Artist Framing Mistakes Online
Selling artwork online requires more than just creating beautiful pieces—it also involves framing them correctly to ensure a professional and polished presentation. However, many make common artist framing mistakes online that lead to shipping delays, added costs, and disappointing results. Whether it’s misjudging sizing, rushing the process, or choosing the wrong frame, these errors can impact the best service that we hope to provide.
This guide outlines the most frequent artist framing mistakes in e-commerce and provides solutions to help you through our ordering process efficiently and correctly.
1. Rushed Framing Decisions Can Lead to Framing Mistakes
A major mistake artists make is waiting until the last minute to order a frame. This often leads to rushed decisions, and potential for errors impacting the order or shipping delays that could affect artist exhibition deadlines.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Framing Errors
Unlike purchasing in a physical store, e-commerce orders require processing and shipping time. Articient frames typically ship within four business days, with standard delivery taking 2–3 days depending on where you are in the continental U.S. Ordering early ensures your frame arrives on time and fits correctly.
Frame Samples Help Prevent Common Issues
Ordering chip or corner samples first lets you test colors and materials before committing to a full frame purchase. Many times, first time buyers do this simple step to get acclimated to our frame choices to ensure the fit and get comfortable with our online platform. Once you have tried us in this small way, you will see our commitment to helping artists and galleries, and you will learn to utilize us in a big way. Additionally, we have worked hard to innovate this frame sample ordering process in an ffordable and user-friendly way to help you get used to ordering from us.
2. Incorrect Dimensions: A Common Artist Framing Mistake Online
One of the most frustrating artist framing mistakes in e-commerce is inputting the wrong artwork dimensions when placing an order. We rely on the measurements you provide, so even a small miscalculation can result in a frame that doesn’t fit. Please enter only the ACTUAL dimensions of your artwork. We will build in an additional allowance for proper fit.
Measure Carefully Before Ordering a Frame
Always measure the exact width, height, and depth of your artwork before ordering. Articient adjusts the final frame size based on your input, but mistakes in measuring can lead to costly returns. Take the time to use a tape measure to ensure the correct dimensions of your canvas in front of you rather than relying on marketing from distributors.
Understanding Frame Profiles Helps Prevent Mistakes
Before purchasing, review frame specifications carefully:
- Frame width and height - for proper fit and compatibility with canvas or panel thickness
- Side profile images - showing the depth/rabbet of a frame
For accurate sizing, take the time to check the images on each product page and grab a tape measure or ruler to measure your canvas or panel.
3. Misjudging Fit and Frame Depth
Even standard-size canvases aren’t always exact. Please do not completely trust the dimensions you might see marketed on the outside wrapping or online dimensions of canvas or panels. If you assume a frame will fit without measuring, you could end up with gaps or a frame that doesn’t align properly.
Measure Canvas Variations to Avoid Fit Issues
Many canvases vary slightly from their labeled sizes due to manufacturing inconsistencies. Instead of relying on standard dimensions, measure along the outer edges, including any fabric folds.
Choosing the Right Frame Depth Prevents E-Commerce Framing Mistakes
Floater frames are designed for specific depths—typically 1.5 inch or deeper. If your canvas is 2 inches thick, frame options will be more limited. Learn more about sizing with our floater frame depth guide.
Shipping and Transport Considerations for Online Framing
Larger frames can be harder to ship. If your artwork is oversized we offer a ready to assemble option that can save you money on shipping. Again, we have worked hard to innovate a system of perfecting our dovetail keys to enable you to put together an oversized frame at your location. A QR code and video are provided to guide you through this process.
Check out our Ready to Assemble Video here if you would like to get a head start on learning this process.
4. Installation Mistakes That Can Damage Artwork
Even a high-quality frame can fail if installed incorrectly. Improper installation is one of the most costly artist framing mistakes in e-commerce, leading to artwork damage and unprofessional presentation.
Use the Right Hardware for Secure Installation
- Avoid screws that are too long—they can pierce the artwork.
- Skip Velcro and adhesives—they weaken over time, causing the piece to fall.
- Use minimal glue on panels to allow for easier frame removal later.
Ensure Proper Artwork Positioning for a Professional Look
Your artwork should be centered within the frame, with a slight recess for protection. Misalignment can make the piece look unprofessional, especially when viewed from different angles.
For step-by-step guidance, read how to install a floater frame.
5. Wiring Errors That Affect Hanging
Many artists don’t consider proper wiring techniques, leading to artwork hanging improperly or getting damaged.
Avoid These Common Wiring Issues
- Too-short wires put excessive strain on the frame.
- Too-long wires cause the artwork to tilt forward, changing its angle and lighting.
Best Practices for Hanging Your Framed Artwork
Attach the wire securely with a balanced amount of slack to keep the artwork flush against the wall.
The rule of thumb on positioning the D-rings and wire is to divide the heigh of the frame into thirds and attach the D-rings 1/3 of the way down from the top of the frame. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if a painting is hanging on a rod system and not on a wall, many artists prefer to put the D-ring and wire much higher to compensate for slack from the rod.
6. Choosing the Wrong Frame for Your Artwork
The wrong frame can overpower your artwork or reduce its visual impact. Many artists select frames based on personal preference and over time they develop habitual favorites. Please consider supplementing your favorite art frames with gallery favorites, trending frames, or personalized recommendations from our staff.
Invest in Learning What's New
Articient has many artists on staff. This allows us to stay in the know about what is trending around the country in terms of sales of art as well as the gallery scene. We make an effort to compile this data into analysis when considering our tailored frame selection. If we have chosen a frame, there is a reason for it that is well thought out for you.
Selecting the Right Frame Style from Articient
- Gallery favorites -employs research from our gallery partners
- Artist favorites- professional artists have come together to help us choose frames on a continual basis.
- Floater frames, Plein Air, Traditional- Each of these main motifs of frames are highly selected and catered within our warehouse.
Check out each of these sections within our website for your artwork to find the perfect match. Additionally, Articient puts out monthly emails giving you a heads up on what new and trending.
Final Thoughts on Avoiding Artist Framing Mistakes Online
Avoiding artist framing mistakes in e-commerce ensures that your artwork looks professional and ships safely. By planning ahead, measuring carefully, and choosing the right frame, you can enhance your art’s presentation and increase its appeal to buyers.
At Articient, we offer expertly crafted frames, sample kits, and resources to help artists frame their work with confidence. Shop artist frames and take your artwork presentation to the next level.
