Oil paintings aren’t cheap, and even if they were, they are human creations that deserve to be cherished. Framing not only adds to their aesthetic appeal and makes them pop, but also protects them from damage.

Without the right frame, your artwork risks not only clashing with its surroundings but also suffering damage from dust, UV rays, and environmental wear. Each day, countless paintings age prematurely due to poor framing choices.
 

In terms of aesthetics, the frame should complement the painting. For instance, a wooden frame might be ideal for classic styles like impressionist-inspired works. The frame should match the painting’s style and colors while also aligning with your home’s design aesthetic.

"The damage caused by ultraviolet light is cumulative and often invisible until it’s too late." says Dr. Emily Scott.

Whether it's an old favorite or a new piece, the right canvas frame can make it stand out and fit perfectly in your space.

Why Should You Frame an Oil Painting?

A frame not only adds to the visual appeal of the artwork but also protects it from dust, moisture, UV rays, and physical damage. Framing an oil painting is essential for both preservation and presentation. Without proper framing, oil paintings can suffer from fading, cracking, and environmental wear, significantly reducing their longevity.

The right frame turns an oil painting into a focal point. It invites viewers to engage with the art on a deeper level.

There are a lot of framing materials and styles.

✔ Wooden frames bring classic elegance, ideal for traditional or vintage-style paintings.
✔ Metal frames offer a sleek, modern touch, perfect for contemporary art.
✔ Gilded finishes add a luxurious, timeless feel, often used for baroque-style paintings.
✔ Floating frames create a clean, minimalist look that enhances vibrant or abstract works.

Beyond aesthetics, the width and depth of a frame can influence how large or significant a painting appears. A well-proportioned frame ensures a cohesive, balanced look that complements both the artwork and its surroundings.

How to Frame an Oil Painting - 6 Steps

The process involves choosing the right frame, carefully placing and securing the painting, adding a backing board for support, and hanging it properly to display it at its best.

1. Get the Materials

Begin by assembling all necessary items: select a frame that complements your painting’s style, a backing board for structural support, the painting itself, and fasteners such as clips or nails to secure the artwork within the frame.

Consider the environment where the painting will be displayed when choosing materials. Make sure they are suitable for long-term preservation. It's better to invest in quality framing now rather than dealing with frequent maintenance or damage later.

2. Lay Out the Frame

Place the frame face down on a clean, soft surface to avoid scratches or dents.

Before you begin, inspect the frame for any imperfections or loose components. This is the perfect time to tighten any joints or smooth out any rough edges. A lint-free cloth or padded mat is recommended for protection.

3. Place the Painting

Gently position the painting inside the frame, ensuring it sits evenly on all sides. Assess the fit from different angles to see if the painting is tilted or off-center.

Pro Tip: If your frame includes glass or acrylic, ensure there’s enough space between the canvas and the cover to allow for air circulation. This prevents mold growth and canvas rot. Spacers can help maintain the right distance.

4. Secure the Painting

With the painting in place, fasten it using your chosen clips or nails.

✔ Make sure the fasteners are firm but not too tight—over-tightening can damage the painting or its frame.
✔ The artwork should feel secure, without shifting when the frame is moved.

5. Add the Backing Board

The backing board provides additional support and shields the painting from dust, moisture, and potential wall damage.

✔ Make sure the board fully covers the back of the painting and is properly secured.
✔ Some frames come with built-in fasteners; otherwise, you may need to attach it manually.

6. Hang the Painting

Once your oil painting is securely framed, the next step is to display it and hang your painting beautifully. 

Decide where you want your painting to go and use the measuring tape to find the perfect spot. Mark it lightly with your pencil. Use the level to make sure your marks are horizontal.

Based on the weight of your frame, choose the appropriate hook or nail. Secure it into the wall where you've made your pencil marks. If you're dealing with drywall, consider using a wall anchor for extra support.

How to Choose the Right Frame?

Painting's Style and Colors

When choosing a frame for your oil painting, the artwork's style and colors are your primary guide. A frame that matches the painting's aesthetic can add to its beauty.

For instance, a classic landscape portrait might pair well with a traditional wooden frame that complements its natural hues. On the other hand, a vibrant abstract piece could benefit from a sleek, minimalist metal frame that doesn't compete with its bold colors.

How to Choose a Material When Framing an Oil Painting?

The frame's material can significantly impact the look and feel of your oil painting and the most popular ones are wooden and metal frames.

• Wood frames, with their warm and natural appearance, can add a sense of traditional elegance to any artwork. They're versatile, working well with both classic and contemporary pieces, depending on the finish and design.

• Metal frames, meanwhile, offer a modern edge, with clean lines and a variety of finishes to suit more current artworks. Other materials, like composite or plastic, can provide cost-effective alternatives without compromising on style.

Each material brings its own set of advantages, from the luxurious feel of solid wood to the sleek sophistication of metal.

Frame Depth and Width

The frame should be proportional to the painting. For instance, a thick, wide frame can overwhelm a small, delicate piece, while a thin, subtle frame might not provide enough definition for a larger work. Consider the painting's scale and the space it occupies.

A more substantial frame can make a statement and draw more attention to the artwork, ideal for larger pieces in spacious rooms. For smaller paintings or more crowded walls, a thinner frame can help maintain focus on the artwork without cluttering the space.

How to Achieve Visual Harmony?

Make sure that the frame complements the room's decor. The frame should bridge the painting and its surroundings. It should create a cohesive look that adds to the room's overall aesthetic.

If your home has modern decor, a metal frame might be the perfect fit. For a more traditional setting, a classic wooden frame could be more appropriate. The color of the frame can also play a significant role; it should either complement the room's color scheme or provide a striking contrast that still feels intentional. Think about the mood you want to create in the space and select a frame that contributes to that atmosphere.

What If You Don’t Want to Use a Traditional Frame?

For those who prefer a more modern or minimalistic look, ditching the traditional frame can be a bold choice. Here's how to pull it off.

Adhesive Strips

Adhesive strips are perfect for lighter canvases. They can securely hold your painting to the wall without the need for nails. Just make sure the wall and the back of the painting are clean and dry before application. Plus, if the wall is painted, it should be thoroughly clean first.

Floating Shelves

For a casual, versatile display, place your painting on a floating shelf. This method allows you to easily change out your artwork as often as you like without leaving holes in the wall.

Gallery Clips

These minimalist clips grip the edges of your canvas, holding it flush against the wall for a sleek, frameless look. They're especially good for displaying the entire painting, edges and all.

How to Prepare Your Oil Painting for Framing?

Before framing your oil painting, do these two key steps: clean the painting and allow it to breathe. Here's how to do it.

How to Clean an Oil Painting Before Framing?

Start by cleaning your painting. Gently dust the surface of your painting. Use a soft, dry brush or a microfiber cloth to carefully remove any dust or debris without scratching the paint.

For more thorough cleaning, a slightly damp cloth can be used on the painting's surface. However, it's essential to avoid water or any cleaning solutions unless you're familiar with conservation techniques or have consulted a professional.

Never use household cleaners or abrasive substances on your painting. These can strip the paint, damage the canvas, and lead to long-term deterioration.

If your painting is significantly dirty or has aged varnish, consulting a professional conservator for cleaning and restoration is the safest option. They have the expertise to clean and preserve the painting without compromising its integrity.

Conclusion

Framing a painting might seem like a big task at first, but it shouldn’t be. Select the perfect frame that complements the style and colors of your painting. Put the painting in the frame, make sure it's securely mounted on the wall and that’s basically it!

A final tip to keep in mind is the significance of regular maintenance. Once your painting is framed and hung, periodic checks to confirm the security of the mounting and the condition of the frame can help in prolonging the life and beauty of your artwork.

Oil paints are bautiful and it's always better to try to preserve them.

"When painting in oil, there are a lot of 'presents' you get from the medium. The way colors mix... The way the paint behaves, from your brush onto your canvas... And oil is the medium that is closest to what I use." - says Chris Berens.

If you want to read more about oil paintings, read our lengthy guide - everything you need to know about oil painting.