Your colored pages are more than a pastime; they are a reflection of your creativity, talent, and patience. Professionally or DIY-framed, you then have gorgeous pieces of artwork to display, with a personal element added to your own walls or to give to friends and loved ones. It is a simple process that will save your work and have it neatly and professionally displayed. From picking out just the right frame to having them perfectly mounted, this article has everything you need to know to Frame your colored pages. Let's begin and have your artwork shine.
Frame your colored pages
Why Frame Your Colored Pages?
Framing does more than keep your pages safe; it elevates them from casual sketches to art worth admiring. It protects against dust, fading, and wear, preserving those hours you spent perfecting every hue. Beyond practicality, framing gives your work a finished look, turning a loose sheet into something gallery-ready. Displaying your art can boost your confidence too; seeing your talent on the wall reminds you of what you’re capable of and inspires more creativity. Whether it’s for your living room, a friend’s desk, or a cozy nook, framing makes your coloring a celebration of your unique vision.
Steps to Frame and Display Your Colored Pages
Framing your colored pages is a straightforward journey that combines a few key steps to ensure your art looks its best. The process starts with selecting a frame that fits your style and ends with finding the perfect spot to display it. Here’s how to take your masterpiece from page to wall with ease.
Choosing the Right Frame
The frame is the foundation of your display, so picking the right one matters. Start with size. Most coloring pages are standard, like 8.5x11 inches, but measure yours to confirm. A frame slightly larger than your page leaves room for matting, which adds a border and keeps the art from touching the glass, a smart move to avoid sticking or damage.
Next, think about style. A sleek black frame suits modern, bold designs like abstracts, giving them a sharp, contemporary edge. Wooden frames in natural tones work well with softer, realistic scenes, adding warmth and a classic feel. White frames brighten whimsical or playful pages, while metallic frames in silver or gold bring a touch of elegance to vibrant works. Match the frame to your room’s vibe—minimalist for clean lines, ornate for a vintage flair—or let the page’s mood guide you. You don’t need to splurge; craft stores offer budget-friendly options that look just as good as custom frames, making this step accessible for everyone.
Preparing Your Colored Page
Before framing, get your page in top shape. If it’s wrinkled from coloring, smooth it out by placing it between two sheets of parchment paper and ironing on low heat, without steam, to avoid moisture damage. This flattens creases for a clean look. Trim uneven edges with a ruler and craft knife if you want crisp lines, but skip this if you’d rather keep every bit of your design intact.
Check for smudges or stray pencil marks; a soft eraser can lift those without harming the paper. If you used markers or watercolor pencils, ensure the page is completely dry, as wet ink can smear or stick to the glass, ruining your effort. This prep work ensures your art looks pristine and professional, ready to take center stage in the frame.
Matting: Adding a Professional Touch
Matting isn’t required, but it’s a game-changer. It’s a border that sits between your page and the frame, adding space and sophistication while keeping the art from pressing against the glass. Choose a mat color that enhances your work: white or cream for a timeless look, black for a dramatic contrast, or a subtle hue like pale gray to tie into your palette.
The mat’s window should be slightly smaller than your page, about a quarter-inch overlap on each side, to hold it securely without covering the design. Pre-cut mats from art stores are easy to use, or you can cut your own with a mat cutter and ruler for a custom fit. Matting gives your piece that extra polish, making it feel like it belongs in a gallery, not just on your desk.
Mounting Your Page
Mounting keeps your art steady in the frame. Lay your page flat on the mat or the frame’s backing board, centering it carefully by eye or with a ruler. Use acid-free artist tape or photo corners to attach it; regular tape can yellow and degrade the paper over time. Tape just the top corners lightly to allow the page to expand or contract with humidity, or use corners if you want it fully removable later. If your frame has glass, ensure the page doesn’t touch it; matting or small foam spacers can help. A secure mount keeps your art in place, looking sharp and undisturbed.
Assembling the Frame
Time to put it all together. Clean the frame’s glass with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to banish fingerprints, as smudges steal focus from your art. Place the glass in the frame, followed by the mat (if you’re using one), then your mounted page and the backing board. Secure it with the frame’s clips, points, or tabs, depending on the design. For clip-on frames, snap them shut gently. Give it a light shake to check; nothing should shift. This step locks your work in, ready to hang and admire.
Hanging Your Framed Art
Where you hang your art sets its stage. Pick a spot that shows it off—a living room wall for shared enjoyment, a bedroom corner for personal calm, or an office space for daily inspiration. Avoid direct sunlight to keep colors from fading; indirect light highlights details without harm. Use a picture hook or nail matched to the frame’s weight—small frames need one point, larger ones might need two for stability. Hang it at eye level, about 57-60 inches from the floor to the frame’s center, and use a level to keep it straight. Step back and adjust until it feels just right; your art’s now a seamless part of your space.
Alternative Display Options
Not into frames? Try clipping pages to a string with mini clothespins for a casual, swap-friendly gallery. A magnetic board with fun magnets offers a playful, flexible setup. Or pin them to a corkboard for a collage effect, mixing multiple pieces. These ideas work for renters or anyone who likes variety, keeping your art visible without nails or permanence.
Caring for Your Framed Art
Keep your framed piece fresh with minimal effort. Dust the frame and glass weekly with a soft cloth; avoid sprays that might leak inside. In humid spots, watch for fogging under the glass and air it out if needed. Keep it away from heat sources like radiators to prevent warping. Simple care ensures your art stays vibrant, a lasting showcase of your talent.
Why It’s Worth It
Framing your color pages is not merely easy; it is a celebration of you and your creativity. It turns a temporary work into a treasure, adding to your pride with each passing. It is a gift to you or to someone, a sharing of your vision. It is a small effort with a huge result, making your artwork a lasting presence in your life.
Ready to display your colored pages? Grab a frame, tape, and your artwork. Iron out the wrinkles, mount, and frame. Display where you will be noticed. Do one or do a full wall—your artwork is worthy of being noticed. Frame it, and stand back to admire what you have done.
Learn more about coloring at Trending Coloring!