When you're knee-deep in a picture-framing project, you want to ensure every detail aligns beautifully. However, many sail into choppy waters by making picture-framing mistakes that can mar even the most stunning artwork. Here's a concise rundown of these common picture-framing staple mistakes to avoid.
1. Choosing the Wrong Frame Size
Selecting a frame that's too large or small for your artwork throws off the aesthetic balance and focus. The right frame should complement and enhance your piece, not overshadow it. If you want to get it right on the first go, measure the artwork correctly, paying attention to the space necessary for matting and mounting.
Consider the size if you’re looking for a particular style to fit a room. An excessively large frame will make a small room feel crowded, and an overly small frame will make a room feel too wide.
2. Neglecting Proper Mounting Techniques
It’s so exciting hanging up new pictures, but be mindful of mounting techniques, as the wrong one could hurt your project completion timeline and require someone to come and spackle the walls. Mount your wall successfully by ensuring you use acid-free adhesives and tapes specifically for artwork to prevent degradation. Also, consider mounting the piece with archival materials to accommodate natural expansion and contraction.
3. Using Incorrect Hardware
Using the wrong hardware leads to disaster and creates a total nightmare if the incorrect tools damage the wall. Ensure that you spend extra time focusing on the weight of each piece. For something heavy, you’ll need something sturdy to hold it up. And command strips won’t help here, either.
Want to avoid hardware hiccups? Determine how much weight your walls can hold first, then find the best hangers or brackets for your specific frame and wall type.
4. Rushing the Framing Process
Picture framing is an art. Rushing the process can lead to errors in judgment and execution that are difficult to remedy.
So does fast and hard win the race? Nope. But if you’re slow and steady in the process, your decisions will help you wise up! As you mount your next artwork piece, picture, or framed poster, follow these tips. Take your time when making framing decisions, assembling, and double-checking measurements and adjustments.
5. Disregarding Professional Advice
DIY doesn't mean going at it alone. Ignoring professional guidance, whether in the form of tutorials or in-store advice, can lead to avoidable mistakes. The best DIYers learn from the best, using their resources from framing suppliers and professionals to enrich their knowledge. They’re confident enough to ask for help.
Don't fall into the trap of these common picture-framing staple mistakes. Invest your attention in every step of the framing process, from choosing the right materials to precise installation. This will protect your valued artwork and showcase it in its best light for years to come. If you're ready to take your framing to the next level, check out Salco's framing tools, including the indispensable frame stapler. Get familiar with framing principles, and you’ll see yourself successfully installing frames.