by Brian McCorkle
Presently canvas prints from Brian the Brain are not available with frames. This note is to assist you in choosing frames for your canvas artwork. Some of the products here are available in standard frame sizes. Others are not. In either case, here are some things to be aware of when choosing a frame.
Cost is a factor many consider first. There are problems with many inexpensive frames that increase aggravation and diminish the appearance of the final project. It is better to get a quality frame. This can be less expensive in the long run.
Wood used for inexpensive frames can be extremely hard. If you use framers points or brads to hold the artwork in the frame, this becomes a very frustrating chore.
The finish of inexpensive frames is sometimes a hidden problem which might not appear until an adverse event occurs. Washing the frame can reveal stain that is water soluble and bleeds from the frame. Check this before hanging to prevent staining your wall.
Generally, squareness of the corners is not a problem. Since most of these frames are sold with glass, moderate to severe squaring problems will be obvious. Nonetheless, this is worth checking. Check for good joining. The corners should not show any gaps. No glue or fasteners should be visible from the front or sides of the frame. The back of the frame should be smooth and clean.
Fitting issues can be a problem. The rabbet, the groove at the back of the frame where the artwork is placed, must be of sufficient depth. If the rabbet is too shallow, the artwork will protrude from the back of the frame making it difficult to secure. Mounted canvas prints sold here are one-quarter inch deep. Three-eighths on an inch is the minimum rabbet depth that should be considered. One-half inch is a better depth. Of course, greater depths will work as well.
Good frames are designed with a little wiggle room. This allows normal variations from nominal size. Materials expand as well as contract. Mass produced frames that are designed without the wiggle room will have fitting problems if the artwork size is slightly larger than the nominal frame size. Or if the artwork fits initially, but later expands or the frame contracts, the result will be bowing of the print.
Glass is not needed for canvas prints. If glass is desired, be sure to use a mat to separate the glass from the print.
Frame materials are wood or metal. Metal frames can be less costly than wood. There are a variety of finishes and shapes in both materials. Some metal frames are not designed for canvas prints and should be avoided.
Metal frames are easily assembled, but burnish the corners with emery cloth before starting. An assembly kit should be supplied with the frame as well as printed instructions. Be sure to maintain squareness during assembly.
At the low end of frame supply are thrift stores, discount stores, and craft stores. A frame from these sources can be all right for basic projects or for a quick method of framing. As mentioned above, there can be serious problems with many of these mass produced frames. Check carefully before purchasing. In addition, examine frames at thrift stores for damage, including separating joints. Internet frame suppliers are another source. Many offer custom sizes and a wide choice of frames, either wood or metal. Quality varies considerably, especially with the wood frames. Poor joining of corners is the greatest problem, but chipping of the frame finish is also a concern.
Wood frames under a specific size are furnished joined. However, you still need to fit the artwork in the frame with brads or framers points. The hangers must be attached and then the hanging wire. If you want backing paper that will be another item to address.
In my experience, I can only recommend one online frame supplier. American Frame (http://www.americanframe.com) has provided good results. Most of the frames I purchased from them were well constructed.
With online vendors, shipping charges must be added to the frame cost. Return policies vary. Local framers are usually more expensive that online framers, at least initially. But, consider that shipping charges with the online framers will increase the cost of even an inexpensive frame, perhaps disproportionate to the value of the frame. Thus, the local framer can be competitive in cost when all factors are considered. In addition, the quality likely to be better and more consistent than that of the online suppliers.
You can pay the framer to fit the artwork or do that yourself. Let your framer know what budget you have so they can restrict their suggestions to the most appropriate selections. Your local framer is likely the best choice for obtaining frames.
Finding a frame is not a daunting task. Simply exercise normal care when selecting and purchasing. The main purpose of the frame is for holding the artwork. Together, they will enhance your viewing enjoyment.
