Custom Framing
Custom FRAMING ORIGINAL ART

Should You Frame Your Original Canvas Painting?
If you've ever looked at a beautiful original canvas painting leaning against the wall — unframed — and wondered whether it really needs a frame, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we hear at Rad Art.The short answer is: yes, you should. Here's why.
It Makes the Painting Look Its Best
A frame is not just a border — it's the finishing touch that completes a work of art. The right frame draws the eye in, anchors the painting to its surroundings, and gives it the presence it deserves. Without a frame, even a stunning painting can look unfinished or out of place on your wall.
At Rad Art, we help you choose a frame that enhances the colors, style, and mood of your painting — whether it's bold and modern or classic and refined.
It Protects the Canvas from Damage
Canvas is more delicate than it looks. Over time, an unframed canvas is exposed to all kinds of hazards:
- Bending and warping — Canvas can warp or sag if the wooden stretcher bars behind it shift or dry out.
- Damaged corners — The corners of a stretcher frame are especially vulnerable. Without a frame to shield them, they can get bumped, dented, or split.
- Dust and humidity — Exposed canvas absorbs dust and moisture, which can degrade the paint surface over time.
A proper frame acts as a protective shell, keeping all of these risks at bay and ensuring your painting lasts for generations.
Does an Original Canvas Need Glass?
This is where a lot of people get confused — and it's important to get right.
Original canvas paintings generally do not need glass. Unlike artwork on paper (such as watercolors, prints, or posters), canvas is a sturdy surface that breathes. Putting glass over it can actually trap moisture and cause more harm than good.
The exception? If your painting is going somewhere unusually exposed — high humidity, a public space, or somewhere it might get touched frequently — a specialist framer can advise on protective options.
This is one of the reasons it pays to come in and speak with someone who knows the difference. At Rad Art, we'll never sell you something your painting doesn't need.
Canvas vs. Paper: Two Very Different Needs
It's worth knowing that framing a canvas is quite different from framing artwork on paper:
Original CanvasPaper (prints, watercolors, posters)Glass needed?Usually no,Mat needed?Usually no,Main goalEnhance & protect edgesProtect surface from contact
Getting this distinction right matters — and it's exactly the kind of guidance we offer every customer at Rad Art.
Ready to Frame Your Canvas?
Whether your painting is a cherished original, a gift, or a piece you've had for years, bringing it in for professional framing is one of the best things you can do for it. You'll protect your investment, elevate the artwork, and give it the home it deserves.
Come visit us at Rad Art — we'll help you find the perfect frame and make sure your canvas is in great hands.

