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How to Frame and Display Palette Knife Paintings at Home
As an artist who works primarily with palette knife painting techniques, I often get questions from collectors: "How do I frame this?" or "Should this kind of textured artwork go behind glass?"
The truth is — textured oil paintings need special care when it comes to framing and display. Done right, it not only protects the artwork but also enhances its bold, tactile beauty.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the best practices for framing and hanging your palette knife paintings, whether you're a collector, an interior designer, or an artist yourself.
Why Framing Textured Art Matters
Unlike flat, smooth paintings, palette knife artworks are rich in texture and depth. The thick layers of oil paint (impasto) can extend off the canvas, creating a dynamic surface that interacts with light and shadow.
Framing serves multiple purposes: it preserves, protects, and gives the artwork a finished, polished look.
The truth is — textured oil paintings need special care when it comes to framing and display. Done right, it not only protects the artwork but also enhances its bold, tactile beauty.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the best practices for framing and hanging your palette knife paintings, whether you're a collector, an interior designer, or an artist yourself.
Why Framing Textured Art Matters
Unlike flat, smooth paintings, palette knife artworks are rich in texture and depth. The thick layers of oil paint (impasto) can extend off the canvas, creating a dynamic surface that interacts with light and shadow.
Framing serves multiple purposes: it preserves, protects, and gives the artwork a finished, polished look.
What Kind of Frame Works Best?
floating frame for canvas painting
1. Use a Deep (“Floating” or “Box”) Frame
Because of the thickness of the paint, a standard frame may press against the surface — potentially damaging it over time. A deep-set frame or floating frame (also called a shadow box frame) gives the painting room to breathe.
Benefits:
Because of the thickness of the paint, a standard frame may press against the surface — potentially damaging it over time. A deep-set frame or floating frame (also called a shadow box frame) gives the painting room to breathe.
Benefits:
- Protects textured surface
- Creates a gallery-style appearance
- Enhances depth and shadow play
2. Avoid Glass (in Most Cases)
Unlike watercolors or paper-based art, oil paintings — especially textured ones — should not be placed under glass.
Glass can:
Unlike watercolors or paper-based art, oil paintings — especially textured ones — should not be placed under glass.
Glass can:
- Trap moisture (which can damage the oils)
- Create glare that obscures the texture
- Flattens the feeling of dimensionality
Frame Style and Color: What to Choose?
This part is more personal, but some helpful guidelines:
- For modern interiorssleek black or white floating frames highlight texture beautifully
- For traditional or rustic settings: natural wood frames offer warmth and earthinessnatural wood frames offer warmth and earthiness
- For bold color workneutral frames prevent clashing and allow the art to shine
- Keep the frame minimal, especially if the texture already brings strong character to the piece.
How to Hang Palette Knife Paintings
- Right HeightArt should hang at eye level — typically 145–155 cm (57–61 inches) from the floor to the center of the piece.
- Avoid Damp or Direct SunlightPalette knife paintings should not be displayed in damp spaces (like bathrooms) or in direct sunlight. UV rays can cause gradual fading or discoloration.
🔆 Keep out of direct sunlight, as UV exposure may cause fading or discoloration over time. - Use Wall Anchors or Gallery HooksBecause oil paintings on canvas can be heavy, make sure your wall can support the piece. When possible, use D-rings and hanging wire attached to the frame.
Maintenance and Care
- Dust occasionally using a soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth
- Never use water or cleaning products
- For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free paper and keep upright in a dry place
What Kind of Frame Works Best?
All my original palette knife paintings, which are professionally stretched on wooden frames, have painted edges (gallery stretched) - this means that they are ready to be hung without a frame.
Displaying them unframed offers a modern, minimalistic look that emphasizes the raw texture and movement of the paint. It works beautifully in contemporary interiors and lets the artwork “breathe” on the wall.
While framing is always an option for those who want an added level of protection or a specific decor match, a frame is not required for either aesthetic or structural reasons — my pieces are designed to look complete as they are.
✅ Painted edges
✅ Clean, professional finish
✅ No frame needed to display
Just be sure to hang your artwork securely and keep it away from high-traffic areas to avoid accidental bumps.
Displaying them unframed offers a modern, minimalistic look that emphasizes the raw texture and movement of the paint. It works beautifully in contemporary interiors and lets the artwork “breathe” on the wall.
While framing is always an option for those who want an added level of protection or a specific decor match, a frame is not required for either aesthetic or structural reasons — my pieces are designed to look complete as they are.
✅ Painted edges
✅ Clean, professional finish
✅ No frame needed to display
Just be sure to hang your artwork securely and keep it away from high-traffic areas to avoid accidental bumps.
FAQ
Dust occasionally with a soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth. Never use water or cleaning sprays. Keep the painting in a dry space, and handle it by the sides to avoid touching the surface.
Anywhere it can be appreciated! Just avoid damp areas (like bathrooms) and direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause fading over time. Proper lighting — especially side lighting — beautifully enhances the texture and shadows.
Modern oil paints and high-quality materials greatly reduce the risk of cracking. All of my paintings are created on professional, primed canvases, and finished with a protective top layer (including professional varnish to seal and preserve the texture).
That said, like any fine artwork, a painting should be treated with care. To avoid potential cracking over time, keep it away from damp environments, direct sunlight, and sources of extreme heat (like radiators or fireplaces).
With proper care, your painting will maintain its texture and vibrancy for decades.
That said, like any fine artwork, a painting should be treated with care. To avoid potential cracking over time, keep it away from damp environments, direct sunlight, and sources of extreme heat (like radiators or fireplaces).
With proper care, your painting will maintain its texture and vibrancy for decades.
If you’ve purchased one of my original palette knife artworks or prints, feel free to write to me directly. I can recommend a frame style or even arrange custom framing before shipping.
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