Using Linen Liners for Art and Framing

Linen liners can be used for a variety of reasons when framing a piece of artwork or canvas. They can be used as a decorative accent when framing your artwork, used to make the art and framing stand out, as an alternative to matting, or used as a spacer between the acrylic and the artwork.

If ordering a wood frame and linen liner together on Americanframe.com, the linen liner will come attached and ready to receive artwork! To order, all you need to do is measure your artwork and enter that size into our framing engine. Example: If the artwork is 8” x 10”, that is the size the liner should be ordered. The frame size will adjust according to which liner is chosen. Be aware that linen liners are not used with canvas floater frames.

However, if ordering a linen liner on a separate occasion for a frame you already have at home, we will show you how to measure for and assemble your frame package.

Measuring the frame for the linen liner is pretty straightforward.

First, measure the depth of the frame (where the artwork would sit) to be sure that it is deep enough to hold a linen liner. The depths for each liner can be found on the website. Be sure to compare the depth of the liner to the rabbet depth of the frame for a nice fit. If the liner depth is greater than the frame’s rabbet, the liner will stick out of the back. This is okay, but may show if looking at the frame on the wall, and may push the frame away from the wall a little.



Flip the frame over and measure the area where the mat and/or artwork usually sits. For the frame above, the measurement is 16” x 20.”

Now, decide which liner you would like to use. American Frame has four different liners available.

  

If using either of these liners (2007 and 6183), subtract 1 1/8” from each side of the frame measurement above. Example- A 16” x 20” frame opening would need a 14 7/8” x 18 7/8” liner. This is the exact size you would order. These dimensions would also be the size of the opening for your artwork.

  

If using either of these liners (2009 and 6185), subtract 2” from each side of the frame measurement above. Example- A 16” x 20” frame opening would need a 14” x 18” liner. This is the exact size you would order. These dimensions would also be the size of the opening for your artwork.

Once the liner arrives, gather all supplies.



Here is our piece of artwork, mounted on standard mounting board; our linen liner, and our wood frame

Using acrylic is optional; however it can be useful for a number of reasons. Placing acrylic before your linen liner can prevent people from touching the artwork and can prevent dust from accumulating on the linen liner or the artwork. Using UV or non-glare will protect from harmful light rays and eliminate glare. If ordering a piece of acrylic with a frame and linen liner, make sure to tell the operator “do not attach liner.” Otherwise, the liner will already come attached to the frame.



If using acrylic, place the acrylic down into the frame’s channel. Be sure to use an anti-static cleaning brush to clean the surface of any dust or debris.



Next, place the linen liner into the frame, face down.



Finally, place the mounted artwork or canvas into the channel of the linen liner.



Place spacers or shims between the liner and the edge of the frame to center the liner in the frame.



Add points around the frame, securing the linen liner in place. Follow the same steps for securing the artwork into the linen liner.



When finished, you have a beautiful and decorative art and framing treatment for a canvas print or other type of artwork!



Consult our other canvas articles for more information:
Why Should I Frame My Canvas Painting?
How to Choose a Frame for a Stretched Canvas
Canvas Clips and Offset Clips
How to Frame a Canvas with a Canvas Floater
Calculating the Float with a Float Frame
Do You Stretch Large Canvas?
What Frames Are Best With Linen Liners?