What Should I Know Before Framing Expensive Artwork?

Framing expensive artwork is not only about choosing a beautiful frame. The right frame, glass, mounting, and materials can help protect your artwork and keep it looking its best for years.

Before framing a valuable painting, photograph, print, or collectible, there are a few important things you should know.


Choose the Right Frame for Valuable Artwork

The frame should match the artwork while also providing proper support and protection.

A cheap or poorly made frame may not provide the support that expensive artwork needs. Professional custom framing allows you to choose the right frame size, material, finish, and design for your artwork.

The first question to ask is which frame suits the artwork best.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is selecting a frame only because it looks nice.Consider:

• The size and weight of the artwork

• The artwork material

• The style of the artwork

• Where it will be displayed

• The level of protection required


Choose the Right Glass

Glass is an important part of framing expensive artwork. Normal glass may offer limited UV and reflection protection. UV exposure can cause colours to fade over time.

Premium Art Glass offers better UV protection, less reflection, and clearer viewing.

At Qube Art Gallery, we offer three Art Glass options:

• Art Glass 70 for good UV protection

• Art Glass 92 for higher UV protection

• Art Glass 99 for maximum UV protection and valuable artwork

For expensive artwork, choosing the right Art Glass can help protect its colours, details, and overall appearance for years.


Think About Museum Quality Framing

For highly valuable or delicate artwork, standard framing may not be enough.

Museum framing uses carefully selected materials and techniques designed to provide a higher level of protection.

It can be suitable for:

• Original paintings

• Fine art prints

• Photography

• Limited edition artwork

• Collectible artwork

• Valuable documents

Qube Art Gallery offers museum framing with protective materials and glazing options for artwork that needs extra care.

Use Acid Free and Safe Materials

The materials touching your artwork are also important.

Low quality materials can cause damage or discolouration over time. For valuable artwork, ask your framer about the mounting board, backing materials, and other materials used inside the frame.

Good framing should help protect the artwork from:

• Moisture

• Dust

• Harmful materials

• Physical damage

• Long term ageing

The goal is not just to make the artwork look good. It is to create a safe environment around it.

Consider the Location and Lighting

Where you display your artwork can affect how well it stays protected.

Direct sunlight and strong lighting can increase the risk of colour fading. Humidity and temperature changes can also affect some artworks.

Before choosing your picture framing, consider:

• Direct sunlight

• Indoor lighting

• Room temperature

• Humidity

• Wall location

• Distance from windows

This is especially important in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where strong sunlight can make UV protection an important consideration.

Choose an Experienced Art Framer

Expensive artwork deserves professional care.

An experienced framer can help you choose the right frame, glass, mounting method, and protective materials based on your artwork.

At Qube Art Gallery, our framing team provides custom framing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for different types of artwork, from photographs and prints to valuable and collectible pieces.

If you are framing expensive artwork, do not choose based only on appearance or price. Ask about the materials, glass, mounting, and protection being used.

Explore Qube Art Gallery framing services to find a framing solution designed around your artwork.