So you’ve completed your sparkly masterpiece, and now you’re trying to decide what to do with it.
Well, after all your hard work, there really is only one answer. And that’s, frame it.
Diamond paintings look great hung up in homes and become a focal point of any room they are displayed in.
However, when it comes to framing diamond paintings, there are a few considerations that you need to consider. This blog will discuss these important factors and then share some of the best frames for diamond art available on the market now.
How to Frame a Diamond Painting – 4 Things to Consider
1) Dust and Dirt
Even after covering the canvas with diamonds, it is likely that there will still be some sticky adhesive exposed. This will be a magnet for dust and dirt to collect on. And, cleaning it off won’t be as straightforward as simply wiping it down.
Regular cleaning of the diamond painting could cause damage to the sticky canvas and result in the diamonds falling off. Or, wiping them over too often could cause the diamonds to move and shift position.
It is therefore best to avoid this. So there are two potential options:
- Apply a sealant to the finished diamond painting. This is essentially a layer of glue that is lightly sprayed or brushed over the diamonds. It will provide another and more permanent layer of adhesive and protect the diamonds when they are cleaned.
- Choose a frame with a glass to stop the dust and dirt collecting on the canvas. This avoids the need to clean the diamonds completely. And will extend the longevity of the adhesive canvas.
2) The Problem with Glass
Many people choose to create diamond art for the fact they love the sparkly, dazzling effect it creates. And, that shiny effect is created by light bouncing off the surface of the diamonds.
By framing the painting behind a glass frame, you might notice that the sparkly effect is somewhat toned down. Also, the reflections on the glass surface could make it difficult to see the painting in its full glory.
For some people, choosing a glass frame might be an acceptable price to pay for keeping their canvas clean and preserving it for longer. But for others, the point of painting with diamonds is to maximize the bling.
It really comes down to personal preference and how desperate you are to preserve your painting.
3) Diamonds Protrude
When buying a frame with glass, it is important to remember that you aren’t framing a normal flat piece of art. The diamonds protrude from the canvas quite considerably and if you don’t select the right type of frame, your canvas simply won’t fit.
For this reason, it is advised to consider a deep-set frame. These are frames where the art piece is set back from the glass.
Another name for these type of frames is shadow boxes. So, for those of you that want maximum sparkle your alarm bells might be ringing. However, don’t be put off, because the depth of the mounting needn’t be too drastic. You can choose a depth that is just the right amount to fit your diamond canvas.
4) Size Matters
It sounds very obvious but when framing a diamond painting, finding the correct size frame is even more important than usual.
Usually, if you can’t find a frame to fit exactly, then choosing a frame that is slightly smaller isn’t the end of the world. Paintings, posters, and photographs can easily be trimmed to fit without too much of an impact.
However, trimming a diamond painting is much more difficult. Minor adjustments are made difficult due to the rows of diamonds. Trimming an entire row of diamonds from a painting can appear as a large alteration and could affect the image.
Therefore, some diamond painters would suggest buying a diamond kit at the same time as buying a frame. This way, by the end of completing your painting, you won’t have the disappointment of not being able to find a suitable frame.
How to Frame a Diamond Painting What Are Your Options
Now that we have covered some important considerations, let’s look at some options when it comes to frames for diamond art.
The Standard Frame
Just what it says on the tin. It’s a bog-standard picture frame. All you need to do is select the appropriate size and ensure the depth of the frame is deep enough to compensate for the diamonds. Deep-set box frames are included in this option, as are shallower frames too.
A Stretcher Bar Frame
A great option for those of you that want to keep your diamonds fully exposed and shining bright.
A stretcher bar frame contains no glass. You simply stretch and fold the canvas around a wooden frame and attach it in place at the back. Most people opt for using staples while attaching the canvas to the frame as these ensure a taut and secure finish.
Mount On a Painted Canvas or Other Surface
Gluing the diamond painting to another type of canvas or board is another viable option. It’s simple to do, find a canvas or picture board. Mount the diamond art canvas using glue, and be careful to avoid any creases. Leave it to dry, and it’s ready to hang.
How to Frame a Diamond Painting: 5 Top Frames for Diamond Art:
1. Betionol Diamond Painting Frames
A frame designed with diamond painting in mind. Its mounting is set back from the glass to allow enough room for the protruding diamonds to fit.
2. MCS 16×20 Inch Linen Lined Shadowbox
This deep-set, shadow box frame offers plenty of room to mount a diamond painting. It is available in 3 different colors and multiple sizes. Therefore, allowing you to make the best choice when it comes to fit and color to complement your art.
3. Caydo 2 Pack Canvas Stretcher Bars Kit
Easy to piece together, and incredibly affordable. Simply stretch your diamond canvas around the wooden stretcher bars and staple it in place. Available in different sizes and in multipack options if you intend on creating more than one diamond painting.
4. GOTIDEAL Canvas Panels Multi Pack
These canvas panels while designed to be painted on are great for mounting a diamond painting. This multipack offers different sizes and plenty of panels for all your future paintings.
5. Arteza 8×10 Inch Stretched Canvas
Another option is to mount your diamond painting directly onto a canvas. These stretched canvases, add more dimension than the panels above.
How to Frame a Diamond Painting – Wrapping Up
It would be a real shame not to make the most of a piece that you have spent so much time crafting. So, we hope this blog has persuaded you to frame your art. And we hope it has answered some of your questions in terms of how to do it.
If you are looking for inspiration on your next project, or if you want more information on diamond painting, check out our other blogs on the topic.