Frame Measurement
Measuring A Painting
There are five sets of dimensions to consider when measuring paintings. The outside size of the art, the diagonal sizes, the Sight size, the Rabbet size and Depth of the art.
Outside size - These are the actual dimensions of the painting. The height is generally measured first followed by the width. This method is used whether the painting has a vertical or horizontal composition.
Diagonal size - By measuring on the diagonal from the corners of the canvas you can determine if your painting is out of square. This is important when obtaining the other dimensions because if it is out of square you have to allow for extra rabbet space to accommodate it.
Sight size - This is literally what you will see of the painting when it is framed. The general rule of thumb is to take whatever the outside sizes of the painting are and reduce both the height and width by ¼ inch. Allowances can be made for how far out to the edge of the canvas has been painted. If a painting has been restretched you may have to consider old stretcher marks showing through.
Rabbet size - The rabbet is the channel at the frame's inner edge into which the artwork fits. This enables you to shift the canvas in the frame to show off the painting to its best advantage. Taking once again the outside sizes of the painting you enlarge the dimensions by an additional ¼ inch. If the diagonals show the canvas as being out of square, you can increase the rabbet sizes so the painting will fit properly.
Depth - The depth of the canvas is important. By including this measurement a frame rabbet depth can be adapted to protect the painting and facilitate the fitting of the painting into the frame.
When measuring the painting be careful with your measuring tape. Don't let the tape come in contact with the surface of the painting. A cloth measuring tape would also be preferable to a metal one which could scratch the surface of the painting if it comes into contact. Another alternative if you are purchasing a frame from us is to ship the artwork to our gallery at Eli Wilner & Company 1525 York Avenue New York City, NY 10028. We will take care of the measuring, fitting and return shipping to you via FedEx or fine arts trucker when the project is completed.
Please Contact Us for more information.