Floating Frames for Art Panels

Custom Floater Frames for Art Panels and Canvas Boards

Panel floater frames create a visible gap between the artwork and frame without covering the artwork's front edges. This reveal gives canvas boards, wood panels, hardboard panels, and other rigid artwork a clean, contemporary presentation while keeping the entire image visible.

The profiles in this collection support artwork up to 3/8 inch deep. They are especially well suited to thin panels, but they can also hold compatible thin canvas artwork. The terms panel floater and canvas floater describe common applications rather than absolute restrictions.

What Artwork Fits These Panel Floater Frames?

Enter the Exact Artwork Size

1. Measure the exact outside width of the artwork in more than one place.
2. Measure the exact outside height in more than one place.
3. Measure the artwork at its deepest point, including raised backing, coatings, or hardware.
4. Check whether the panel is square, flat, and consistent in size.

Enter the exact artwork width and height in the sizing wizard. Do not add the Floater Reveal or another allowance to those measurements.

Select the Floater Reveal Separately

The Floater Reveal is the visible gap between each artwork edge and the inside wall of the frame. A 1/4-inch reveal means a 1/4-inch gap at the left, right, top, and bottom.

Select the desired Floater Reveal independently during the design process. The designer adds the selected gap around the exact artwork dimensions and calculates the required frame opening.

How Is a Thin Art Panel Mounted?

Thin panels and canvas boards may not provide enough depth for mounting screws. A screw driven through a shallow panel could damage the artwork or emerge through its front surface.

A suitable double-sided mounting tape is commonly used on the frame's mounting ledge for thin panels. Position the artwork carefully and confirm that the reveal is even before applying firm pressure.

A thin cradled panel or compatible canvas may accept screws when its wooden construction provides adequate attachment depth. Always verify the effective screw penetration before drilling.

Choose the Frame Color and Profile

• Black: creates strong contrast and a clean gallery presentation.
• White: keeps the presentation visually light and works well in minimal interiors.
• Natural wood and wood tones: add warmth and coordinate with furniture, flooring, or colors in the artwork.
• Gold or silver: adds a polished accent while preserving the contemporary floater-frame construction.
• Wider face width: gives the frame more visual weight.

A frame sample can help you compare color, grain, sheen, and texture under the lighting where the finished artwork will hang.

Common Panel Floater Frame Ordering Mistakes

• Adding the selected Floater Reveal to the artwork dimensions.
• Relying on a nominal panel size instead of measuring the actual art.
• Forgetting to measure raised backing, coatings, or hardware.
• Ordering artwork deeper than the supported 3/8-inch maximum.
• Assuming a panel is perfectly square or completely flat.
• Using a screw that could penetrate a shallow panel.
• Choosing a mounting adhesive without considering future removal.
• Assuming a frame is incompatible solely because it is labeled for canvas or panels.

Custom Framing Experience

WebPictureFrames.com is a family-owned picture-framing company with more than 40 years of experience. Our framing specialists help artists, galleries, photographers, and homeowners select custom frames and mounting methods for canvas boards, wood panels, stretched canvas, and other artwork.

Contact us before ordering if the artwork is unusually heavy, warped, substantially out of square, conservation-sensitive, or close to the maximum supported depth.

Need help confirming compatibility? Contact our framing specialists with the artwork's exact width, height, depth, construction, and weight.