Framing Pastels Overview

by Kathy Welsch for Wisconsin Pastel Artists ©2010

There are basically 3 methods to frame pastels:

1. Using a single or double mat with mat board or foamcore spacers behind mat (Traditional method for pastels on paper)
2. Floating on a backing board
3. Using spacers (For paintings on rigid substrate)

All methods for unfixed pastels require glass or plexiglass (caution- static electricity) glazing to protect the artwork. (Note: If you “fix” your pastels and seal with an acrylic sealer you may not need glazing. However this method may darken or change the color of your pastel painting.)

Also it is important when buying frames to make sure you have or buy the proper hardware to string a wire across the back. D-rings are used for wood frames and each type of metal frame tends to have their own specific hardware that either attaches or clips into the frame to mount a wire. Currently, most if not all exhibits require a wire to be strung across the back of the frame.

Metal frames do not require a paper backing. Wooden frames require a paper backing. The easiest way to apply a paper backing is to put double sided tape around the back of the frame, press the paper over it, then sand the edge using sandpaper to “cut” the paper to the exact size of the frame.

Before starting to frame your pastels strongly tap the back to shake off any loose dust. This helps to prevent pastel dust on your glass or mat.

The traditional method involves using a single or double mat. Off white mats are used for exhibitions. You can either cut the mat(s) yourself, buy them in standard sizes or have them cut by a framing store.

• If you would like to cut your own mats, mat cutting classes are offered by the milwaukee rec http://www.milwaukeerecreation.net/ and Artist and Display http://www.artistanddisplay.com/ .
• Precut mats are sold by most art supply stores such as Utrecht, Dick Blick and Artist And Display.
• Mats can be cut to your specifications by framing stores such as Tradewind Products, 2020 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, and Gallery 1 in Waukesha http://www.gallery1art.com/ . However you need to give them a few days lead time.

The second method is floating your pastel by mounting it onto a backing board. In the framing class taught by Carol of the Wisconsin Pastel Artists we mounted our painting using hinges onto a mat board backing.

The third method is to use spacers, which are usually plastic, between the painting and the frame. Probably best used for paintings on rigid substates.

Note: Some pastel artists are experimenting with putting acrylic over their pastel

Some References:

http://www.frametek.com/HTML/Articles/pastel.html

http://www.creativespotlite.com/pastels/care-matting-framing-pastel.htm

http://www.ehow.com/video_4951858_frame-pastels.html (He doesn't use T-hinges)

http://www.ehow.com/video_4951858_frame-pastels.html

http://www.squidoo.com/Framing-Oil-Pastels

http://www.frametek.com/HTML/Articles/Float_Mounting.html

http://pastelpointersblog.artistsnetwork.com/2008/11/24/FramingWithoutAMat.aspx

http://www.ehow.com/video_2375173_framing-pastel-still-life.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEmtTzA__Xs

For glass cleaner, I use a concoction that a customer told me about - works really well on windows, too!