Ideas to Enhance the Personality of Paintings

If you want to enhance the personality of paintings, you need to pay close attention to the frames, the glass, and the background you’re going to use, as they give your paintings a final touch.

These elements also help give an artwork collection continuity. Of course, you need to keep in mind that you have to choose elements of the same type, or material.

Paintings – a frame for each

Legend has it that a famous artist once said, “The frame is the reward of the artist”. It spatially limits a painting, makes hanging easier, enhances it in its environment, and, very importantly, protects it.

The choice of the appropriate frame depends on different factors. We’re going to give you some ideas so that you can choose the one that best suits your piece of art.

Remember that a frame should enhance the painting. Therefore, to choose a frame, you should always consider the environment that will surround it. To do this, you must pay attention to the decorative style of the room where you’re going to hang it.

How to choose frames

Old paintings require more elaborate frames and, in some cases, even ornate ones, in keeping with the era in which they were painted.

Thin frames, made of wood or other materials, are perfect for watercolors, charcoal drawings, and pastel paintings. You should also always protect them with glass!

Oil paintings usually have wider frames and don’t have glass.

Custom frames

Nowadays, you don’t have to be a marquetry expert to make spectacular frames. With simple tools and some imagination, your photos and paintings will look personal and unique!

All you have to do is buy a wooden frame of any size. Then, follow a series of simple steps to make it a unique piece that adapts to any of the themes of your home.

In your children’s rooms, a frame with miniature toys glued to it will look amazing and give it a touch of originality. Also, you can make a textured frame, which is perfect for highlighting classic artwork. Just let your imagination go!

Mats and glass to enhance the personality of paintings

Frames aren’t the only elements that enhance the personality of paintings. Below, you’ll discover two other elements that are key to highlight your works of art.

Is it a good idea to mat paintings?

A mat is a paper-based material that’s placed between a painting, picture, or photo, and the frame. It’s very common for them to have a color border, especially if canvas is used. This way, they accentuate the value of the work.

Many people believe that the purpose of this element is to highlight the piece of art. However, it also seeks to protect both the edges and surfaces of the painting.

The mat separates the painting or drawing from the glass and creates an air chamber. Thus, it absorbs any condensed moisture inside the painting.

Condensation is an important factor in the conservation of artwork. Therefore, the mat must be made of acid-free cardboard (neutral pH). If not, its colors can ruin the painting.

Glass, yes or no?

The environmental conditions that surround a painting determine the use of glass in a frame. One of the aspects you need to take into account is pollution.

Are you going to hang your painting near a window that faces a busy street or near one that overlooks a park full of insects? You also have to consider if you’re going to hang the painting near the kitchen, for example.

If you decide to frame your painting with glass, consider if it’ll be directly exposed to a light source. Remember that it’s best if the light hits the piece perpendicularly so that it doesn’t damage it.

Posters, prints, and silk-screen prints

Since posters and prints are usually large, it’s best to frame them on a wooden or lightweight cardboard mat. Then, you should cover them with Plexiglas or another material that provides a similar finish.

You can mount silk-screen prints and engravings on the same cardboard or on thin wood sheets, also protected with Plexiglas.

As you can see, with these ideas, you can enhance the personality of paintings in an effective and simple way. Try them out today!