Should I Frame My Canvas Prints?

Often we come across questions by our customers: "Should I frame my canvas?", "Do I have to?", "Why might I want to?", "Is it necessary to frame a canvas?", "Should I frame my artwork?". The answer is a matter of a personal choice, but there are a few things to consider before making a decision either way. So let's dive into this topic here.

 

Stretched Canvas

The shortest answer to most of these questions is this: if the canvas is stretched and you’re satisfied with how the sides of it look, you can go ahead and display it unframed. If your piece is pulled correctly and the sides of the artwork appeal to you, then showing it unframed is just fine.  A painting or print on canvas, unlike art on paper, has a structure and a shape all on its own. We positively don’t recommend to frame all of your canvases though. It mostly depends on the kind of decor you have to match the canvas along with it accordingly. For instance, one of our loyal customers has a piece; in particular, one might call “mixed media” on canvas that he purchased years ago at a gallery opening.  

The art piece was created on extra deep stretcher bars with an image transferred into the top of the section as an extra layer.  It’s edgy, and a bit unfinished, and he wanted to keep it that way. And the problem was if he framed it, the art would be compromised. An essential purpose of a canvas frame is to complete a look, not to interfere with the original intent of the artist.

Also, we’ve seen many customers over the years create replicas or photographic prints on canvas which they finish as a gallery wrap or museum wrap and never framed.  The unfolded edges simply become part of the piece that the artist wishes to display. So it could act like a look and a design decision.

Paintings on canvas, unlike photos or prints, have a texture to them that can be faded or diminished with a frame.

However, framing canvas works has a prophylaxis effect that shouldn't be disregarded. Framing canvas art not only guards the corners and edges of the piece but can better safeguard against structural warping than stretched canvas can - especially if you plan to display the piece for more extended periods.

That said, more often than not, we do like to see canvas paintings framed to fit both the way of the art and the environment where it will be displayed.  A pretty landscape, still life or family portrait painted with oils or acrylics can be elegantly highlighted with simple, high-quality materials. A linen liner joined to a carved profile- think maybe a gold or silver leaf, acid-cleansed bronze, or hand-rubbed beeswax- is a timeless, easily achievable look.

Concerns about preserving the artist's purposes can be settled with a matte background, which provides space between the frame itself and the art, addressing it as a recessed perspective. It's a beautiful, tasteful understanding between the art and the value of preservation.

It is also called a float frame, named that way because it allows for a slight space or ‘float’ within the canvas and the inside edge of the frame, giving the art a recessed view.  These frames are added to the canvas from the back as exposed to cover the image with a lip on the front.  One benefit of this method is that it presents 100% of the artwork to the viewer. The float frame also provides a sophisticated and graceful separation between framework and its surroundings, which is why you often see this fashion in modern settings.

Are you interested in learning more about framing canvas artwork? Do you have pieces you'd like to preserve for future generations? Contact CanvasChamp -visit our website. We will walk you through our work and give detailed expertise on framing and non-framing options on canvas prints. Visit us online today!