Your Guide to Framing
So you’ve just added a new piece to your art collection. The next steps are crucial and custom framing can be expensive.
This guide is to keep you from doing something we’ve all been guilty of…
Place the unframed art on a pile of papers and write “buy frame” on your to-do list. Or maybe you quickly slip it into the first frame you can find because at least its safe.
I want your art to look its best!
And, I want the process of making that happen to be both easy and affordable.
Do’s and Don’ts for Displaying Art
Do use archival, acid free materials.
Do keep your artwork out of direct sunlight (or in a protective sleeve until it’s ready to hang)
This can cause yellowing of whites and fading of color over time, regardless of the print and paper quality
Do keep your artwork the star of the show by choosing neutral (not attention grabbing) mats and frames. There are exceptions to this rule, but in general, your eye should be drawn to the art not the mat.
Don’t use a frame that you do not love!
Do frame your canvas prints without the glass.
When an otherwise nice frame comes with plexiglass you can either
go without the glass for canvas prints or
replace the plexi with a piece of glass purchased at the framing counter at your local hobby shop. (Some plexiglass is nicer than others and, in my opinion, okay to use.)
MATS
Get a custom mat when your artwork isn’t a standard size.
Example: if your artwork is 9”x16” (like my Saguaro Prints), surround it by a 16”x20” mat so you can purchase a standard size frame!
* It’s cheaper and easier to find than custom framing.
HOW to buy a Mat
Ordering your mat:
Pick your color: I recommend white! White core / generally neural colored mat.
Enter the size of your art and the size of your frame
The Outside Dimensions = the size of the frame
The Inside Dimensions = the size of the art
TIP: You’ll want the mat to cover the art a tiny bit so that the artwork doesn’t fall through. To do this, make your mat opening 1/2 inch smaller than the art.
Example: if the art is 11” x 17” set the mat opening to 10 1/2” x 16 1/2”
(this will allow 1/4” overlap on all sides)
WHERE to purchase:
Online: Frame It Easy
In Person: The framing counter at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or your local frame shop can make you a mat in almost any size and color.
FRAMES
Frame It Easy is an online custom framing provider that I like and trust for my home projects. They have great prices, ship quickly, and send everything you’ll need to complete your project. Their frames come with quality hanging hardware and detailed instructions for installation. It truly is very easy!
If you are purchasing one of their custom mats and want to get your frame in the same place, I like their Ashford metal frame the best (especially in white).
https://www.frameiteasy.com/
Ikea
Birch Frame < click this link for Birch Ikea Frame
Black Frame < click this link for Black Ikea Frame
White Frame < click this link for White Ikea Frame
Amazon
Light Wood Frame < click this link for 16x20 inch light wood Amazon frame
I like it because it comes in many size options, small to large. It has a clean look and is sturdy.
One con: it comes with plexiglass instead of actual glass. (See the above “do’s and dont’s” for advice on framing without glass.)
Get This Combo
Custom Mat - Inner Dimensions: 8.5”x15.5” Outer Dimensions: 16”x24”
Good luck! I hope this was helpful and makes your art buying process easier. If you want any specific recommendations for framing one of my pieces, I’d be happy to help! Send me a message here.