How to frame - the ultimate framing guide of art prints

​My customers always ask me “How would you frame this?" 
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So I thought I'd share a few tips on framing prints based on my personal experience as a framer and print maker.

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First, be your own custom framer, it’s easier than you think!

Getting anything framed and up on your wall can be hard, confusing and expensive. You're either out hunting for a decent quality frame in just the right size for days, or paying 10 times the cost of the art itself and waiting weeks with a custom frame shop, which, in many cases, will cost more than the print itself. 

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So what I recommend doing is following couple simple steps to frame quickly, cheaply and easily:


1.   Size

It's much easier to find a great and ready-made frame if your artwork fits a standard size frame. This is yet another reason why all my work is done is standard American sizes. 

If you are looking for a ready drop in frame, local stores like Target or Michael’s will provide a wide selection. IKEA is also a great choices but sometimes they have European size frames which wont fit your American print so be careful


2.   Mat Window

Using mat windows strategically is my ultimate framing trick. Mats can accomplish two noteworthy things:

1. You don't have to find an exact-size frame to fit your artwork. This is especially helpful if you purchased a print that isn't a standard size. All you need to do is buy a frame in the next size (or two) up, then cut a mat board to fit the frame, with a window to showcase the art.
2. Mats create visual space for the artwork to breathe. Instead of the artwork jutting right up to the frame, a mat provides a border of whitespace.

Your mat board can be any color of the rainbow. The key is to find something that helps the art stand out without being too distracting itself. Personally, I always stick with a bright white mat on archival board. (Choosing archival means that the white won't fade to grey or yellow as time passes.)

Any framing store will be able to cut a mat for you. All you need to do is tell them your frame size, your artwork size, and your preferred mat board color. Be sure to leave a quarter inch of extra inch on each side so that the art print doesn't just fall through the window. (For example: if the art print measures 8x10", the actual mat opening should be 7.5x9.5")

In terms of art preservation, it is better for a work on paper to be framed with a mat. The mat not only gives the piece more visual presence, but it keeps the artwork itself from touching the glass on the frame, which better protects the art


3.   Style

The style of your frame can make just as much of a statement as the artwork itself. I prefer to match the frame with the artwork, not your living room. The couch or the curtains will be updated or replaced but the art piece is not going to change. So if you purchased a whale, pick a frame that represents the ocean, whether it is blue or the wood looks like it came out of a ship wreck, the frame will make the print shine and they will balance each other. If you're unsure, I recommend choosing a no-fuss flat frame in either  white or neutral color. Black is often too harsh. The right frame draws attention to the artwork rather than the frame and it allows for a clean and modern aesthetic.

Be sure to leave a quarter inch of extra inch on each side so that the art print doesn't just fall through the window. ​

If you purchased  5 x 7" art print, then I recommend  8 x 10" frame with a mat.* * S I Z I N G    I N F O * *
Frame opening: 8" x 10"
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Mat size (outer): 8" x 10"
Mat window (inner): 4.75" x 6.75"
 


If you purchased 8 x 10" art print, then I recommend 11 x 14" frame with a mat.* * S I Z I N G    I N F O * *
Frame opening: 11" x 14"
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Mat size (outer): 11" x 14"
Mat window (inner): 7.5" x 9.5"

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​If you purchased a 11 x 15" art print, then I recommend a 16 x 20" frame with a mat.* * S I Z I N G    I N F O * *
Frame opening (outer): 16" x 20"
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Mat size: 16" x 20"
Mat window (inner): 10.5" x 14.5"
 

Regardless of how you frame your art, always make sure you are using archival-quality materials; that means looking for acid-free backings, papers, and mats, which will keep the delicate paper from aging too quickly.

Choosing archival means that the white won't fade to grey or yellow as time passes

Art on paper should always be hung out of direct sunlight (which can break down the paper and bleach the pigments) and away from moisture (which can cause mildew or mold or even make the art stick to the frame or glass itself, causing irreparable damage).

Frame Size                            Mat Opening                                   Image Size

8" x 10"                                     4.5" x 6.5"                                         5" x 7"
 11" x 14"                                      7.5" x 9.5"                                          8" x 10"
16" x 20"                                   10.5" x 13.5"                                        11" x 14"
 20" x 24"                                   15.5" x 19.5"                                       16" x 20"
  24" x 36"                                   19.5" x 29.5"                                     20" x 30"

Happy Framing!
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