Original oils and watercolours are treated differently due to the substrates they are painted on.

Original oils are normally painted on canvas, which generally require stretching prior to framing.

However some decorative oils are not stretched prior to painting. These require special care if they are stretched after completion- hand stretching ensures that not too much tension is created (high tension can result in the paint cracking). and segregation of paint occurring over a period of time, causing irreparable damage to artwork, An alternative is to mount the painting onto acid-free foam core, which prevents any cracking or degradation.

Watercolours are normally painted on giclee paper. These works should be hinged under glass (in contrast to being mounted down) and require matting to keep the glass off the artwork.

Excessive water usage on giclee paper can result in the paper swelling and rippling. Ambient temperature changes can also cause the paper to expand and contract. This is addressed by using a spacer under the matting to avoid the artwork touching the glass.

Contact us today on (07) 4775 3347 or via email sales@townsvilleartandframing.com.au to discuss your custom framing requirements.