Ways to Frame Your Art Print: A Guide
You've found the perfect print and now it's time to find the perfect frame. But you also need to visualize HOW you want to frame it. The task seems daunting but it can be fun.
These are some questions to consider before making the decision on how to frame your artwork:
- What material do I want for my frame?
- What color do I want the frame to be?
- Do I want a passepar-tout ("mounting" or "mat") around the print or do I want the edges of the paper to be visible?
- What size should the frame be?
Before we delve into each question I want to emphasize that going to a good picture framer who will help you choose the right durable materials and custom frame for your precious art piece is very important. Never use anything but acid free materials for framing your art print!
My Approach to Framing Artwork
Choosing the right frame is just as crucial as selecting the artwork itself. A well-framed piece can elevate its presence in a space, while poor framing can diminish its impact. Here’s my take on framing and why it matters:
- Framing is Just as Important as the Artwork
A great frame enhances the art, while a low-quality one can make even a beautiful print feel cheap. If possible, invest in high-quality materials like hardwood frames, glass, and a clean, well-proportioned mat. The difference between a fine art piece and a mediocre one often comes down to how it’s framed.
- Keep it Simple & Elegant
If you look at professional galleries, you’ll notice that most opt for clean, minimal frames made from premium materials. The goal of a frame should be to complement the art, not compete with it. I personally recommend avoiding overly decorative frames, bold-colored mats, or intricate bevels. Art is carefully composed with balance and harmony—excessive framing elements can disrupt that.
- It’s Okay if the Frame Costs More Than the Print
High-quality framing materials are often more expensive than the print itself, and that’s completely normal. A well-framed print can have the same presence as an original artwork. If you’re choosing a print over an original for budget reasons, investing in a solid frame (like hardwood with glass instead of plastic) will still give it a polished, gallery-worthy feel.
- Why Oversized Prints Aren’t Always the Best Choice
Many people request oversized prints to fill a large wall space affordably. However, massive prints (think six feet wide) are impractical to frame properly. The cost of quality materials—especially a large glass front—adds up quickly and becomes heavy, fragile, and difficult to handle. Instead, I often recommend a series of smaller framed prints to create visual impact or, if possible, saving up for an original piece.Framing isn’t just about protecting a print—it’s about enhancing its beauty and giving it the presence it deserves. Investing in a high-quality frame ensures that your artwork feels intentional, refined, and timeless.
Ways to Frame Your Art Print
There are other options, but these are my favorite.
1. Matted
Difficulty level = Low
This is my favorite way to frame my prints because it’s the simplest and it looks great. It’s simple because my prints are sized perfectly for matting without removing any of the border, and any store that carries frames will host a wide selection of matted frames that match my standard print sizes. It looks great because a clean, white mat will draw the eye to the artwork, and will expand the overall wall-space the framed artwork will take up. How-to:
What you will need: Masking or framing tapeThe image is shrunken down from the listed dimensions by 1/2” on the top and sides, and 3/4” on the bottom. Use tape (if you want to be archival, use framer’s tape. Otherwise masking tape works) to secure the print to the backside of the mat.
If you don’t tape it down, it will migrate over time. When placing the mat over the print, make sure that #1 the mat is turned so that the bevel is revealed in the front (see image on right below) and #2 the image is centered in the mat so that the exposed white border is the same width on the top and sides, and a larger white border is exposed on the bottom to expose entire signature line. Tape all four sides of the print to the backside of the mat, working out any bubbles / bending of the print so that is taped as flatly as possible to the back of the mat. Avoid bubbles/wrinkles in your tape. Place in frame behind the glass/plexiglass front and get it up on that wall!
4. Other Ways to Hang Your Print
Teak Magnetic Poster Hanger
