Is there any reason not to frame paintings using photo frames?

I tend that they are easy to find and generally look ok. I have only just started to frame my paintings and would be glad of any advice.

Cheers....

Hi Uilleam! There's no reason why you shouldn't use photo frames for your paintings, but bear in mind that photo frames are usually of limited size and may have not many tabs on the back to hold the painting flat against the glass, if they are watercolours.
Also, I think paintings look much better if you have a mountboard, cut to frame the painting within the frame, as often photoframes have a paper insert only.
But if you want to simply use existing photo frames, then there is no reason why not.

I hope this helps, but come back to me if you need further information or help.

Very best wishes,


Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan area

Some photo frames are not deep enough to take double mounts but single mounts seem fine.

I have only just started exhibiting and have used photo frames plus mounts from SAA for my watercolours and they look good.

I did discover a bit of snobbery about the use of photo frames though. I had comments from other artists about how good they looked but when I said what they were their comments changed to ones about how they should have been famed professionally.

Ask the framer or bring a friend along if you’re unsure about choosing frames. Ultimately, it should be an engaging and exciting experience. And don’t fret about it if you get it back and it doesn’t look quite right, framing can always be changed to match the mood of the painting. Good luck!

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