15 Minutes of Frame
You’ve bought a print. Or maybe a friend gifted you with a print. And now you need to frame it. So where do you go for a frame? And how should you frame it?
Your options depend on your budget and, sometimes, the depth of your attachment to the artwork.
Thinking of Your Budget?
Often, the print you’ve purchase or received is printed on fine art paper in a standard size. If that’s the case, the least expensive alternative is to go to a local craft or framing store that offers ready-made frames. They are usually arranged according to the size of the frame’s opening. In other words, all 8 x 10 frames will be located together, and so on.
If your paper reproduction is on an 8 x 10 paper, they will fit perfectly in an 8 x 10 frame. Most of the ready-made frames will include glass, so once you set your paper into the frame and fasten the back, you’re ready to hang your artwork. So easy and affordable!
Finding the Middle of the Road
Let’s say you want it to be a bit more customized but still not spend a fortune. You can go to a frame shop and have a mat cut with an opening that fits the size of your image. These can be ordered in any color you want, along with double matting, if that’s your preference.
What they can do is cut the outside to fit the standard size of ready-made frames a size or two larger than your paper. Instead of choosing an 8 x 10 frame (from our example above), you can go with an 11 x 14 or a 12 x 16 or even a 16 x 20 for a larger presentation of your fine art print.
Be sure to request that they mount the paper to the mat with an archival fastener. Your print will then be ready to place in your larger, ready-made frame and hang in your special place!
The Showcase Option!
For the most prestigious presentation of your fine art print, you can go totally custom. Obviously, this will cost the most, but the result is a far more high-end, museum quality display for inclusion with your art collection.
For this choice, I would go with a very large mat of at least 4 to 5 inches on each side, then choose a custom-made frame that fits your décor. Thinner, simple black or metallic frames are more modern. Thicker, more ornate frames are more traditional, and so on.
You can then choose from a standard type of glass or a museum glass, which will prevent UV damage and provide a glare-free showcase of your piece.
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Fine quality archival prints will last a lifetime when they are printed by a quality printer. Don’t discount their value. Care for them with the best options according to your budget and they will provide years of enjoyment in your favorite space.
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