Canvas Frames
Canvas framing to make your artwork shine. From simple canvas stretching to sprayed floating museum tray frames.
What Are Canvas Frames?
The term âcanvas frameâ (also called a âfloating frameâ) is used to refer to different types of framing.
The different styles people often mean when they refer to a "canvas frame" are summarised below, with more detailed information further down this page.
1. Support / Stretcher Frame
The support frame or âstretcher frameâ that an art canvas is
stretched to. This is the right approach if youâve already got a piece
of art on canvas. It can be rolled ready for us to stretch, or we can
re-stretch an existing piece. When the canvas is stretched to its frame,
it can be hung as-is or have a frame added.
2. Tray Frame
A tray frame (sometimes also called âbaguette framesâ or âglassless
framesâ) can be used around the finished canvas, which is unglazed. A
shadow gap is often left between the inside edge of the frame and the
side of the canvas. This creates a more dramatic version of the negative
space provided by a traditional mount. This shadow gap gives rise to
the term 3d floating frame in the UK.
3. Canvas Box Frame
Enclosing the canvas in a box frame, which is then glazed. If youâre
concerned about protecting the canvas from UV light or people touching
the art, this is an option to consider. If glazing a piece of canvas
art, anti-reflective glazing is almost required to preserve (and in many
cases enhance) the colour and detail of the piece.
I started using Art Graphics six years ago. These guys are the best framers in the UK, they focus on my needs and always deliver.
Key Features
Zero Reflections
As there's no glazing with a tray frame, there's no reflections like you've get with glass. Your artwork can be enjoyed with absolute clarity.
More Economical
As no glazing is needed, there are large cost savings for your frame. This makes tray framing an option worthy of consideration.
Lightweight Frame
Very minimal material allows canvas frames to be lightweight, making for simple transport and hanging.
A Variety Of Materials
Hand Finished Metals
Weâve developed our metalwork extensively recently, with our team now welding both custom aluminium and brass frames to suit a number of different shapes and styles.
Hand Finished Woods
Our team handcraft our wooden frames in house from a range of species including beech, oak, walnut, rock maple, ash, cherry and pine guaranteeing a high quality finish every time.
Splines
Up to 5 splines can be used on your frame, for 2 purposes. Either to make a stronger frame for large works (where it's often painted over), or for the style and character it adds to your frame. In the latter case, contrasting woods can be used to enhance the effect.
Range of Finishes
Sprayed
Spraying is our most popular finish, with benefits including invisible frame corner joins, a smooth high quality effect and a choice of colours and glosses. It gives contemporary museum quality to any artwork.
Staining
A versatile option that can be used to enhance grain, add colouring and even out natural surfaces. This is best used on natural woods.
Waxed
We use wax when sealing raw wood, enhancing the grain and natural colours.
Gilding
After laying a gesso base, gilding can be applied using leafs of many metals, including gold, silver, bronze, copper & aluminium. This gives you a luxury finish with a huge range of custom styles including patination, scuffing, rub through and burnishing.
Burn Back
Gives modern rustic aesthetic with deep texture and ageing effects. The process involves carefully burning the wood. Ash or obeche wood has the best grain effect for this technique.
Corten
This unique finish is created though a careful chemical reaction on wood and metal. The result is a natural rust which is then sealed with clear lacquer to protect it.
The framing of my piece has really made a statement in our new home, for a price that was unrivalled by any local competitors.
Examples of Canvas Frames
Browse 1,652 images from past projects, including many canvas tray framing ideas to give inspiration for your next project.
The only museum quality framers weâve found outside London.
What Artworks Can Be Used In A Canvas Frame?
Of course, canvas works can be used in a tray frame, but many other artwork types are suitable.
| Acrylic | Metal & Wood Frames | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artwork | Box | Panel | Box | Simple | Stretcher | Tray |
| 3D Object | ||||||
| Board | ||||||
| Canvas | ||||||
| Digital File | ||||||
| Mirror | ||||||
| Paper | ||||||
| Textile | ||||||
They are framers with a truly artistic eye and understand how to compliment artwork with colour, space and the right profile.
Quickly Get Prices & Timelines
It was the communication from ArtGraphics that really set them apart from the competition. I had a lot of concerns about the framing of a blanket as I knew it was a tricky piece to get right. They talked me through every step of their process.