The easiest way to get started with framing is to work with picture framing kits. These include everything you need to end up with a framed piece of art, such as the frame, glazing, mat and mount boards, and a mechanism for hanging the picture. You will want to price out individual art framing supplies and then compare that to picture framing kits to see which will be the most economical for use in the gallery setting.
Picture frames are the key component of the art framing supplies that you will need. Frames come as ready-made or custom-made picture framing supplies, with differences including ready-mades come in several commonly used sizes and are less expensive than custom-mades, but with custom-mades you have complete control over the size and final appearance of the frame that will enclose your artwork.
Other picture framing supplies that you will need include glazing. Glazing is available in glass or acrylic. Glass offers the greatest protection from scratches, but is quite heavy and may have a green tinge. Acrylic is perfectly clear and lightweight, and may also be made of conservation quality materials so that the surface of the artwork is protected from harmful ultraviolet light and pollution damage.
Mat and mount boards are other picture framing supplies used in conjunction with the picture frame and glazing. Mat boards are art framing supplies that are used to provide another border to the artwork and to protect its surface. Moisture is a prime culprit which, if it becomes trapped inside a framed picture, will wreak havoc on the artwork and damage the surface. A bit of space and air circulation is provided by using a matboard inside the frame, and this helps to alleviate the problem.
Mount boards are framing and matting supplies that form the base upon which the artwork is placed. Picture framing kits will often include mount board, but the framer will also want to have on hand some product to affix the artwork to the mountboard. Picture corners or hinge tape are available in archival quality, and these framing and matting supplies work well for this purpose.
Gallery owners will find picture framing kits and other art framing supplies readily available from fine art photography framing supplies dealers.
Published by Susan Slobac
Susan Slobac first learned about audio bible downloads and Bible translations from her church's Bible study group. View profile
- Recommended Artists Framing SuppliesPicture framing supplies are used to not only protect fine works of art, but to help add a little extra sparkle that will show the artwork off to best advantage.
- Artists Need Quality Picture Framing SuppliesThey are paired with the finest Bainbridge mat board and together they offer conservation quality framing materials that will preserve and protect your photographs for years to come.
- Use Quality Mat Board for a Professional Picture FramingPhotographers will often frame their art photos, and especially black and white photographs, using thin black metal frames with wide and thick white mat board to frame the picture.
- Learn More About Picture Framing KitsBoth amateur and professional photographers create marvelous prints.
- Custom Picture Framing Supplies Can Make a DifferenceThe general rule of thumb is that paintings/drawings are usually framed in wood, while metal frames are generally used for photographs.
- Picture Framing Supplies for Today's Artist
- Searching for Quality Picture Framing Supplies
- Protect Your Art with Framing Supplies
- Photo Framing Supplies for the Beginning Framer
- The Need for Quality Picture Framing Supplies
- Picture Framing Supplies Offer Excellent Savings
- Picture Frame Supplies for the Fine Art Photographer



