PATRIZIA K INGRAM
  • Home
  • SHOP Commissions
    • HOUSE PORTRAITS
    • PET PORTRAITS
    • NAUTICAL CHARTS
    • Everything else
  • About
    • PRESS
    • EVENTS/Exhibits
    • STUDIO
  • Contact
  • SHOP
    • AVAILABLE ORIGINALS
    • Stationary, Calendars and MORE
    • Military Buildings/German Towns

How to frame - the ultimate framing guide of art prints

1/13/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture


​My customers always ask me “How would you frame this?" 
​

So I thought I'd share a few tips on framing prints based on my personal experience as a framer and print maker.

​



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. 

​
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.
Picture
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"
–––
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"
–––
Mat size (outer): 11" x 14"
Mat window (inner): 7.5" x 9.5"

​ 


​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"
–––
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.
Picture
Choosing archival means that the white won't fade to grey or yellow as time passes
Picture
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!
​

​



​
Picture

Subscribe to Newsletter

Categories

All
"How To" Guide
Tips And Advice

1 Comment
Heather link
9/11/2024 10:30:24 pm

Great post, thanks

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Patrizia is an artist, mom of a wonderful little girl and wife to an Army Officer. She paints and writes about her adventures in the military life.

    Archives

    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019

    Categories

    All
    "How To" Guide
    Tips And Advice

    RSS Feed

ALL CONTENT COPYRIGHT PATRIZIA K INGRAM ART
​
ALL REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT


​
Picture

Location



Monterey, CA

What Patrizia's Clients Are Saying


"
Pictures and video don’t do these paintings justice! They are truly amazing. The kids already think it’s so cool to have a painting of each of their “first homes”. Abby J.


"Patriza is an incredibly gifted artist that not only creates beautiful artwork for others, but also gives back to the community and causes she believes in. I would cover my entire house in her artwork if I could!!"
Jo G. 


"Absolutely LOVE her work. Painted with love and care. She listens to your needs and is willing to go extra mileS for her customers!!!!"
Deb S.L. 


"Patrizia’s art is beautiful! I commissioned three paintings of our homes from her and love every one of them. She even helped piece together one of our homes because I never took a full front view photo of it. Talented to say the least! I will be continuing our gallery wall with her art as we move. "
Amanda M.C.


"I had three paintings commissioned of our homes, and she did a wonderful job on all of them! She was very responsive and finished all of the paintings in the timeline she originally gave me. I would love to order from her again!"
Chloe D. 


"So very pleased with the houses Patrizia painted for me! This makes the most perfect gift - both were housewarming gifts for friends/family to remember & document their precious home! Couldn’t have been happier with the communication and turn-around time. I can’t wait to have my own house done!"
​Ashley S. 



​

Contact Me

(and pls check your mailbox for spam if you don't hear from Patrizia within 2 days)

    Subscribe Today!

Submit
  • Home
  • SHOP Commissions
    • HOUSE PORTRAITS
    • PET PORTRAITS
    • NAUTICAL CHARTS
    • Everything else
  • About
    • PRESS
    • EVENTS/Exhibits
    • STUDIO
  • Contact
  • SHOP
    • AVAILABLE ORIGINALS
    • Stationary, Calendars and MORE
    • Military Buildings/German Towns