Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more
The question of should paintings be framed under glass has been debated for years. Many believe that framing and displaying paintings without a glass barrier allows them to be better appreciated by viewers. However, some choose to believe the right way to frame painting is under the glass.
It is very important to have all paintings framed under glass. It protects the painting from UV rays that can damage the paint and keep it exposed to dirt and dust. It is important you know that the materials used to frame a painting, and the artworks location may influence a paintings overall maintainability.
In the real sense of it, paintings should be framed in a way that best protects their composition, allowing an artist or conservator to observe any potential defects and prevent them. However, the decision to use glass framing depends on you.
Should Paintings Be Framed Under Glass?
Glass framing is something that many people think about when framing their paintings. When you frame a painting under glass, you protect its surface from the harmful effects of dust and light. The truth is that everyone has their preferences whether it is framed under glass or frames without glass.
However, some people think the best way to preserve paintings is by leaving them un-framed, especially oil painting. Even if you frame an oil painting, you should ensure the painting doesnt rest on the glass as it can affect the quality of the painting.
Also, some people prefer un-framed painting because glass reflects behind the painting, causing glare and making the artless visible. So, leaving the painting naked makes it quite easy to appreciate the beauty of the painting.
While art can be a vibrant and interesting addition to any home, framing under glass is a great way to draw out the unique aspects of particular pieces. It is always important that you do all that is right to keep the painting in good condition for a longer period.
On all grounds, the perfect way to protect your painting is to frame it under glass.
Types Of Paintings That Should Be Framed With Glass
Many paintings can be framed with glass. Sometimes you buy a painting and don’t realize it needs glass until you see the need for it. It is important that you frame your paintings with glass when you receive them as a gift or when you buy them.
If you want your art to stand the test of time and survive the occasional knock, you should consider using glass for framing. In addition to being resistant to ultraviolet light, glass is also scratchproof, making it more durable than standard plastic frames and better able to protect your artwork.
Paper Paintings
The paper paintings are great for decorations, displays, and gifts. They are beautiful to look at and usually displayed at restaurants and cafes. The paper painting is very delicate and needs to be preserved in a clean and dry place.
So, the best way to preserve any paper painting is to use a glass frame. Paper paintings should not be placed directly on a wall because the colors will fade over time due to exposure to dust and dirt. Apart from the color fading, it is likely not to last long because anyone can easily touch it.
Also, you should frame paper painting because paper can be easily damaged, so you may want to consider framing your paper painting with Plexiglas instead of glass. Plexiglas is not as heavy as glass, won’t break easily, and will help keep your artwork damaged.
You should consider protecting your painting further by backing it with something to separate it from the Plexiglas or having a clear glass plate placed on top of it for extra protection when hung on a wall.
Watercolor Painting
Watercolor paintings are a great inexpensive way to decorate your home. However, not all watercolor painting is created equal. You can always make your watercolor painting look extra-special by framing it with glass.
While most prints do not require a glass frame, using one will undoubtedly add a unique touch of flair to your watercolor piece and also help you preserve it for a longer period.
The truth remains that watercolor paintings are one of the most delicate art forms. Beyond just being exposed to light and touched by fingers, they need a bit of extra protection. So, it is always a good choice to frame a watercolor painting with glass because the artwork needs to be protected from the environment.
Pencil Drawings
Framing a pencil drawing in glass is a great way to protect the paper and show it off. Any lover of painting or artistic work will always consider choosing framed pencil drawings to add color, life, and flair to any room.
Also, pencil drawings should be framed with glass because they can be fragile and easily damaged. Glass protects the painting from sunlight and other dangerous elements like humidity. So, if you want to get the most out of your artwork, give it a nice frame to display it.
Ink Drawings
Ink drawings should be framed with glass to ensure the drawings do not get smudged or damaged. The glass on any ink artwork should be closely examined to ensure it is in good condition and suitable for display.
In addition, glass holds your Ink drawing artwork in place, stops dust from building up behind the frame, and protects your work against scratches.
Pastel Painting
Most glass framers believe that pastel paintings should be framed with glass. It is because pastel is made using chalk and other powders. However, it is also because they have a more delicate texture than most paint, making them more vulnerable to bending, smudging, and dulling.
So, you should frame your pastel painting in glass to keep it attractive and prolong its lifespan.
How Do You Glass Frame A Painting?
Glass is a common material for framing artwork. Glass protects artwork from damage, UV rays, and people touching it. Glass can also provide a sense of depth to the painting giving off an illusion of looking through a window.
Since glass is clear, it lets you admire the texture and the quality of the drawing or painting. So, if you want to glass frame a painting, it is very easy to do.
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Get The Dimension Of Your Painting
The best way to glass frames a photo or painting is by allowing the experts to do the task for you. If you acquire the painting for thousands of dollars, you will never want to take the chance of damaging it by framing yourself.
I was once a victim, and it is an experience I want to forget if possible. However, if you want to do the task yourself, you just need to get the dimension of the size and shape of your painting. You need to get a glass frame of your painting’s exact size and shape dimension.
If you get one that doesnt fit perfectly, it means you either have to trim the painting, fold some part, and you can damage it in the process. So, getting the exact dimension will accommodate your painting. You just need to find the right way to get the painting framed and do accordingly.
Frame The Painting In The Glass
Some glass frame has an opening where you get to gently lower down your painting. You must get the right glass frame that will fit your painting. Once you can do that, the rest is history.
Conclusion
Painting and framing your artistic work are one way to beautify any place. Such artistic work is common in museums and some artistic centers, and now you can find them in homes and offices. Many people have ended up getting paintings now and then because they failed to do the needful.
Framing a picture or painting should not be an option but a necessity for anyone who cares to keep the painting for a longer period. The best thing is that you get a glass frame for the painting. On this page, I give the perfect answer to the question Should paintings be framed under glass? And I believe you should make an easy decision after reading this information.
Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.