When You Should Frame a Canvas Painting

One of the most common questions we get is “Should I frame my canvas artwork?” The answer is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things to consider before making a decision either way.

First of all, if your piece is stretched properly and the sides of the artwork appeal to you, then displaying it unframed is just fine. Paintings on canvas, unlike photographs or prints, have a texture to them that can be lost or diminished with a frame.

However, framing canvas works has a preservative effect that shouldn’t be disregarded. Framing canvas art not only protects the corners and edges of the piece, but can better protect against structural warping than stretched canvas can – especially if you plan to display the piece for long periods of time.

Concerns about preserving the artist’s intentions can be settled with a float frame or matte background, which allows space between the frame itself and the art, giving it a recessed perspective. It’s a beautiful, tasteful compromise between the art and the importance of preservation.

Interested in learning more about framing canvas artwork? Do you have pieces you’d like to preserve for future generations? Contact Frame Up Studios or swing by our Fremont location during the Fremont Art Walk to learn more about our work and to see local art we’ve chosen to display in our shop. Call us today!