Does anyone know how I should frame an oil painting on paper? Behind glass?

[littleredsquirrel]

I've bought an oil painting on paper which is water damaged. The paper is torn in places and I'm keen to make sure it doesn't get damaged further but not sure how best to deal with the damage. If I put it behind glass is that a better option?

[sesquipedalian]

Why don't you take it to a framer's and ask their opinion? If they suggest something that is beyond your pocket, then just take it away "to think about it", or say you need to consult another family member. Our local framer is not cheap, but I do know that they would have some suggestions, and that they would also, if required, undertake restorative work to repair the damage on your picture.

[MiniSoksMakeHardWork]

Oil generally isn't put behind glass as glass directly touching the paint can cause more harm than good. Is the painting definitely on paper and not board/canvas?

I'd suggest since it is already damaged, you could frame it as long as you ensure the mount placed between glass and picture is thick enough not to touch the painting - a double or triple mount should be thick enough, or consider a box frame where the picture is at the back.

[coffeeinbed]

I wouldn't glass on oil.
Once it's framed and on the wall it won't get much wear and tear.

[littleredsquirrel]

Its definitely on paper. Did a bit of research and apparently oil on paper should always be framed under glass since its delicate (although with a mount so that the paint doesn't touch the glass. I think thats probably how it was damaged in the first place because the paint has just lifted off in places around the edges (although this won't show once its framed.

The website I found (US site, after hours of searching) did point out that many oils in museums are under glass.

Might tai it down to the framers this afternoon and see if they would be able to repair it but last time I went in there they did the hard sell on a frame which was ridiculously expensive.