How to Prepare a Painting for Hanging - The Do's and Don'ts
How to Prepare a Painting for Hanging - The Do's and Don'ts
Lately I've encountered first hand and also been told of a few horror stories to do with the issue of paintings being handed over to a gallery for hanging. There is no one way to do it but there are a few steps that just should not be overlooked. It makes you look professional and saves the handlers/gallery an awful lot of work. So if you want to put your best foot forward, use these simple tips.
DO:
Finish your work off completely by painting the sides and sealing it when dry.
Write the Title and Date on the back of your painting. Don't forget to sign it too.
Include all details Title, Size, Medium, Artist, Price on a tag or sticker that is easily visible on the back of your work.
Use D hooks.
Place them about 1/3 the way down on the back.
Insert the D hooks on the insides of the boxed canvas so that they don't protrude and leave marks on the wall.
Use string or wire to hang. Wire is best if your work is heavy as it stretches less.
Tape the back of the frame. You can buy framing tape at your local art supplies store for about $15.
DON'T:
Show up to the gallery and expect someone to do all this for you.
Take your art work anywhere when wet.
Expect unframed canvas or paper to be put on display.
Create a beautiful painting then not add the Title & Price to the back.
It's honestly very simple. So simple it seems silly to write this post but I assure you, it's very easy for people to overlook these steps. I hope you find them useful in the future. If you read this list and realise you've been doing these things, relax! When you know better, you do better. Move forward from today onward and you'll be fine.