How to Frame an Unstretched Oil Painting: A Complete Guide for UK Homeowners
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Transform your Studio Reign artwork into a stunning statement piece.
When you purchase a hand-painted oil painting from Studio Reign, it arrives as a rolled, unstretched, frameless canvas. This delivery method keeps shipping costs lower, protects the artwork during transit, and gives you complete freedom to choose a finish that perfectly suits your home.
If you've never bought original canvas art before, you might wonder what to do next. The good news is that framing an unstretched canvas is straightforward, with several options to suit different styles and budgets.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most popular framing methods available in the UK and help you choose the best option for your home.
Why Does Studio Reign Ship Paintings Rolled?
At Studio Reign, every artwork is 100% hand-painted by professional artists. To ensure your painting arrives safely while keeping delivery costs reasonable, we ship each canvas:
- Rolled in a protective tube
- Unstretched
- Unframed
- Ready for custom finishing
This approach also allows you to select a frame that complements your décor rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all option.
Option 1: Stretch the Canvas Over a Wooden Frame (Most Popular)
This is the classic gallery-style finish seen in art galleries and designer homes.
A professional framer stretches the canvas tightly over a custom-made wooden stretcher frame before securing it to the back. The artwork wraps neatly around the edges, creating a clean and modern look.
Best For
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Home offices
- Minimalist interiors
- Scandinavian homes
Pros
✔ Modern gallery appearance
✔ Ready to hang
✔ Lightweight
✔ No glass reflections
✔ Perfect for textured oil paintings
Option 2: Floating Frame (Our Favourite)
A floating frame has become one of the UK's most popular framing styles.
Instead of the artwork sitting directly inside the frame, there's a small gap around the canvas, making it appear to "float."
This style enhances the texture and depth of hand-painted artwork while giving it a premium designer finish.
Best For
- Contemporary homes
- Luxury interiors
- Statement artwork
- Neutral décor
- Modern apartments
Popular Colours
- Natural Oak
- Black
- White
- Walnut
Option 3: Traditional Picture Frame
If you prefer a more classic look, your stretched canvas can also be placed inside a traditional picture frame.
This works particularly well in:
- Period homes
- Traditional interiors
- Cottage-style homes
- Elegant dining rooms
Choose a frame colour that complements both the painting and your furniture.
Option 4: DIY Stretching Kit
If you enjoy DIY projects, you can purchase a canvas stretching kit online or from many UK art suppliers.
Most kits include:
- Wooden stretcher bars
- Corner wedges
- Instructions
You'll simply stretch the canvas around the frame and staple it securely to the back.
While achievable for confident DIY enthusiasts, professional stretching usually provides a cleaner finish, especially for larger artworks.
Where Can You Get an Oil Painting Framed in the UK?
Many local businesses offer canvas stretching and framing services, including:
- Independent picture framers
- Local art galleries
- Specialist framing workshops
- Craft and framing stores
Most framers can stretch and frame your artwork within a few days, depending on the size and frame you've chosen.
Which Frame Colour Should You Choose?
Choosing the right frame can completely transform the look of your artwork.
Natural Oak
Perfect for:
- Scandinavian interiors
- Neutral homes
- Japandi style
- Organic décor
Black
Perfect for:
- Modern homes
- Industrial interiors
- Contemporary spaces
- Bold statement pieces
White
Perfect for:
- Coastal interiors
- Bright living spaces
- Minimalist décor
- Smaller rooms
Walnut
Perfect for:
- Luxury interiors
- Mid-century modern homes
- Warm colour palettes
- Elegant dining rooms
Do I Need Glass?
In most cases, no.
Hand-painted oil paintings are designed to be displayed without glass.
Displaying the artwork without glass allows you to enjoy:
- Rich texture
- Visible brushstrokes
- Better colour depth
- No glare from windows or lighting
A Quick Tip Before Framing
Every Studio Reign canvas includes approximately 4–5 cm of extra canvas around the artwork.
This additional border is designed specifically for stretching and framing, ensuring none of the painted image is lost during the process.
Caring for Your Oil Painting
Once framed, your painting will stay beautiful for years with a little care:
- Dust gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth.
- Avoid hanging in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
- Keep away from excessive humidity.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products or water on the painted surface.
Why Choose Studio Reign?
At Studio Reign, we believe every home deserves artwork with character and craftsmanship.
Our paintings are:
- 100% hand-painted by professional artists
- Unique—no two pieces are exactly alike
- Created using premium-quality oil paints
- Painted on durable canvas
- Carefully rolled and packed in protective tubes for safe delivery
Each piece is designed to become a lasting feature in your home, whether you choose a simple gallery wrap or a bespoke floating frame.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a rolled, unstretched canvas gives you the flexibility to create a finish that's uniquely yours. Whether you prefer the clean simplicity of a gallery wrap, the elegance of a floating frame, or the timeless appeal of a traditional frame, your Studio Reign artwork can be tailored to suit your personal style and home.
Once framed, your hand-painted canvas becomes more than wall décor—it becomes a statement piece that reflects your taste and brings warmth, texture, and personality to your space.
Explore the latest collection at Studio Reign and discover handcrafted wall art designed to elevate modern homes across the UK.