Posted on September 10th, 2025

 

Finding the right frame finish goes beyond simply picking something that looks good. It is about creating a visual and emotional connection between your artwork, the frame that surrounds it, and the environment where it will be displayed. A frame finish has the power to highlight colors, accentuate textures, and influence how viewers engage with the piece as a whole. When you pause to consider this role, it becomes clear that the finish is not just a final touch or a surface treatment. It is a key part of the overall design, one that guides how the eye moves across the work and how the art itself is perceived. 

 

 

Get to know Frame Styles and Materials

 

Exploring the styles and materials of frames is an important step in selecting the right finish. The type of material often dictates not only how the frame looks but also how it interacts with different finishes. Wood, metal, and composite frames each bring their own character to the table, offering different moods and levels of versatility.

 

Wood frames remain a classic choice thanks to their variety of tones, from the richness of walnut to the subtle brightness of maple. Metal frames lean toward modern or industrial aesthetics, shifting from polished and sleek aluminum to brushed, rustic tones. Composite materials, on the other hand, are adaptable, often crafted to mimic the appearance of wood or metal while allowing more flexibility in color and texture.

 

The art itself also influences which material and style will serve it best. For example, watercolor pieces often shine when paired with matte finishes that soften the frame’s presence, while textured or mixed-media works may benefit from metallic or painted finishes that echo their depth. In each case, the choice of material becomes the foundation for how finishes will improve and protect the frame, creating a natural presentation that enhances the piece rather than overwhelming it.

 

 

Selecting Custom Frame Finishes

 

Custom finishes do more than protect the frame; they define how your artwork interacts with its environment. Each option brings its own advantages, so the decision should reflect both aesthetic preferences and practical needs. Here are some of the ways different finishes make an impact:

 

• Lacquer brings durability and shine: It forms a hard, glossy surface that protects frames against moisture and environmental wear while enhancing the natural beauty of both wood and metal.

• Wax nurtures wood with subtle elegance: Its matte appearance highlights natural grains without overshadowing them, offering warmth and understated character to handmade frames.

• Paint provides adaptability through color: From bold modern hues to softer tones, painted finishes allow you to tie the frame to interior design themes and artistic styles with ease.

 

These finishes also protect frames against long-term wear. Lacquer creates a sealed barrier well-suited to environments with changing humidity, while wax breathes naturally with indoor conditions, making it a good choice for quieter spaces. Paint adds color harmony and protection simultaneously, making it an appealing option for contemporary collections.

 

 

Choosing the Right Frame for Artwork

 

Finding the right finish for a frame requires looking beyond appearance and considering how it influences the overall perception of your artwork. A strong finish should complement the art while also serving practical needs such as light control and durability. Here’s how different choices shape the final presentation:

 

• Gloss finishes brighten and energize: They work especially well for artwork displayed in vibrant settings, reflecting light and giving colors extra intensity.

• Matte and satin finishes soften reflections: These are ideal for delicate or detailed pieces, as they provide a calm viewing experience without glare.

• Textured finishes create dialogue with the art: Waxed wood highlights organic patterns, while metallic or painted surfaces align with bold and modern works.

 

Each option changes the relationship between art and its surrounding environment. A wax finish, for example, brings warmth and tactility that emphasizes the natural beauty of wood, while a bold painted finish establishes a striking contrast that suits contemporary or abstract artwork.

 

 

Printing Finishes for Art and Photography

 

When it refer to photography and fine art prints, the finish of the print itself should influence the frame finish you select. Prints often come in gloss, matte, or satin finishes, each of which interacts differently with the surrounding frame.

 

Gloss prints create a vivid, eye-catching look. Pairing them with lacquered frames continues the shine, amplifying their brilliance, while satin-finished frames introduce balance by softening the reflective qualities. Matte prints lean toward subtle elegance, often working best with matte or waxed frames that maintain their understated glow. Satin prints fall somewhere in between, offering versatility that blends with many frame styles.

 

To make the most of these options, consider the texture of the print as well. High-texture surfaces, such as canvas or velvet-laminated photos, already provide strong visual interest and may benefit from simpler frame finishes that keep the focus on the print. Smooth, low-texture prints often call for bolder frames, such as painted or carved designs, to introduce dimension and visual weight.

 

The harmony between printing and framing finishes creates consistency, allowing your chosen art or photo to feel integrated within its environment. The right pairing enhances not just the piece itself but also the atmosphere it creates in your space.

 

 

Finding Your Perfect Frame Finish

 

The process of selecting a frame finish comes down to how it interacts with both the art and the environment where it will be displayed. Texture, color, and protective qualities all combine to shape the story told by the finished piece.

 

Different finishes influence the emotional effect of a framed artwork:

 

• Wax finishes create warmth and nostalgia: Their soft glow highlights natural grains, offering a traditional and intimate feel.

• Painted finishes bring bold character: They provide flexibility in color and style, making them especially suited for contemporary works or spaces.

• Lacquered finishes add sophistication and strength: Their sheen enhances brightness while also giving strong protection against daily wear.

 

Each of these options provides a different way of shaping how the art is perceived. A waxed frame may add a sense of handcrafted authenticity, while a lacquered finish offers polish and resilience. Painted frames, by contrast, allow freedom of expression, aligning with diverse styles and preferences.

 

 

Related: Why Contemporary Art Frames Are a Must-Try for Artists

 

 

Conclusion

 

Selecting a custom frame finish is not just about decoration; it’s about building a dialogue between the art and its surroundings. Each finish—lacquer, wax, or paint—shapes how the artwork is seen, how it feels in a room, and how long it maintains its beauty. By paying attention to both style and protection, you create a balance where art, frame, and environment all work together.

 

At Frame and Art Brokers, we believe in helping you create that harmony with personalized guidance and expertise. Ready to bring your artwork to life with the perfect custom frame? Book a free consultation with Frame & Art Brokers today and get expert guidance on finishes, styles, and materials tailored to your vision.

 

Call us at (480) 550-2242 or email us at [email protected] to begin your framing journey today.