The Floating Effect: How separation creates focus.
In This Design Guide
- The Illusion: How floater frames create the visual effect of art hovering in space.
- Preservation Benefit: Why touching the edge of the canvas is bad for the art.
- The "Reveal": Choosing the right gap size (1/8" vs 1/4") for your piece.
- Material Options: Solid Maple, Oak, and Metallic finishes.
The Modern Standard for Canvas
Traditional frames feature a "lip" that covers the front edge of the artwork to hold it in place. This obscures the perimeter of the painting. For modern canvases—especially Gallery Wraps—this is undesirable.
The Floater Frame (or Tray Frame) reverses this. The canvas is loaded from the front and secured from the back. A deliberate gap, known as the "float" or "reveal," is left between the canvas edge and the frame wall. This dark recess acts as a visual moat, separating the art from the frame and intensifying the viewer's focus on the image.
Structural & Archival Benefits
Beyond aesthetics, floater frames offer superior protection for canvas paintings:
- No Contact: The frame does not touch the painted surface, preventing abrasion or sticking near the edges.
- Air Circulation: The gap allows for airflow around the entire canvas, reducing the risk of mold in humid environments.
- Full Visibility: 100% of the artist's work is visible, honoring the composition right to the edge.
The Anatomy of the Float
The "L-Profile" design allows the canvas to be securely screwed in from the back without touching the painted edges, creating the signature floating effect.
How much gap ("reveal") should I choose?
Can I put a floater frame on a paper print?
Give Your Art Space to Breathe
Shop our collection of custom wood and metal floater frames.
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