Framing and Displaying Artwork: Simple Ways to Show Your Art

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Finishing a piece of art feels wonderful, and seeing it on the wall feels even better. Thoughtful framing artwork and display choices protect your work and make it look its finest, whether it is a child’s painting, an A/L practical piece or a canvas you are proud of. This guide covers protection, mounts, frames and display ideas.

Step 1: protect the artwork first

Pencil, charcoal and pastel: spray lightly with Kuelox Fixative 180ml or the 300ml size in a ventilated space, to reduce smudging. See our guide to stopping smudging.
Acrylic paintings: once fully dry, a coat of FUJIN Acrylic Varnish 100ml protects the surface. Our varnishing guide explains how.
Watercolour: keep it flat and dry; framing behind glass is the usual protection.
Oil paintings: must be fully dry before varnishing, which takes much longer than acrylics.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

Framing artwork on paper

Mounts

A mount (also called a mat) is a card border between the artwork and the frame. It gives the art breathing space, looks professional and stops the drawing from touching the glass, which helps prevent damage in humid weather. White, ivory and soft grey suit most work.

Choosing a frame

Simple black, white or natural wood frames suit most artwork.
Allow for the mount when choosing frame size; an A4 drawing often looks good in a larger frame with a wide mount.
Glass or clear acrylic protects drawings, pastels and watercolours.
Check the back has a firm board and secure clips or tabs.

Putting it together

Clean the glass on both sides and let it dry.
Attach the artwork to the back of the mount with a small piece of tape at the top only, so it can hang naturally.
Place glass, mount with artwork, then backing board into the frame.
Close the clips and check from the front for dust before hanging.

Displaying artwork without frames

Canvases can hang as they are, especially with painted edges.
Mini easels: the Mont Marte Mini Display Easel with Canvas 8 × 10cm displays a small painting on a desk or shelf, and extra Mont Marte Mini Canvas 10 × 8cm boards fit the same idea.
Clipboards and bulldog clips on a wall make it easy to swap work often.
String and pegs create a cheerful line of children’s paintings.
Painted frames: brighten a plain wooden frame with gold paint or Gold Leaves 15 × 15cm; see our gold leaf guide.

Hanging and arranging

Hang art so its centre is roughly at eye level.
For a gallery wall, lay frames on the floor first and arrange them until the gaps look even.
Group small works together; one small piece alone on a large wall can look lost.
Avoid walls with direct sunlight, which can fade colours, and damp walls.
Use proper hooks for the weight of the frame.

Ideas for children’s art

A rotating display wall that changes every month.
A yearly album or scrapbook of their favourite pieces.
Turning paintings into greeting cards or wrapping paper.
Framing one special piece each year as a family keepsake.

Frequently asked questions

Should drawings touch the glass?

No. Use a mount or spacers so the artwork does not touch the glass, which can cause sticking and damage, especially in humid weather.

Do canvases need frames?

Not always. Many canvases look finished on their own, especially if the edges are painted.

How do I stop pastel dust inside the frame?

Use fixative and a deep mount, so loose particles fall behind the mount instead of onto the glass.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you protect and display your artwork.

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