How to Display and Frame Your Finished Paint-by-Numbers Art
Just finished your painting? Here’s how to choose the right frame, decide on glass, and hang your art like a pro—without losing color, detail, or that hand-painted texture.
1) Decide first: glass or no glass?
Canvas (acrylic): usually no glass—you’ll preserve the brush texture and avoid glare. Varnish is optional for protection and an even sheen.
Paper or canvas board: use glass or acrylic glazing plus a mat or spacers so the surface never touches the glazing.
2) Pick a frame style (canvas vs paper)
- Floater frame (canvas): modern, shows the canvas edge with a small “shadow gap.” Great if you like a gallery look.
- Traditional frame (canvas): classic profile; add a linen liner for a museum feel.
- Standard frame with mat (paper/board): the mat creates breathing room and keeps your art off the glazing.
- Minimalist frame with spacers (paper/board): no mat visible; hidden spacers maintain a safe gap.
3) Prep your painting (flat, clean, dry)
- Make sure the paint is fully dry and dust-free before framing.
- If you prefer a unified sheen, apply a thin final varnish once the painting is dry (matte or satin reduces glare).
- Wipe frame/glazing parts with a microfiber cloth before assembly to avoid trapped lint.
4) Framing stretched canvas: floater frame
- Place the canvas in the floater frame; center it so the gap is even on all sides.
- Use D-rings or offset clips and screws into the stretcher bars (not the canvas) to secure the piece.
- Add felt bumpers to the frame’s back corners so it sits level and protects the wall.
5) Rolled or loose canvas: stretch or mount
If your canvas isn’t stretched yet:
- Stretching: staple to stretcher bars, keeping even tension; then frame (floater or traditional).
- Mounting to board: attach to a rigid, acid-free panel and frame like a panel painting (no glazing needed unless you want extra protection).
6) Paper/board paintings: matting & glazing
- Use acid-free mat board and backing. The window mat keeps paint off the glazing and gives a clean border.
- Attach the artwork with archival hinges (Japanese paper + wheat starch paste) at the top edge, or use photo corners to avoid adhesives on the artwork.
- Close the frame with a dust cover and add bumpers for airflow.
7) Choosing glazing: UV, glare & acrylic vs glass
- Best protection: “museum”-grade glass or acrylic blocks up to 99% UV and minimizes reflections.
- Glass vs acrylic: glass is scratch-resistant and heavy; acrylic is lighter and shatter-safe (great for large works or kids’ rooms). Use spacers/mats to keep distance from the paint surface.
- Anti-glare: choose anti-reflective coatings instead of etched “non-glare,” which can soften detail.
8) Hardware: D-rings, wire & bumpers
- Install D-rings about one-third down from the top of the frame; connect with coated hanging wire.
- Use wall anchors appropriate to the weight and wall type; check the hardware’s load rating.
- Stick rubber bumpers on the bottom corners to protect paint and keep frames level.
9) Hanging height & gallery wall spacing
- For single pieces, set the artwork’s center ~57″ (145 cm) from the floor—the typical gallery “eye level.”
- Above furniture, keep the frame’s bottom edge roughly 7–10″ above the top of the sofa/console.
- For gallery walls, keep 2–4″ between frames and maintain consistent gaps for a clean grid or salon layout.
10) Lighting & placement (avoid damage)
- Avoid direct sunlight and harsh UV sources. Choose LED lighting for low heat and low UV.
- Keep art away from high-humidity zones (bathrooms, steamy kitchens) and heat sources (radiators, fireplaces).
- If glazing is used, consider UV-filtering options and dimmer, angled lighting to reduce glare.
11) Styling ideas for every room
- Single hero: one large piece centered over a sofa or bed.
- Grid wall: identical frames in rows/columns for modern symmetry.
- Salon mix: varied sizes and frames; anchor with a central piece and build outward.
- Lean & layer: rest framed pieces on shelves or mantels for a casual, changeable display.
12) Care & cleaning
- Dust frames and canvases gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid household cleaners on varnished paint.
- Clean glazing with a microfiber cloth and a non-ammonia cleaner; spray the cloth, not the glazing.
- Re-level frames periodically—bumpers help keep everything aligned.
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