How to Frame Your Print
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How to Frame Your Print
Framing your print properly not only protects it, but elevates the way it’s experienced. Below are a few key steps to ensure your piece is presented at its absolute best.
*Before handling your print, ensure your hands are clean and dry. For the most careful handling, cotton gloves can be used to prevent fingerprints or oils from contacting the surface.
1. Choose a Mat or Go Without
A mat is the border, typically white, that surrounds a print inside the frame. While subtle, it plays an important role in both protection and presentation.
It prevents the print from coming into direct contact with the glass, reducing the risk of humidity damage or mold over time. It also draws the viewer’s eye toward the image, creating a natural sense of focus and refinement. In addition, it allows smaller prints to be displayed in larger frames, giving you more flexibility in styling.
If you choose not to use a mat, be mindful of environmental conditions. Proper care and cleanliness will be essential to preserving the print.
When selecting a mat, sizing matters. A good rule is to make the opening slightly smaller than the print, about 0.25 inches on each side. For example, an 8×10” print pairs well with a 7.75×9.75” opening. This ensures the print sits securely while maintaining a clean, professional look.
2. Select the Right Frame
The most important factor when choosing a frame is size. A frame that is too small will not fit your print, while one that is too large may require a mat to compensate.
Beyond sizing, consider the relationship between the frame and the image. A well matched frame enhances the photograph rather than competing with it. Darker images tend to pair well with deeper tones, while lighter images benefit from softer, more minimal finishes.
3. Understand the Layering
A properly assembled frame consists of several layers, each serving a purpose.
From front to back, the ideal structure is glass or acrylic, mat if you choose to use one, the print, a backing board, and the frame backing.
Glass or acrylic is strongly recommended as the front layer, as your print was designed to be viewed through a protective surface. This not only preserves the piece, but also enhances its visual depth.
4. Mounting Your Print
Mounting is a delicate process, and precision matters. Rather than risking damage, it is best to follow a high quality visual guide.
There are excellent step by step tutorials available on YouTube that walk through the process clearly. Watching the technique in action will give you far more confidence than written instructions alone.
5. Glass or Acrylic
Both glass and acrylic offer distinct advantages, and your choice will subtly influence how the print is experienced.
Glass is more scratch resistant and has a classic, weighty feel, though it can produce more reflections. Acrylic is lighter, more impact resistant, and typically reduces glare, giving the image a cleaner, more modern presentation.
Neither is strictly better. The right choice depends on your environment and personal preference.
6. Wall Presentation Tips
How your print is displayed is just as important as how it is framed.
Hang the piece at eye level for natural viewing. Keep spacing consistent if displaying multiple works. Match the frame tone to the image for visual harmony. Consider soft overhead lighting to highlight the piece, avoiding lighting that is too warm or too cool.
A thoughtfully framed and well placed print transforms from an image into a presence within your space.
