You've found a print you love. You've chosen the size, placed your order and now your beautiful artwork has arrived.
And then comes the question...
What do I actually do with it now?
If you've never framed artwork before, it can feel a little overwhelming. What size frame do you need? Do you need a mat? What sort of glass should you choose? And where do you even start?
The good news is that there isn't one right way to frame an art print.
Whether you want to keep things simple and budget-friendly, choose the frame yourself or hand the whole job over to a professional, there are a few different options.
Here's my guide to taking some of the guesswork out of it.
1. Choose a ready-made retail frame
If you're looking for the simplest and most budget-friendly option, a ready-made frame can be a great place to start.
There are plenty of frames available from homewares, department and art supply stores in standard sizes and a range of styles.
The main thing to check is the size of your print and whether it will fit the frame you're buying. Depending on the print and frame, you may want the white border around the artwork to remain visible.
Ready-made frames won't give you the same choice of frame styles, sizes or glazing as custom framing, but they can be an easy and affordable way to get your print onto the wall.
2. Choose a quality frame and frame it yourself
If you'd like more choice than you get with a ready-made frame but are happy to put the print into the frame yourself, this is a great middle ground.
For some of my own artwork, I use framefox.co.nz. I like the quality of their frames and the range of styles available.
One of the things I find particularly helpful is being able to see the different frame options online and upload an image of the artwork to get an idea of which styles might suit it.
You simply measure your artwork, select the appropriate frame size and choose the frame you like.
The frame arrives with a hanging kit and instructions, and you put the artwork into the frame yourself.
For me, this option gives a nice balance between quality, choice and cost without needing to visit a professional framer.
3. Take your print to a local professional framer
If choosing a frame yourself sounds like more work than you'd like, take your print to a local framer.
This is probably the best option if you want help making the decisions.
A professional framer can show you different frame samples alongside the actual artwork and help you choose a style that works with both the print and your home.
They can also help with decisions such as:
- The style and width of the frame
- Whether you would like to add a mat
- The colour and width of the mat
- The type of glazing
- How the artwork will be finished and hung
You could also take a photo of the room where you plan to hang the artwork. This can help when choosing between different frame styles.
This is usually the most expensive option, but it also gives you the most personalised advice and professional help.
And sometimes that's exactly what you want. You don't need to become an expert in framing. You can simply hand the decision over to someone who is.
Do I need a mat?
Not necessarily.
A mat is the border that sits around the artwork inside the frame. It can create extra space around the image and give the finished piece a different look.
However, most of my prints come with a white border, so you don't necessarily need to add a mat.
You may simply prefer to choose a frame that allows the existing white border to show around the artwork.
Of course, you can still choose to add a mat if you like the look of one or want to create more space around the artwork. It's entirely a personal preference rather than something you have to do.
What type of glass should I choose?
There are a few different options when it comes to glazing, and which one you choose will depend on where your artwork is going to hang.
Standard glass
Standard picture-framing glass is the most common and generally the most affordable option.
High-quality giclée prints are made using pigment-based inks that are designed to be highly fade-resistant, but like all artwork on paper, they can still be affected by prolonged exposure to light.
For many situations, standard glass is a perfectly good choice.
The main thing to be aware of is reflections. Depending on where the artwork hangs, you may see reflections from windows, lights or other parts of the room.
UV-protective glass
If your artwork is going somewhere with greater light exposure, you may want to consider UV-protective glazing.
This type of glazing helps reduce the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the artwork, providing an additional layer of protection.
It doesn't make artwork completely immune to fading, so it's still best to avoid hanging artwork in direct sunlight where possible.
Different products provide different levels of UV protection, so if this is important to you, ask your framer about the specific glazing they use.
Anti-reflective glass
If you have a room with lots of windows or reflections, anti-reflective glass can be a great option.
It helps reduce glare and reflections, making it easier to see the artwork rather than a reflection of the room.
This type of glazing generally costs more than standard glass, so whether it's worth the additional cost will depend on where the artwork is going to hang.
So, which option is right for you?
There really is no right or wrong answer.
Looking for the most affordable option?
A ready-made retail frame may be all you need.
Want more choice and quality but are happy to frame the artwork yourself?
A custom frame from a supplier such as Frame Fox can be a great option.
Would you prefer someone to guide you through the process?
Take your print to a local professional framer and let them help you choose.
Don't want to think about framing at all?
If a framed option is available for the artwork you're buying, that's the easiest option of all.
The most important thing is that you don't need to know everything about framing before buying an unframed print.
Choose the option that works for your budget, your home and how involved you want to be in the process.
Then get that artwork out of its packaging and onto your wall, where you can enjoy it.
