Picture Frames - Tips For Framing Your Masterpiece!

With the popularity of digital photography it is a shame that so few people are printing their own photos any more! Hanging a photo that you have taken yourself can add a real touch of personality to your home and remind you of your favorite place, people, or moments. I want to share a few tips for you so you can frame and hang your own photos in a beautiful picture frame that will complement your art.

Frame Styles
There are several framing styles that you can choose from, matting, custom, ready made, glass, non-glare, antireflective and museum type framing. The most common types of frames are custom, matting and ready made. Matting is the sheet of foam board or cardboard that sits in between the photo and the glass, with a hole cut out to display the photo. The purpose of this is to hold the photo flat and stop it from sticking to the glass but also to act as a border for your picture.

Framing
The color of the background of a picture will determine the color of the matting you will use to frame your picture. You want a color that is similar for both the matting and the picture. The matte is like an extension of the photo. You can also add a second matte if you like; this matte should be similar to the colors of the highlights in the picture. You can then choose a custom fit frame that fits the color of your art work. If you have a dark tone to your art work then it would be best to have a frame that is darker in color. The same thing goes for a lighter colored picture; you want to choose a lighter color metal or wood frame to match the tone of your picture.

When you are looking for the right frame it is best to look in several framing shops. Most shops have sample frames that can be used to put on your picture to test out the colors and to see which one best fits your picture. If you are still unsure after you have played around with the different styles, ask a sales person or manager they will be able to help you find the right frame for your picture.

You will need a matte board or foam, a frame, spray adhesive and mounting hardware.

Steps to Framing Your Masterpiece
First- measure your work, then go to a framing shop and have the retailer cut your matte to the precise dimensions. Ask a retailer for help if you need to. Then once all of that is done you can take your matting and spray it with adhesive and then add your artwork. Once you have all that done you can decide where to put your artwork. The best way to find a framing area is to use a stud finder this will allow your picture to hand in the sturdiest area of the house. A Stud finder basically finds the wood behind the wall where you can hang the picture and it will stay in place.

Tips
It is best to find the right color frame and matting material that fit each other and not the décor in your home. You want your artwork to be beautiful and for it to compliment your home, but don’t get colors to match your furniture, get colors that match the photo. Your frame and matte should be similar in color. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help, if this is your first time framing and hanging a picture you want to learn how to do it form the experts. Take your time and search different framing shops, look for the one that has the friendliest staff and the most knowledgeable staff.

If all else fails and you don’t have the time or the patience don’t worry take your artwork to the framing shop and tell them what you want and they can complete the whole job for you. As long as your picture is presented in the best light and you are proud to show it is all that matters.