About Mark Beach Expertise I can answer any questions about custom picture framing or any one of custom picture framing components, i.e. matting, glass, mounting and wood or metal frames. I can answer questions about proper framing techniques to preserve artwork. I can not answer questions about restoring artwork or the value of artwork.
Experience I have over eleven years experience in custom picture framing and nine years experience managing a frame shop. I have worked in every retail area of custom picture framing.
Education/Credentials I've trained under 3 indiviuals that have more than fifty years of combined expierence. I have attended several PPFA (Profestional Picture Framers Association) certified workshops.
Expert: Mark Beach Date: 1/2/2007 Subject: hanging a painting
Question Hi Mark- I have a painting that I had framed for Christmas. It is about 3'x4' and quite heavy (8-10 lbs). The person who framed it, added the 2 small eyelets on the sides of the back of the frame, but no wire between the 2 on which to hang it. He refuses to add the wire. What type of wire do I need to buy and what is the best way to make sure it is secure on the painting? Thanks for your advice.
Answer Hi Stacy,
I will assume that if the framer didn't put a wire on the back what you call “small eyelets” are mirror straps. Mirror straps look like a ring with a flat piece of metal attached to it. The flat piece of metal has either one or two screw holes to allow it to be screwed to the frame. If you have something different please follow up with a more detailed description of what you do have. Your framer was correct in not including wire with your hanging system. The best way to hang a large framed item is to use two fifty pound hangers and hang the art directly from the two mirror straps mounted to the frame. With that said after you requested wire he should have supplied you with a detailed reason for not using wire, but in the end should have met your request. Now as far as what type of wire to buy, I would start by going to another frame shop, tell them what you have and ask them for the correct wire because sometimes they will just give you a little at no charge. I know if someone comes into my shop and just wants some small items I will simply give them away to promote good will. If this is not an option I find braided wire the easiest to work with, you want use #8 in reference to size. I will warn you that outside a frame shop it may not be easy to find. To attach the wire to the mirror straps loop one end two times around the ring and then twist the end of the wire around the remaining wire leading to the opposite side of the frame eight to ten times. Repeat the same process on the opposite side. Make sure you use two fifty pound picture hangers to hang it with. Thank you for your question. If you need any clarification or have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask.
