Framing Artwork: Options, Costs, and Presentation Best Practices
Frame your artwork professionally. Framing options for different media, cost considerations, DIY vs professional, and presentation standards for galleries.

Framing Artwork: Options, Costs, and Presentation Best Practices#
Framing can make or break how your work is perceived. Poor framing distracts from art; good framing enhances it. Whether you are preparing work for a gallery show, selling online, or presenting to collectors, understanding framing options helps you make informed decisions.
Quick Answer
- Float frames and gallery frames are current gallery standards
- Always use archival materials for works on paper
- Budget $50-500+ per frame depending on size and quality
- Consider selling unframed and offering framing as add-on
Frame Types Compared
| Frame Type | Best For | Cost Range | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Float frame | Canvas, panels | $100-400 | Contemporary, minimal |
| Gallery frame (L-profile) | Canvas, panels | $80-300 | Clean, professional |
| Standard frame with mat | Works on paper | $50-250 | Traditional, protective |
| Box frame | 3D work, collage | $150-500 | Depth, protection |
| Floater with spacer | Works on paper | $100-350 | Contemporary, no mat |
Frame Styles for Different Work#
For Canvas and Panels#
Float Frames The standard for contemporary galleries. Canvas appears to float within the frame with visible gap around edges.
- Works with gallery-wrapped canvas
- Clean contemporary look
- Shows full painting including edges
- Popular finishes: natural wood, black, white, raw steel
Gallery Frames (L-Profile) Simple molding that wraps around canvas edge. Less expensive than float frames, still professional.
- Budget-friendly option
- Works with standard or gallery-wrapped canvas
- Can be painted to match or contrast
Unframed Presentation For gallery-wrapped canvas, unframed is acceptable if edges are finished:
- Painted edges continue the work
- Edges stained or finished cleanly
- Hanging hardware properly installed
- Dust cover on back
For Works on Paper#
Works on paper require different considerations for protection and presentation.
Traditional Frame with Mat
- Mat provides space between glass and paper
- Window mat shows clean border
- Use acid-free materials throughout
- Glass or acrylic glazing
Floating Paper in Frame Contemporary alternative showing torn or deckled edges:
- Mounted with archival hinges
- Spacers keep paper from touching glass
- Shows full sheet including edges
Mat Considerations
- Width: 2-4 inches typically
- Color: White, off-white, or neutral
- Material: 100% cotton rag (archival)
- Never use regular cardboard
Glass and Glazing Options#
Glazing Options
| Type | UV Protection | Reflection | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular glass | None | High | Low |
| Non-glare glass | None | Low | Medium |
| UV-filtering glass | 99% | Medium | Medium-High |
| Museum glass | 99% | Very low | High ($50-200+) |
| Acrylic (Plexi) | Varies | Low-Medium | Medium |
When to use what:
- Regular glass: Budget framing, temporary display
- Museum glass: Valuable works, permanent display, sales
- Acrylic: Shipping, large works (lighter weight), safety
For Photography#
Photography framing follows similar rules to works on paper:
- Mat border is standard
- Museum glass reduces reflections
- Face-mounted to acrylic is contemporary option
- Consider print lifespan in material choices
DIY vs Professional Framing#
DIY Framing#
Pros:
- Significantly cheaper
- Control over timeline
- Learn valuable skills
Cons:
- Time investment
- Equipment costs
- Quality limitations
- No guarantee
Good for:
- High-volume work
- Student/emerging budgets
- Standard sizes
- Personal studio stock
Professional Framing#
Pros:
- Quality guarantee
- Expertise on options
- Archival materials
- Custom solutions
Cons:
- Expensive
- Longer timeline
- Less control
Good for:
- Gallery shows
- Sales to collectors
- Works on paper
- Custom sizes
- High-value work
Framing Costs Breakdown#
Typical professional framing costs:
| Size | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8x10 | $50-80 | $80-150 | $150-300 |
| 16x20 | $80-120 | $120-250 | $250-500 |
| 24x36 | $150-250 | $250-450 | $450-800+ |
| 36x48 | $250-400 | $400-700 | $700-1,200+ |
Factors affecting cost: frame material, glass type, complexity, mat options.
Gallery Presentation Standards#
What Galleries Expect#
Most galleries have presentation standards:
- Consistent framing within a series
- Professional quality
- Ready to hang
- Clean, undamaged
Ask galleries about their preferences before framing for a show.
Common Gallery Frame Choices#
- Black or white float frames
- Natural wood (oak, maple, walnut)
- Simple gallery frames
- Unframed with finished edges
Avoid#
- Ornate or decorative frames
- Frames that distract from work
- Damaged or dirty frames
- Inconsistent framing within series
Framing for Sales#
Should You Frame Before Selling?#
Arguments for framing:
- Work appears finished and valuable
- Easier for buyer (no framing decisions)
- Can command higher prices
- Professional presentation
Arguments against:
- Ties up capital
- Buyers may have preferences
- Shipping is harder and costlier
- Damage risk
Middle ground: Offer framing as add-on option. Show work framed in portfolio images but sell unframed or with framing choice.
Framing and Pricing#
If including frame, factor costs into price:
- Frame cost + 50-100% markup
- Or fixed framing add-on price
- Be transparent about what is included
Conservation Considerations#
For works meant to last, materials matter.
Archival Materials#
- Acid-free mats and backing
- UV-filtering glass
- Conservation mounting techniques
- Proper sealing
Environmental Factors#
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Control humidity
- Proper hanging hardware
- Regular inspection
Reversibility#
Conservation framing should be reversible - work can be removed without damage.
Present Your Work Professionally
Maintain your portfolio with professional documentation on Artsumé.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion#
Framing is part of presenting your work professionally. Key principles:
- Match frame to work and context
- Use archival materials for valuable pieces
- Consider practical factors (shipping, sales)
- Maintain consistency within series
- Budget appropriately
Good framing enhances your work. Bad framing undermines it.
Last updated: January 2025
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