Information about framing prints

It may seem overwhelming, because there is a lot to know regarding framing artwork. But it is essential for the protection of the piece, and can add another pleasing dimension to your artwork -- be it drawing, pastels, lithograph or etchings. So don't procrastinate! Be sure to get your art framed right away so you will be able to enjoy them for years and years to come.

Framing prints and framing canvas are completely different yet alike in one respect. Because the presentation actually can enhance or detract from your print, you should use care in selecting the colors and finish of the materials. Remember the print is only half of the presentation.

Paper prints are framed behind glass with special colored mounts/mats to hold them in place and to cover the prints white edges. The mount/mat also separates the print from the glass. The mount/mat must be slightly larger than the paper size in order to balance the print in the mount/mat, which may require 3 inches or more all the way around the image. Most prints are single mounted, but some are double and triple mounted/matted for color enhancement.

Limited editions prints should never, ever be trimmed, once altered they are valueless to collectors. All materials that surround and touch the print should be acid free to conserve the print against the advances of time. This is usually called conservation framing. Backing material is just as important, acid bleed through from cardboard or other acid containing materials will yellow or fade your prints in time rendering them valueless. For limited edition prints all materials used in the mounting/matting and framing should be archival. This basically means that mounting/matting boards are acid-free and made of all-rag fiber. If you decide to frame the work yourself, you can find these items in a well-equipped art supply store.

Canvas prints are designed to look and feel like original oil paintings. The canvas is stretched over stretcher bars and the print is framed directly in the frame with no glass or mats. Often the canvas prints will be framed with a linen liner for color enhancement. This linen liner is simply a linen covered inner frame that separates the canvas print from the outer frame. The two most common colors are white and natural beige, however, black, burgundy, and other colors are sometimes used for specific applications.

Mounts/mats are used to further enhance your art. The outer mount/mat is generally wider than the inner mounts/mats. By default generally the outer mount/mat is close to the same width as the width of the outside frame and the inner mounts/mats will be about a quarter of this width. Mount/mat colors must not overwhelm the art but should set it apart from the frame. It is generally a good idea to have the mount/mat selections reflect the same color base as the art being framed.

Acrylite and Plexiglass are brands selected for the're high quality and crystal clear appearance. Acrylite and Plexiglass are available in regular clear, non-glare, and museum grade (both clear and non-glare). The regular clear will have much the same properties as clear glass but will offer a little more protection from UV light and no protection for room glare. Non-glare offers some UV Protection and substantially reduces the glare associated with stray light in the room. Museum clear and Museum non-glare both almost entirely prevent damage by harmful UV light.