TIPS FOR FRAMING YOUR PASTEL PAINTING 

Find a framer who has experience with pastel paintings, as many framers have no idea how to do it correctly and could damage the painting. Some framers (without being asked) will either spray fixative on the paintings or give the painting a ‘good old knock on the back’ to loosen any pastel dust. Framers should never do these things. They should just carefully frame the painting. 

There are two methods to frame a pastel painting. Any frame can be used with either of the two methods.  

• Framing with the painting against the glass and sealed. 

• The alternative is to put a spacer between the painting and the glass.
 

NOTE: If your budget allows, use Tru-Vue museum glass as it is crystal clear with no glare. NEVER use acrylic glass subsitutes because they cause static that can lift up the pastel from the painting. Only use regular glass or museum glass.
 
If the painting is a standard size you might want to use what is called a “PleinAir” picture frame. They tend to come in a wider width of molding. Below is an example of pastel painting in a PleinAir frame with the painting directly next to the glass.
 
 
 
The example below shows a double mat with a spacer between it and the painting. Then glass over the top.
 

 
The example below also shows a double white mat with a spacer between it and the painting. Then glass over the top. 
It is a nice clean look.
 
 
Moulding, wider mat and fillets achieve a highly stylized and sophisticated look.  The 2 examples below show a linen mat with a fillet (metallic insert) between it and the painting. The glass tops the mat, fillet and painting.

Below the painting is separated from the glass by the fillet. 

The example below shows a linen moulding insert.  The painting is directly against the glass, but inside the linen moulding.

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE!