Introduction
Pastel drawings have a unique softness and vulnerability. That’s exactly why they deserve a frame that not only protects them but also enhances their emotion and beauty. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and tips on framing pastel art, so your work is safe and presented in the most stylish way.
🎨 Why Framing Matters
• Protection from dust and touch: Pastel always remains slightly loose on the paper. A frame with glass prevents damage.
• Preserving color intensity: Quality glass and acid-free matting ensure your artwork doesn’t yellow or fade.
• Professional presentation: The right frame elevates your work, making it ready for exhibitions or sales.
🖼️ Materials & Choices
Glass
• Standard glass: Affordable, but can reflect light.
• Museum glass: More expensive, but offers UV protection and almost no glare.
• Acrylic glass: Lightweight and less fragile, ideal for larger works.
Matting (Passe-partout)
• Acid-free board: Prevents paper discoloration.
• Color choice: Neutral white or cream lets pastel colors shine; subtle tones can highlight details.
• Spacing: Ensure the mat doesn’t touch the artwork, so pastel doesn’t rub off.
Frames
• Wood: Warm and classic.
• Metal: Sleek and modern.
• Custom-made: Perfect for unusual sizes or a luxurious finish.
🔧 Practical Tips for Framing
• Fixative? NO this dull the colors!
• Spacers: Make sure the glass never touches the paper.
• DIY or professional? Doing it yourself saves money, but a framer offers expertise and advice.
• Test combinations: Place your artwork against different mats and frames to see what works best.
🌟 Personal Note
With my own pastel works, I often find that a neutral frame emphasizes the emotion in the animal or portrait. Sometimes I choose a subtle mat color to highlight a detail — like the eyes or fur. For me, framing feels like the final step where the artwork truly comes alive.
🛠️ DIY Framing Pastel Artworks: Step-by-Step
To make this blog even more practical, I’d love to share how I personally frame my pastel artworks. I’ve documented the process with photos, so you can see exactly how I do it:
1. Signing the back
On the back of each drawing I write down the title, date, place, and my name as the artist. This is my way of protecting the work against plagiarism and keeping a clear record.
“I also write the article number on the back of the artwork to keep track of my collection.”
2. Unwrapping the frame
I use simple frames from IKEA or ACTION— affordable and effective. Having every piece framed by a professional framer would be far too expensive, so this is my solution.
3. Preparing the glass
After taking the frame apart, I carefully remove the protective plastic from one side of the glass without touching it with my fingers. I then place it back into the frame, flip it over, and remove the plastic from the other side just as carefully.
4. Positioning the mat (passe-partout)
I gently place the mat over the drawing. Often I need to adjust it a few times, turning it around and checking again until it looks perfect. Once I’m satisfied, I secure the artwork with tape at the back so it won’t shift.
5. Adding the back panel
I make sure the hanging hook is on the correct side — experience has taught me that it’s easy to accidentally place it upside down!
6. Fixing tricky corners
Sometimes the back panel gets stuck on the clips. In that case, I carefully slide a letter opener between the frame and the panel, press the frame slightly apart, and the panel falls neatly into place.
7. Securing the frame
Finally, I bend the clips back into position and… voilà, the piece is ready to hang!
✨ This step-by-step method makes framing accessible, affordable, and still professional. Combined with the photos, it shows the care and attention I put into presenting my pastel drawings under my brand Arty By Esther.
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