ALL ABOUT LINEN LINERS

Linen liners are to canvas artwork as mats are to paper artwork, and they are also used with very large paper prints for which matboard is not large enough. If you've ever wondered what a linen liner is, how it works, or why you would use one, this article will explain. Ready to order? Visit our Linen Liners product page now!

SUMMARY WHAT IS A LINEN LINER? CONSTRUCTING LINERS WIDTH AND STYLE PLACING AN ORDER Wood mouldings covered with a thin, linen material that are used in place of mats for canvas paintings and prints, and large, framed paper prints. Lengths of 10 or more feet are bevelled on one side and lined with linen fabric. Framers cut the lengths to size and construct custom frames. We offer seven different widths of linen liners, in three unique styles. You can order a linen liner on its own or with a frame. Correct measurement of the artwork to be framed is essential.

WHAT IS A LINEN LINER?

Linen liners play a similar role to mats in picture framing. Because they are generally a solid color with little or no ornamentation, they provide a blank space between artwork and frame. This space works to draw the eye in to the painting or photograph originally, and entice the eye back as it moves out again. CANVAS Linen liners are most commonly used on canvas prints or original paintings that do not have a clear cover. Unlike mats, linen liners do not require protection from glass or acrylic glazing. As they are often as thick as 5/8" (compared to the 1/8" of a mat), they take up much of the space behind the lip of the frame. They have their own lip, however, and this is where the artwork sits. Often, the canvas print will be stretched onto a thin stretcher bar frame (only 7/16" instead of the usual 3/4") so it will better fit into the liner. Offset clips hold the artwork in place, and more offset clips hold the liner within the frame. PAPER PRINTS Linen liners can also be used with paper prints. Because matboard is only available up to 40x60", larger prints that require a mat must use an alternate method. This is where the long, 10 or 12 foot lengths of the liners are important. They allow a "mat" to be created for extremely large, framed artworks. In the case of paper prints, the glass or acrylic glazing will be placed, along with the artwork and backing, behind the lip of the linen liner rather than the lip of the frame. The linen liner is then attached to the frame using offset clips.

A linen liner divides the artwork from the frame. A linen liner divides the artwork from the frame.

CONSTRUCTING LINEN LINERS

AT THE MANUFACTURER Linen liners are made from lengths of solid wood, usually between 5/8" and 1/2" thick. The wood may be finger-jointed along its length (smaller lengths joined securely by cutting small "teeth" in each end and adhering them together), or made from one solid piece. Generally, finger-jointed wood is ideal for longer lengths: it is less likely to have the bends and warps natural in wood. The wood lengths have a bevelled edge on one long side, and are wrapped in textured linen material. The wood may first be painted a color matching the fabric, to keep the natural color of the wood from showing through the thin material. The most common linen liner colors are white, black, and natural or beige. A metal lip may be attached to the bevel for contrast. Alternately, a more detailed lip with a painted edge may be used. These lengths of fabric-covered wood are shipped to the framer in beams of 10 feet or more. This allows the framer to cut and assemble them in the sizes necessary for custom frame orders. AT THE FRAMER'S When an order is placed for a custom linen liner, the framer will cut the liner using the same saw or blade used for cutting picture frame mouldings. Also like a picture frame, the lengths are cut on a 45° angle, called a mitered edge. The lengths are joined using an underpinner, which shoots 90° nails - called wedges - into two, joined 40° corners to create a right angle. The linen liner will be cut to fit the artwork dimensions. The picture frame, therefore, must be cut to fit the outer dimensions of the linen liner. If both liner and frame are ordered, the frame will be shipped with the linen liner already joined to it, using offset clips (pictured right).

Back of liner, with wedge nails. Close up of liner texture Offset clips hold the liner in the frame

WIDTH AND STYLE

At KeenART Media, we offer a range of linen liners in seven different widths ranging from 1" to 4", and in three different styles. PLAIN FACE These simple, traditional liners feature a long bevelled edge and full coverage in subtly textured linen, which wraps around the lip and disappears into the frame lip for a smooth, seamless overlay. This style is available in White, Black, and Natural. Four different widths: 1 inch 1-1/2 inch 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch (not available in Black) METAL LIP This linen liner is slightly more decorative, but still simple. The short bevelled lip is covered with a scooped metal casing that adds a touch of gilt and shine to the display. The style is available in White, Black, and Natural. Two different widths: 1-1/4 inch 2 inch PAINTED LIP This "French mat" style linen liner features a raised edge that separates the flat, linen-covered face from the bevelled lip. The edge is painting in silver or gold, while the bevelled lip is painted in a matte off-white. The style is available in White and Natural. Two different widths: 1-1/4 inch 1-3/4 inch

Plain linen liners Metal lipped liner Painted lip liner

ORDERING A LINEN LINER

Ordering a linen liner is easy with our straightforward online ordering system. JUST A LINER If you have an existing artwork, you will order your linen liner based on the dimensions of your artwork. Simply select the liner you want from our Linen Liner section, enter the artwork dimensions. Choose the type of backing you want, and plexiglass if necessary. To ensure your art fits properly behind the lip of the linen liner, it will be cut to about 1/4" smaller than each given dimension. This means the liner will overlap your artwork slightly. Note: If you are ordering a liner for a canvas painting or print that is already stretched, measure diagonally across each way (top left to bottom right, and bottom left to top right) before entering your dimensions. These two measurements should be the same. If they are not, this means your canvas frame is skewed, and may not fit correctly in the liner. LINER FOR EXISTING FRAME If you are ordering a liner for an existing frame, you will need to take note of the liner's width, and the inside dimensions of your frame. Measure the inner dimensions of the frame from the back, behind the lip. This should be equivalent to the size listed on the frame, if applicable. Be very exact in your measurement, as 1/8" can make a great deal of difference. Then subtract the width of the liner you plan to order from the inside dimensions of the frame. For instance, in your frame opening is 36x24", and you have chosen a two inch liner, your artwork size will be 32x20" (36" - left side of liner (2") - right side of liner (2") = 32"). If you are unsure about your measurements, please contact us before ordering to discuss your needs. We cannot be held responsible for liners that do not fit existing frames. LINER AND FRAME If you are ordering a liner and a custom picture frame, you will order them individually. Enter your existing artwork dimensions when ordering the linen liner. The "artwork" dimensions for your frame, however, will be the outer dimensions of the artwork plus the linen liner. For example, if you are ordering a 2" liner for a 12x18" artwork, the "artwork" dimensions for the frame order will be 16x22" (12 + left side of liner (2") + right side of liner (2") = 16'). You may also include a note in your order, letting us know the linen liner is meant for the frame. This way, we can ensure the measurements are correct and fit the liner into the frame before shipping.

Full linen liner, ready to be placed in the frame Assembled frame and liner.

A linen liner is a great addition to a framed canvas print or large, framed paper artwork. You are sure to find a style that suits your needs and will enhance your artwork for many years to come. To learn more about mats and their uses, please read our All About Mats article. If you have any questions about mounting artwork, or any of our other products or services, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to answer your enquiries and provide suggestions or advice.

Picture Frame Anatomy - Single mat	Picture Frame Anatomy - Double mat
Metal Frames - Single mat	Picture Frame Anatomy - Frames with Linen Liner
ShadowBox Frames	Moulding Size Terms

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Picture framing terms

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