, remove the glass from the frame. Be careful the sides of the glass can be very sharp. Measure down each side and place the eye hooks into the frame approximately one-third down from the top of the picture. It may be difficult initially get the eye hooks into the wooden frame. If this is the case, then either lightly tap the top of the hooks with a hammer or use a small drill bit to start the hole. After the eye hooks are in, clean the glass of the frame with a glass cleaner and paper towels.

After completing this part of the process, place the glass back into the frame with the acid free foam board, cut to fit, behind it and then glue the brown paper in place. The last step is adding the picture wire. Put the wire in the eyehooks, make a double loop (this will help stabilize the picture on the wall), pull tight and take the wire to the other wire hook and make another double loop. Wrap the remaining wire around the portion of the wire running between the two hooks.

With the reminder of wire on on each eye hook, wrap it around the wire itself.

How to hang art

The final step in the display process is hanging the piece itself. Most art is hung at eye level, thus allowing the viewer to see it clearly. A picture hook, nail, and hammer are the only items required for this step.

Many considerations factor into choosing the proper spot to hang a picture. Is it going to be the focal point (the first area the eye is drawn to) of the space? If so, it must be placed in an area that the eye naturally focuses on upon entry. Another approach is to hang pictures in groups. This works best with frames share a common theme, such as color or construction material, but one is certainly allowed to be creative when choosing an arrangement.

If hanging pictures en masse, the first step is choosing an appropriately sized space. After this, place the pictures on a level surface and arrange them so that they appear as one even, balanced group. Using a tape measure, proceed to hang them on the wall as previously spaced on the level surface. A small art lamp may also be used to enhance the appearance of the piece. These are available at most lighting stores and some hardware stores. Remember, the more time spent hanging art appropriately, the better it will look.

Now sit back and enjoy the art...