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How is framing handled by Bluethumb?
How is framing handled by Bluethumb?

What's the process for stretching or framing artworks with Bluethumb?

Amélia Davis avatar
Written by Amélia Davis
Updated over a week ago

Bluethumb has teamed up with some of Australia's most established framing partners to provide you with a VIP framing service (and professional hanging service).

Our frames are custom made Tasmanian oak - in natural timber, white and black colours - hand made to order and hand delivered by our framing partners.

Add a beautiful framing option to your artworks with a couple of clicks, and the Bluethumb team will then coordinate prior to delivery.

Bluethumb Original Custom Natural Tassie Oak Frame


How does Bluethumb's framing service work?

When you place an order on Bluethumb and select stretching/framing:

  • We organise the artwork to be sent from the artist to our framing partners.

  • You'll receive updates once the artwork has been shipped, reached the framers, and when it has been framed.

  • Once it's framed and ready for dispatch, depending on your location either our framers will contact you directly to arrange a personal delivery, or we'll have it booked with our insured couriers for delivery to you. You will receive tracking details so you can keep an eye on the journey.


What kind of frames are used?

Artworks on canvas, linen and wood (or wooden panels) are framed in floating external frames.

Artworks on paper (such as watercolour artworks, prints and photographs) are framed behind glass or perspex in a choice of your frame colour. See this lovely Uruna Tjina (James Range, NT) 155-17 from Hubert Pareroultja, framed in white.

We use gallery standard Tasmanian oak frames, and the frames are hand made and customised for your order.


Are the artworks framed behind glass?

Works on paper (such as prints, photographs, drawing and watercolour artworks) are framed behind glass or perspex.

Bluethumb frames works under glass if they are no bigger than 1 metre x 1 metre, and if they are being delivered to addresses in metro Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

If the artwork is larger than this size, or if the artwork is being delivered outside of these metro areas, the artwork will be framed under high quality perspex to minimise the risk of damage during transit.

If you prefer perspex (acrylic alternative to glass), please let us know by emailing [email protected] - include your order number - and we'll have your artwork framed in perspex at no additional cost.


What's the final size of the framed artwork?

Floating frames (for artworks on canvas) add 2-3 cm to each side, resulting in the final dimensions increasing by 5-6cm in both height and width.

For example, if the canvas itself is 100cm (W) x 100cm (H) the framed size will be 106cm (W) x 106cm (H).

Frames for works on paper/cardboard can be with or without a white mat board (approx. 5cm width).

Frames with a mat board add about 14cm to each dimension, or 4cm each side without mat.

For example, if an artwork is 30cm (W) x 40cm (H) on paper, after framing with mat it will be approx. 44cm (W) x 54cm (H).


How long will it take to get it framed?

Depending on your location and the nature of framing, it can be somewhere between 7 to 15 working days before the artwork reaches you.

If you and the artist are in the same state, this process will be quicker.

If the artwork is coming from a different state, it may be a little longer (still within 15 working days).

We will of course keep you informed throughout the journey and if you want to reach out for an update, you can always email us on [email protected]


Can I organise a time / day for delivery once framing is complete?

Yes, you certainly can.

For metro areas, once the artwork is framed, one of the team will be in touch to organise a time/day for delivery. Should you need to update us on any changes, simply email [email protected] with your order details.

For non-metro delivery, we'll use insured couriers to have your lovely framed artwork delivered to you pronto, and keep you posted with tracking updates along the way.

**NOTE** Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we may not be able to hand deliver some orders. In this case, artworks will be sent via insured couriers and tracking updates will be provided when booked. If you have any questions, please reach out to us and we can assist you.


Can I still return an artwork within 7 days of delivery if it's been framed?

Yes, absolutely!

There are no changes to our returns policy if an artwork has been framed prior to reaching you.

We trust in our artists' and our framing partners' quality of work. If you receive an artwork and you're not happy with either the artwork or the framing, just email [email protected] or call us (1800 122 486 - press 1) within 7 days of receiving it. We'll organise the artwork's return back to the artists.

You can read more about our returns policy here.

Have more questions? Just email us at [email protected] or chat with us now (chat bubble - bottom right corner) or give us a call at 1800 122 486 (press 1).

Your team at Bluethumb 💙👍

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