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How To Do Your Own Art Framing
If you have a photograph, artwork or image you want to display, chances are it means a lot to you. A precious memory in photographic form, a painting that has taken you hours to create or just a picture you love that transports you elsewhere can all become an amazing piece of home decor with the addition of a quality picture frame.
At Spotlight you can choose from an incredible range of picture frames for your artwork, all ideal for doing some DIY picture framing at home. Learning how to frame a picture is a valuable skill that will ensure you can confidently display your favourite photos and artwork without shelling out for a professional service. Whether you need to do some art framing on a budget or just love everything DIY, this blog will go through everything you need to know about how to frame a picture at home!
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What You Need For DIY Framing
Buying a ready-to-use frame from Spotlight means you'll have almost everything you need to start art framing straight away!
When choosing the type of frame to use, how to choose a frame colour for art that suits both the picture itself and your surrounding home? Most frames will come in black, white and natural wood colours, although you can also find metallic gold and silver variations. Pick a frame that can complement the colours in your image - black and white photos will pop with a black frame, while a blue and gold fluid art piece will look even grander with a gold frame.
To choose the right-sized frame for your artwork, you first need to decide if you want your framed piece to have a mat or not. The term 'mat' refers to the thick, usually white border around your image inside some photo and picture frames. A mat gives your image some breathing room from the edge of the frame, but it may stifle very large pieces. A mat can make a small photo or painting have a bit more presence on your wall, and can turn a casual photograph into a work of art!
Choose from single frames, collage frames, large certificate frames, shadow box frames and handy frame multi-packs in our photo and picture frames category.
Here are a few more things you should have on hand:
- Acid-free photo or mounting tape
- Wall hooks or other hanging tools
- Acid-free mat paper, if your frame doesn't include a mat and you'd like one
- Sharp cutting knife or box cutter
- Clean microfibre cloth
Once you have all of these, as well as your picture and a frame that fits it, it's time to start the DIY framing process.
Where To Hang Your DIY Framed Picture
Almost as important as knowing how to frame a picture is deciding where you will actually hang it in your home. Art should always be hung at or just above eye level for the best viewing experience, and it also ensures your images are well out of the way of pets or children.
When choosing where to hang your art, you need to consider if there's any chance the art could be damaged by the elements. Direct sunlight can cause your image to become discoloured and brittle if not protected by UV-resistant glass, while moisture from sources like the kitchen and bathroom can cause your art to go mouldy in the frame or cause water to collect inside it.
The best rooms to hang pictures in are the bedroom, living room, dining room and office. Avoid kitchens and bathrooms, and if you really want framed art in these spaces, avoid hanging them near sources of water and keep them near a source of ventilation if possible.
How To Frame Art Step By Step
Now that you have everything you need and you know where you want to hang your image, it's time to start some DIY picture framing. Make sure your workspace and your hands are clean before you start so you don't dirty your art or the frame. Handle the frame carefully so you can avoid getting fingerprints on the glass.
- Place the frame face down on your work surface and use your knife to lift up any of the flexible metal tabs that keep the back of the frame in place. Lift the back and any extras inside, like the mat, up and away so you are left with just the frame and the glass front.
- Mount your picture to either the backing board or the underside of the mat using your acid-free tape. If your paper is quite thin use a minimal amount of tape preferably at the top of the image, as this will help prevent it from buckling and warping inside the frame. You can also use your cutter to alter the dimensions of the mat if you need to.
- Ensure the inside of the glass is clean by giving it a quick wipe-over with a dry microfibre cloth. Then place the joined picture and backing/mat into the frame, image-down so it faces out through the glass.
- Press the metal tabs back down onto the backing of the frame to ensure all your layers stay in place. Turn the frame over and inspect it to make sure you are happy with how your image looks - now is the time to take it apart and again and adjust anything if needed.
Now you can hang your framed artwork! And since you have the very handy skill of knowing how to frame art, you can continue to create and hang as many works of art as you like in your home.
There are a few different ways to hang a picture - read our helpful blog on how to choose and hang wall art for more information on this process.
Discover Beautiful Art, Frames And DIY Framing Supplies At Spotlight
We have all the frames you need to display your favourite picture at home, as well as gorgeous wall art if you need some new images to dress up your walls. Shop for picture frames online, pay your way and we'll deliver your order straight to your front door. Otherwise, visit your nearest Spotlight store and our friendly team will be able to help you find the perfect frame for your artwork or photograph.
For more information on other products you can use to decorate your home, check out our buying guides on home decor cushions, home fragrances and rugs and mats. And for a little decorative inspiration make sure to read any of our decorate blogs, like those on 5 living room decor ideas, 5 ways to style vases in the home and 5 ways to decorate with fairy lights.
