How to frame pa'nt'ng made w'th soft pastels_)?

Question

I don't even use the spray but I believe the frame got to be something proper
Do you use a glass frame to avoid it crumbling away or how- please help thanks

Answer 1

Hi:

I work a lot with soft pastels. For framing, there are sort of a variety of methods, but all need to have either a glass or plexiglass over the top of the pastel. Most methods of framing allow a spacer between the glass and the face of the pastel image, usually with a mat or spacers like Econospace or FrameSpace. The mats usually have a linen over mat, a gold leaf liner, and an undermat that is has about 1/4 all around larger opening than the mat over it to catch any possible loose pastel dust. Then the image can be affixed to a backing, and one or more backing boards. Since all of this can be pretty deep, a rabbet space of 1 inch or so is recommended, but there is a newer product called RabbetSpace from FrameTek that can be used to add a little more space.

Check out the wetcanvas artist community website for more information from other pastel artists. Basic membership is free there, and there is a soft pastel forum with many fine artists who are usually very happy to provide any information you might need.

Some introductory books on soft pastels also discuss framing and making your own surfaces for creating pastel paintings. If I remember correctly, the Doug Dawson and Bill Creevy books both have some information in them about these topics. Also, check out the Pastel Journal for possible information, too.

I'm throwing in a few more links to other websites related to pastels you might enjoy visiting if you are working in pastels and would like to get more exposure to other people who work in pastels too. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Sprays will stop it smudging but can affect the colour. It's possible to use sprays at the earlier stages but leave the finished surface unsprayed. Don't use hairspray; you don't know what the ingredients are and they could affect the life span of your work.
Use a frame with glass. Definitely use a mount (or a mat if you're in the US) as pastel will transfer from your work to the glass if they are in contact. A double mount will hold your work further from the glass and looks very good. You should be able to get them from your local art shop or you can cut your own. You can get very good mount cutters these days and if you're doing a lot of work, it's a good investment. If you cut your own mounts then you're not limited to standard sizes. The link below will give you an idea of how it's done.

Answer 3

I hope its on acid-free paper or carrier. For framing, it will need to be mounted, and have a mask cut to fit and frame it, and to hold it off the glass you will need to cover it with in the frame. The cardboard mask, of a colour to suit the painting (usually soft cream works well), should have reasonable space all round, the biggest space at the bottom. Your eye should tell you the best proportions. Non-reflective glass makes the picture easier to see free of reflections, but also dims it somewhat, so most prefer normal glass. The back of the frame should be well sealed with suitable non acidic paper to prevent insects getting in. A framer can tell you what's best, but they can certainly be expensive. The cheapest way is just to frame it, with a cardboard mask, yourself, and write it off, learning by looking at it while you learn to do something better! Good luck.

Answer 4

It is very important for the long life of the art to use acid free paper. The best way is in a mat you know the border that is usually around framed pictures then mount it in a picture frame with glass. If you don't use acid free mat the paper will disintegrate in time.

Answer 5

I would surely use a fixative. In a pinch you can use aerosol hairspray(not the pump kind). However, no matter what I would use a frame with a glass. It will protect it from smudging.

Answer 6

No fixative sprays or anything like that.

Obviously don't let the glass touch the pastel.

Mat it and keep it out of direct sunlight.