Exploring the Best Techniques for Framing Pastels and Unstable Art Mediums
- Kim Mackenzie
- Mar 5
- 5 min read
Framing pastel artworks and other unstable art mediums presents unique challenges. These materials are delicate, prone to smudging, fading, or damage if not handled correctly. Choosing the right framing techniques protects the artwork while enhancing its visual appeal. This post explores practical methods to frame pastels and similar fragile mediums, helping artists and collectors preserve their pieces for years.
Understanding the Challenges of Framing Pastels and Unstable Mediums
Pastels, charcoal, chalk, and other dry media share a common trait: their particles rest loosely on the paper surface. This makes them vulnerable to:
Smudging from touch or pressure
Movement/Flaking of Media during to handling
Dust accumulation that dulls colours
Fading due to light exposure
Warping from humidity changes
Unlike oil or acrylic paintings, these mediums do not have a protective paint layer. Without proper framing, the artwork can degrade quickly. Understanding these risks is the first step toward choosing the right framing approach.
Choosing the Right Materials for Framing
Selecting framing materials that protect without harming the artwork is critical. Here are the key components:
Glass or Acrylic Glazing
Glazing Options for Pastel Artwork
Because pastel is a delicate medium, glazing is essential when framing. It protects the surface from dust, environmental pollutants, and accidental contact, while also helping reduce fading when UV-protective glazing is used.
Glass - Glass provides excellent clarity and strong scratch resistance, though it is heavier and can break if mishandled. For pastel artworks, we recommend our artists try our UltraVue glass, which offers exceptional viewing clarity and colour neutrality. This glazing minimises reflections while maintaining true colour presentation, allowing the rich and intricate tones of pastel work to be seen at their best.
Acrylic (Plexiglass) Acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant, making it a practical option for large or transport-sensitive artworks. However, standard acrylic can carry a static charge, which may attract and lift loose pastel particles, making it unsuitable for unstable media.
The only acrylic glazing we recommend for artworks containing unstable media is Optium Acrylic by Tru Vue. This premium glazing is anti-static, lightweight, shatter-resistant, and provides exceptional optical clarity while also offering UV protection.
For more information about this product:https://tru-vue.com/products/optium-acrylic/
Mat Boards
A mat board creates important space between the artwork and the glazing, preventing the pastel surface from smudging or sticking to the glass. It is important to use acid-free, archival-quality matboards to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time.
The mat should be cut with a bevel and combined with a spacer system to ensure the artwork remains safely separated from the glazing. We typically recommend using a 5mm spacer beneath the mat. This creates a small cavity that allows any loose pastel particles that may naturally dislodge over time to fall behind the matboard, helping keep the visible area of the artwork clearer and free from dust or smudging.
Choosing a Mat Colour
When selecting a mat colour, choose a tone that complements the pastel palette without overpowering the artwork. Pastels can vary widely in colour intensity, so a good starting point is to look at the dominant colour within the artwork.
For example, a seascape may be beautifully complemented by using two tonal variations of blue matboards, which help enhance the colours of the artwork while maintaining a soft, harmonious presentation.
Backing Boards
Use coreflute in high humidty areas when framing any work on paper, alternative backings can include acid-free foam core or museum board as backing to provide support and prevent warping. Avoid cardboard, MDF or low-quality materials that can release harmful acids.
Preparing the Artwork for Framing
Preparing Pastel Artwork for Framing
Pastel artworks require careful preparation before framing, as the pigment sits loosely on the surface of the paper and can be easily disturbed.
Fixatives The use of fixative is ultimately a personal choice for the artist. While some artists are comfortable applying a fixative to help bind pastel particles to the paper, others prefer not to use one because it can subtly alter the colour, texture, or vibrancy of the work. If used, it should always be a light, archival-quality fixative specifically designed for pastels.
Mounting The most appropriate method for mounting pastel works on paper is a T-hinge mounting system. This can be created using Japanese paper and wheat starch paste, or with a conservation-grade pre-adhesive product such as AS P7 single-sided acid-free paper tape, which uses an acid-free, water-based acrylic adhesive. During this process the artwork is attached to a float mount, allowing the paper to move naturally with environmental changes while keeping the artwork properly supported. This technicque also allows you to work with the artwork continually faceup which both minimises handling and reduces the risk of disturbing the delicate pastel surface.
Cleaning Care must be taken when cleaning pastel artworks. Never use air blowers or compressed air, as these can easily displace loose pigment. Instead, gently remove any surface dust with a very small, soft paintbrush, taking care not to drag pigment across the surface or transfer colour. Disposable cotton tips can also be helpful for carefully lifting any loose particles that may be out of place.
Assembling the Frame
When assembling a frame containing pastel artwork, care must be taken to avoid disturbing the delicate surface of the piece. Wherever possible, avoid using tools such as tab guns or screws once the artwork is in place, as vibration or pressure can dislodge pastel particles.
Working face-up during assembly can make the process easier and significantly reduce the amount of dust or pigment that may fall onto the artwork.
Begin by laying the backing board flat on your work surface.
Place the artwork, already attached to its float mount, on top of the backing board. Next, position the matboards and spacer over the artwork and secure them lightly in place using small pieces of double-sided tape to prevent movement.
Before adding the glazing, carefully clean the inside surface of the glass to remove any dust or marks. Once clean, gently place the glass over the assembled art package.
Prepare the frame by bending back the frame tabs, then carefully lower the frame over the glass and artwork package, taking care not to shift the contents.
Once everything is aligned, gently turn the frame over so the back is facing up. Fold the tabs down to secure the contents in place. Finally, apply framing tape around the back of the frame to seal the package and prevent dust, insects, and debris from entering. Finish by attaching the hanging hardware securely.
Taking the time to assemble the frame carefully helps ensure the artwork is well protected and presented professionally.
Display and Care Tips for Framed Pastels
Even with perfect framing, how you display and care for pastel artworks affects their lifespan.
Avoid direct sunlight: Place framed pastels away from windows or use UV-filtering glass.
Control humidity: Keep the environment stable, ideally between 40-60% relative humidity.
Clean carefully: Dust the frame regularly but avoid touching the glazing with harsh chemicals.
Handle with care: When moving framed pieces, hold by the frame edges, not the glass.
Frame Your Pastel Artwork with Confidence
Pastel artworks require the right materials and careful presentation to protect their delicate surface. We offer a range of DIY framing products designed specifically for artists, including archival matboards, spacers, and premium glazing options suited to pastel work.
Whether you’re preparing for an exhibition, selling work to collectors, or simply preserving a finished piece, our products make it easy to assemble professional-quality frames yourself.
Explore our DIY framing products and create the perfect presentation for your pastel artwork.
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