How to frame watercolors for art show

March 7, 2022 3:53 PM

So, I had a couple of watercolor pieces accepted into a hyperlocal art show (8x10 and 9x12) and I have to provide them to the show framed. Whaaaaaat should a frame for an art show look like? (I know I need to provide a hanging wire, not a sawtooth.) I've never framed anything except for hanging at home. Constraints inside.

I, um, totally entered on a lark, never imagining they would accept my work. I have exactly one month from today to get them framed. I also was not really planning to spend a lot to HAVE them framed. I don't have a local framer I like; I do have a local Michael's that does a decent enough job.

I don't intend to sell them. One will go to my mom and the other ... I guess I will hang in my house or something, since it'll be framed? They will be displayed for six weeks at the local library.

Thanks, friends. I don't usually go into things without a lot of pre-planning, so I'm a little freaking out!

posted by Eyebrows McGee to Media & Arts (11 answers total)

You can get metal section frames at Michael's - you want to allow 2-3" of matte all around the painting minimum. White matte. Michael's can cut the mat for you. Ideally you want to size it in a standard size - much less expensive to get the framing parts. So for the 8 x 10 think about a 12 x 16" frame and 14 x 18 or 16 x 20 frames for the bigger one. Michael's will also sell readymades - frame, glass and matte in those sizes and that can be a cheaper way to go. Pick up some artist tape to attach the pieces to the back of the matte - only attaching at the top with a couple strips or hinges. Ready made frames like that will be the simplest and least expensive way to go.
posted by leslies at 4:06 PM on March 7, 2022 [9 favorites]

oh and congrats!
posted by leslies at 4:06 PM on March 7, 2022 [6 favorites]

Congratulations! I agree with leslies re: Michaels. A simple metal frame with a mat is the way to go.
posted by Dolley at 4:12 PM on March 7, 2022

The art is supposed to be the focus, so I wouldn't even try for elaborate framing. Get the archival hinging tape, it's only a little bit more expensive. I have had lovely results with fully custom frames from Level Framing. But if you have a standard size likely you can get a premade frame and, at worst, a custom matte. I would go to any place that sells frames and see what you like. Doesn't have to be metal, but simple, less-prominent style is almost certainly the way to go. Congratulations!
posted by wnissen at 4:13 PM on March 7, 2022

If you are near Ikea and just want an easy solution they have lots of frames for very low prices that can frame standard-size art, probably only in black and white. It does benefit the work to have a properly-sized matte, so keep that in mind. You'll want some "artists tape" to affix the paper inside the matt, just dabs of tape at the top or corners.

Local art-supply stores often frame work, and their customer base is students, so the prices would probably be between freestanding framers and Ikea. I find that simple painted or natural wood frames work well with watercolor and don't draw the eye away from the artwork.

I framed some similarly-sized kid art at a local framer, and it was more than $100 per piece, so framing can get pricey quickly. Congratulations and keep painting!
posted by citygirl at 4:14 PM on March 7, 2022 [2 favorites]

I find framed and matted art at thrift stores and just switch out the art. Works best with smaller, commonly sized pieces. I touch up the frames, if needed, with acrylic paint or even Sharpie markers. You can also always paint the frame whatever color you want.
posted by BoscosMom at 5:33 PM on March 7, 2022 [3 favorites]

Dick Blick, and Utrecht, art suppliers have frames with mats. They would be right there, in just a few days. They carry metal, simple wood. I like wood for watercolor, myself. Sometimes you can hit yard sales, and people put out art for like $5. You can take it apart, and put your stuff in. Those sized are way standard. You can easily buy the mats, for these sizes and glass.
posted by Oyéah at 6:49 PM on March 7, 2022

It really depends on the subject matter. In my neck of the woods, most watercolors are outdoor scenes and the artists tend to prefer a simple varnished wood frame. Something thin and simple.

Matting is a contentious subject. Some artists prefer matting that is the same color as the watercolor paper. Others contend the matting should pick-up a neutral tone from the painting itself. Flip a coin. IMHO they’re both right.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:08 PM on March 7, 2022

This is in fact hyperlocal but I've used The Great Frame Up and had a good experience. Probably on the pricey end but they will have an actual expert on hand to talk to. (It was a few... no, maybe kinda many years ago, though, so ymmv.)
posted by restless_nomad at 9:00 PM on March 7, 2022

(The one on Skokie Valley, to be clear.)
posted by restless_nomad at 9:10 PM on March 7, 2022

Congratulations!

Nobody’s mentioned it, so: if you frame them yourself, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for acid-free mats that won’t damage the paper in the long term. Not all mat board is created equal, and the better stuff has been rendered ph-neutral. When looking for quality mat board, it can help to look for boards labeled either “acid-free” or “archival,” though the cost of museum/conservation-grade stuff might be more than you wish to spend if you’re aiming way cheap. A good framing store is (in my experience) not going to be using acidic boards.

Also, if you have the work framed and don’t DIY, you may wish to ask about type of glass used. As with mat boards, not all glass is equal.
posted by cupcakeninja at 3:08 AM on March 8, 2022