How to Frame an Oil Painting
Grab a tape measure., Decide if it is a standard size., Shop around at local craft stores, frame shops and online., Unwrap the frame., Remove the glazier points with needle nosed pliers., Remove the saw tooth hanger, if it is already installed...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Grab a tape measure.
Measure the height and width of your oil painting. -
Step 2: Decide if it is a standard size.
If it is 5 by 7 inches (12.7 to
17.7 cm), 6 by 8 inches (15.2 to
20.3 cm), 8 by 10 inches (20.3 to
25.4 cm), 11 by 14 inches (27.9 to
35.6 cm), 16 x 20 inches (40.6 to
50.8 cm), 20 by 24 inches (50.8 to 61 cm), 22 by 28 inches (55.9 to
71.1 cm) or 30 by 40 inches (76.2 to
101.6 cm) then you should be able to find a frame yourself.
If it is a different size and you can’t find the size in a craft store, then you will need to have a custom frame made.If you have a non-standard size, it will cost considerably more to have it custom framed.
You may want to consider hanging the canvas without a frame on your wall. , Choose a frame that fits the style of your oil painting.
The following are common types of frames.
Molded plastic frames are plastic.
They come in black, colors and faux antique finishes.
They must have a wooden back so that you can install mounting hardware.
Wooden frames come in many different sizes and shapes.
They can be antique or very modern.
They can also have beveling.
The more complicated the frame, the more it can be either distracting or flattering to the painting.
Metal frames.
Gold or silver frames can highlight a painting, but they are generally chosen to match a room’s décor or antique style., Remove the glass and backing board.
You will not need them to frame an oil painting, because this type of paint needs to breathe. , You will need to be careful and strong to remove these small metal points that are used to keep the glass in place.
Don’t frame an oil painting with the glazier points still in, or you can damage the painting and canvas. , Since the canvas will extend past the frame, it will not hang the painting.
You will need to install a wire hanger later. , Place the oil painting face down in the opening.
Pick it up to see if it is spaced right.
Make any adjustments to its placement now. , Frame clips are sold at art supply stores and online.
If the frame clips don’t fit around the wooden stretcher on the canvas, you will need to buy a pack of offset clips.
These clips are used by professional framers.
They must be screwed into the canvas and the wooden stretcher as well as the frame, so they require a more permanent change. ,, Cut 4 strips of tape and place them just outside your canvas. , It will need to cover the tape and the painting. ,, Size it and press firmly to attach the dust cover.
A dust cover creates a barrier between the air and wall and the canvas.,, Place them 4 inches (10 cm) down from the top of the frame and 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the side edge.
Use a ruler to be as accurate as possible. ,, When the wire is straight, wrap the additional wire around the clips and loop it around the wire. , Objects can adhere to the still-tacky surface of the paint.
Pound a nail into the wall and hang your oil painting. -
Step 3: Shop around at local craft stores
-
Step 4: frame shops and online.
-
Step 5: Unwrap the frame.
-
Step 6: Remove the glazier points with needle nosed pliers.
-
Step 7: Remove the saw tooth hanger
-
Step 8: if it is already installed.
-
Step 9: Turn the frame so that the front is laying on a flat
-
Step 10: clean work surface.
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Step 11: Insert frame clips underneath the frame and over the wooden stretcher at the back of the canvas.
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Step 12: Check that the painting is clipped firmly to the frame.
-
Step 13: Apply heavy-duty double stick tape around the back of the frame.
-
Step 14: Cut a piece of brown craft paper that is several inches bigger than the dimensions of your frame.
-
Step 15: Remove the backing on the double stick tape.
-
Step 16: Set the craft paper over the back of the canvas.
-
Step 17: Buy a set of wire mounting hardware.
-
Step 18: Set 2 mounting rings on either side of the back of your frame.
-
Step 19: Screw them into the frame with a screwdriver.
-
Step 20: String the wire through the clips.
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Step 21: Flip the painting around immediately after hanging.
Detailed Guide
Measure the height and width of your oil painting.
If it is 5 by 7 inches (12.7 to
17.7 cm), 6 by 8 inches (15.2 to
20.3 cm), 8 by 10 inches (20.3 to
25.4 cm), 11 by 14 inches (27.9 to
35.6 cm), 16 x 20 inches (40.6 to
50.8 cm), 20 by 24 inches (50.8 to 61 cm), 22 by 28 inches (55.9 to
71.1 cm) or 30 by 40 inches (76.2 to
101.6 cm) then you should be able to find a frame yourself.
If it is a different size and you can’t find the size in a craft store, then you will need to have a custom frame made.If you have a non-standard size, it will cost considerably more to have it custom framed.
You may want to consider hanging the canvas without a frame on your wall. , Choose a frame that fits the style of your oil painting.
The following are common types of frames.
Molded plastic frames are plastic.
They come in black, colors and faux antique finishes.
They must have a wooden back so that you can install mounting hardware.
Wooden frames come in many different sizes and shapes.
They can be antique or very modern.
They can also have beveling.
The more complicated the frame, the more it can be either distracting or flattering to the painting.
Metal frames.
Gold or silver frames can highlight a painting, but they are generally chosen to match a room’s décor or antique style., Remove the glass and backing board.
You will not need them to frame an oil painting, because this type of paint needs to breathe. , You will need to be careful and strong to remove these small metal points that are used to keep the glass in place.
Don’t frame an oil painting with the glazier points still in, or you can damage the painting and canvas. , Since the canvas will extend past the frame, it will not hang the painting.
You will need to install a wire hanger later. , Place the oil painting face down in the opening.
Pick it up to see if it is spaced right.
Make any adjustments to its placement now. , Frame clips are sold at art supply stores and online.
If the frame clips don’t fit around the wooden stretcher on the canvas, you will need to buy a pack of offset clips.
These clips are used by professional framers.
They must be screwed into the canvas and the wooden stretcher as well as the frame, so they require a more permanent change. ,, Cut 4 strips of tape and place them just outside your canvas. , It will need to cover the tape and the painting. ,, Size it and press firmly to attach the dust cover.
A dust cover creates a barrier between the air and wall and the canvas.,, Place them 4 inches (10 cm) down from the top of the frame and 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the side edge.
Use a ruler to be as accurate as possible. ,, When the wire is straight, wrap the additional wire around the clips and loop it around the wire. , Objects can adhere to the still-tacky surface of the paint.
Pound a nail into the wall and hang your oil painting.
About the Author
James Rivera
Enthusiastic about teaching DIY projects techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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