how to frame a drawing charcoal

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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27-01-2025

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Charcoal drawings possess a unique beauty and fragility. Their soft, smudgeable nature requires careful handling and framing to preserve their delicate artistry for years to come. This guide will walk you through the process of framing a charcoal drawing, ensuring its protection and showcasing its splendor.

Choosing the Right Mat and Frame for Your Charcoal Drawing

The key to successful charcoal framing is protecting the drawing from damage. This involves selecting the right mat and frame materials.

1. The Importance of Matting:

Matting serves several crucial functions:

• Protection: It creates a barrier between the charcoal and the glass, preventing smudging and abrasion.
• Presentation: A mat enhances the drawing's visual appeal, adding a professional touch.
• Spacing: It provides necessary space between the artwork and the glass, preventing sticking.

Mat Board Considerations: Choose an acid-free mat board. Acid-free materials prevent damage caused by acid migration over time, which can discolor and degrade your artwork. A rag mat board is generally preferred for its superior quality. The color of your mat should complement your drawing, without overpowering it. Off-white or cream are popular choices.

2. Selecting the Perfect Frame:

The frame should complement the drawing without distracting from it. Consider these factors:

• Material: Wood is a classic and versatile choice. Avoid frames that contain harsh chemicals or metals that could potentially react with the charcoal. Avoid using plastic unless it's specifically designed for archival quality.
• Width and Style: The frame's width and style should be proportional to the drawing's size and style. A simple, understated frame is often the best choice for charcoal work.
• Finish: A matte or satin finish will help reduce glare and better showcase the charcoal's subtle tones.

Framing Your Charcoal Drawing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you've chosen your materials, here's how to frame your charcoal drawing:

1. Preparing Your Artwork: Handle your drawing with clean, cotton gloves to prevent smudging. If the drawing is on loose paper, consider backing it with acid-free backing board before matting and framing. This adds stability and further protection.

2. Cutting the Mat: Use a sharp mat cutter or a utility knife with a new blade to ensure clean cuts. Measure carefully to create a window that provides adequate spacing around your artwork, typically ½ inch to 1 inch all around.

3. Assembling the Mat and Drawing: Carefully center your drawing within the mat's window. Use acid-free archival tape or photo corners to secure the drawing to the mat, avoiding direct contact between the adhesive and the charcoal. Never use glue or tape directly onto the artwork itself.

4. Framing Your Artwork: Carefully place the matted artwork into the frame. Secure the back of the frame with archival-quality backing board and frame clips or points. Avoid using staples or nails.

5. Glass or Plexiglass?: Use museum-quality glass or UV-resistant plexiglass. Glass offers superior protection against dust and scratches, however, it’s significantly heavier and more expensive. Plexiglass is lighter and less expensive, but can scratch more easily. Always place the glass on the outside of the mat, protecting your charcoal drawing.

Tips for Preserving Your Framed Charcoal Drawing

• Proper Storage: Avoid displaying your framed charcoal drawing in direct sunlight or areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations. These conditions can cause fading and damage.
• Regular Cleaning: Dust your framed drawing periodically with a soft brush or a microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Professional Framing: If you're unsure about any step in this process, consider taking your charcoal drawing to a professional framer specializing in art conservation. They have the expertise and materials to ensure your artwork is preserved properly.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your charcoal drawing remains a cherished piece of art for years to come. Remember, proper framing and care are crucial to preserving its beauty and integrity. The reward is the lasting enjoyment of your artistic creation.