Q&A for How to Frame an Oil Painting

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What is the best kind of frame for a painting?

Renée Plevy
Portrait Artist & Educator
Renée Plevy is an Internationally Acclaimed Portrait Artist from New York/Palm Beach who has painted The Grand Dames of Palm Beach and various celebrities and community leaders. With over 50 years of experience, Renée specializes in painting realistically in oil and capturing the soul of the person. She has studied under internationally renowned portrait artists John Howard Sanden, David Leffel, Robert Beverly Hale, Clyde Smith, and Leonid Gervits. Renée is featured in over 68 shows and galleries including a one-woman museum show at the Paterson Museum. She has garnered numerous awards including “Artist of the Year” from The Bloomfield Art League and First Prize from the Boca Raton Museum Artist’s Guild. Renée has even painted a portrait of celebrity, Vanilla Ice. She also teaches at the Boca Raton Museum Art School - formerly at SVA in Manhattan.

Renée Plevy

Portrait Artist & Educator

Expert Answer

It really depends on the decor in the room where you want to hang it. Make sure the frame matches the style of the rest of the room's aesthetic.

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Question

What is a box frame?

Community Answer

I assume you are talking about a shadow box, which is similar to a picture frame, but deeper. It is made to hold and display items that you may want to preserve such as a gift given to you.

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Question

What is the name of the piece of wrapped molding between the frame and the painting?

Community Answer

The piece of wrapped molding is called a liner.

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I've seen videos where the paper in the back is cut so the painting can" breathe." Is that necessary?

Community Answer

No. The holes in the back aren’t necessary. That is an old, outdated framing practice which does nothing beneficial.

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Question

Can I glue a canvas oil painting onto a backboard?

Community Answer

You should not use glue with canvas because the ingredients in the glue, even naturally sourced, can soak into the canvas fabric, causing discoloration. Even a fabric glue is not recommended. If the painting is properly framed, the pressure of the securing hardware should keep the frame and backboard compressed and nicely in place.

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Question

Does a canvas painting need a backboard inside the frame?

Phishtacheo

Community Answer

If you can somehow keep it inside the canvas without it falling out, you might not need a backboard. If you want to prevent the back of your painting from getting dusty and/or dirty, then use a backboard.

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I have a canvas painting with a white border. When it's framed should the border show?

Community Answer

No, it should not. It would look better that way.

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Should an oil painting be framed with glass or not?

Community Answer

No. Varnishing protects the dried surfaces of an oil painting and the textures left by the brush marks. Putting glass atop an oil painting only damages that texture and also creates unnecessary glare and reflections. A dried and well-varnished painting can even be gently dusted and gently wiped with a soft, damp cloth (no cleaning products!) if needed.

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