A poorly framed artwork tells buyers you don’t value your craft. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes.

Works on Paper
Always seal the back with brown paper and tape. This stops dust from getting in and spoiling your artwork. Always replace push-in hooks with wire/string for secure hanging. I will cover the practicalities of framing another time but look at how it is done properly and try and make your work look the same. Buyers know what it should look like so will think you don’t value your work.

Professionally Framed Framed by my husband

Footnote: For at least the last two decades, I have been an exhibition organiser for local art groups/leagues. If I had a pound (or dollar) for the number of artists who turned up to exhibitions with badly strung artwork, I would be a millionaire by now. Don’t just shove a loop of string from your garden shed onto the back of the artwork. It looks so unprofessional, it is very likely to break, and your work could even be refused (i.e. you won’t be allowed to exhibit it). In some cases, I have even seen artwork fall off the wall and be damaged.

Canvases
Ensure frames are sturdy; warped canvases are a red flag. It might be possible to spray the wood lightly with warm water and then place weights onto the back of the work to get it flat again but if that doesn’t work then don’t expect it to sell. I currently have a 1m square piece on my bedroom wall which, for some inexplicable reason, has warped. Thankfully, I like the piece so it will stay there but I wouldn’t put it up for sale in that state.

This commission piece is in a floater frame.

As I said in the previous blog, floater frames are perfect for box canvases if you decide to frame them. I use shadow box frames for my abstract contemporary works but do use whatever you think is appropriate for your style of art.

Why It Matters:
 Buyers want to hang your art immediately. They don’t want to have to repair it. A polished presentation builds trust and repeat sales.

Final Tip:
 Test your framing: Hang it for a week to check for warping or instability.

NB I do not get paid to endorse any people or brands mentioned in my blogs.

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