Bluethumb has teamed up with Fantastic Framing, one of Australia's most established framing partners, to provide you with a professional framing service. Our frames are custom-made to the artwork and hand-delivered (if within range) by Fantastic Framing.
Why Frame?
A frame is not an afterthought. It is what tells a room the artwork is intentional, the thing that transforms a painting into a finished piece and makes it belong on your wall rather than just sit on it.
The right frame also protects the work. It shields it from dust, humidity and handling, and keeps it looking exactly as the artist intended for years to come.
Every work on Bluethumb can be framed at checkout. Our frames are handcrafted to fit each individual artwork by Fantastic Framing, one of Australia's most established framing partners, and delivered ready to hang.
Choosing Your Frame
What frame colours are available?
Three finishes: natural American Ash, black and white. The black and white frames are coated. Gold and distressed finishes are not currently available. If you need something specific, we'd recommend purchasing unframed and using a local framer.
What do "custom" and "handmade" mean?
Every frame is made from scratch once your artwork arrives at the framers. Nothing is pre-made or off-the-shelf. The timber is cut, assembled and finished specifically for your artwork's dimensions. All timber is sustainably sourced and certified.
What kind of glass is used?
Option | Best for | Cost |
Clear glass | Most standard artworks (under 1M wide) | Included |
Clear Perspex | Large artworks over 1M, or if you prefer lighter weight | Included (on request for smaller works) |
Non-reflective glass | Well-lit rooms where glare is an issue | Additional, contact us for a quote prior to ordering |
UV glass Provides 99% UV resistance | Areas with 3 or 4 more hours of direct sunlight | Additional, contact us for a quote prior to ordering |
For smaller works, clear glass is the default. If you'd prefer Perspex, just let us know after placing your order. No extra charge.
What type of hanging system comes with the frame?
Most frames include D-rings and wire. For large works where width plus height exceeds 210cm, D-rings only are supplied. These should be secured directly to the wall for safety.
Sizing and Weight
How much does the frame add to the overall size?
Artworks on canvas: A floating external frame adds approximately 3 to 4cm on each side, roughly 1.5cm frame with a 0.5cm shadow gap. Example: a 40 x 50cm canvas becomes approximately 43 x 53cm framed. Depth: approximately 5.5cm.
Artworks on paper: A white matte border is included inside the frame.
Artworks with any side under 50cm: 2 to 3cm matte plus 1.5 to 2.5cm frame, so the overall size increases by approximately 3.5 to 5.5cm per side.
Artworks with all sides over 50cm: 4 to 5cm matte plus 1.5 to 2.5cm frame, so the overall size increases by approximately 5.5 to 7.5cm per side.
How heavy will the framed artwork be?
For works on paper under 70cm, expect the frame to add roughly 1 to 2kg. Larger works use Perspex instead of glass, which keeps weight down. If you need an exact estimate for a specific work, contact us and we'll work it out for you.
Your Order
How do I add a frame?
Select your frame colour on the artwork listing page before adding to cart. If no framing options appear, the work is either on a surface that cannot be framed, or falls outside our size range. Contact us at help@bluethumb.com.au and we can check with the artist.
What happens after I order framing/stretching?
We arrange for the artwork to be shipped from the artist to Fantastic Framing.
You receive updates when it's shipped, when it arrives at the framers, and when framing is complete.
Once framed, it's delivered to you, either by the framing team directly (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metro) or via insured courier with tracking.
How long will it take?
Between 7 and 15 working days from order to delivery, depending on your location and where the artist is based. Same-state orders are typically faster.
Can I choose a delivery time?
Yes, for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metro areas. Once framing is complete, someone will be in touch to arrange a suitable time. For all other locations, we use insured couriers and provide tracking details.
Can I collect in person?
Yes. If you're in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, you can collect directly from our framing partners. Email help@bluethumb.com.au and we'll connect you with the local team.
Can I request express delivery?
Yes. Contact us at help@bluethumb.com.au before or after your order and we'll expedite framing and use express shipping.
Do discounts apply to framing?
No, frames are exempt from discounts.
Returns and Damages
Can I return a framed artwork?
Yes. Our standard returns policy applies whether or not the artwork has been framed. If you're not happy with either the artwork or the framing, email help@bluethumb.com.au within 7 days of receiving it. We'll organise the return and refund you in full for the artwork and the frame, or issue store credit. Your choice. We cover return freight.
Is the frame cost refunded if I return?
Yes, in full. You can read more about our returns policy here.
What if my frame arrives damaged?
All framed artworks are insured during transit. If yours arrives damaged, email help@bluethumb.com.au within 7 days. We'll either replace the frame or refund you completely, whichever you prefer.
Other Questions
Will the artist's signature still be visible after framing?
Yes. Our framing partners take care to preserve the signature, edition numbers, dates and any other details on the front of the work.
What if I need a frame style that isn't available?
We currently offer natural, black and white only. For anything else, gold, distressed finishes, custom profiles, we'd suggest purchasing the work unframed and visiting a local framer who can accommodate your brief.
Still have questions?
Email help@bluethumb.com.au and we'll help.