Framing Fine Art Prints
Tips & Resources

How to Frame and Enhance Your Fine Art Prints

Open-ended and limited edition prints sold at Terra Kind Studio Co. are made in standard sizes so you should not have problems finding a suitable frame to present and hang your new archival art prints. Still, framing can feel like a daunting task! That’s why I have provided tips, suggestions, and framing resources to “take the guesswork out” of framing your prints.

Let’s Start with Framing Styles

I like to keep things easy and simple. As an artist who is intimate with her work and has framed many pieces (I worked in a frame shop once upon a time), I can tell you that fine art prints of my artwork look best when framed in:

1. Simple light natural wood (think pine or maple) frame

2. Black frame

3. Natural weathered wood frame (gray tones are wonderful)

Recommend the frame width be 1 to 1.5 inches.

Avoid:

1. Metal frames

2. Ornate or heavy dark frames

3. White frames

Everyone has their tastes and sense of aesthetics. However, using this as a guide, you can’t go wrong with your choice. Presentation is everything when it comes to making artwork and fine art prints look their best.

Frames in standard sizes* often come with a mat, making it much easier to open the back and position the artwork in the frame.

A Word About Matting and Mats

BE SURE all mats are made of acid-free materials. White to slightly off-white matting works best for Terra Kind Studio Co. fine art prints. You want acid-free mats to preserve the integrity and value of your archival fine art prints.

Matting rule of thumb: Generous mat borders showcase your art prints much better than skimpy 2-inch mats. Working with a local framer gives you lots of flexibility; however, online framing websites can offer a range of mat sizes and frames.

* Most Terra Kind Fine Art Prints are sold to fit into standard-size frames.

Choosing to purchase a smaller print, but don’t want it to look like a postage stamp hanging on your wall? The professional solution is to frame a small print in a large frame with generous matting on all sides.

For example:
8.5 x 8.5-inch print (print has .5 inch white border)
20 x 20-inch frame
Mat size 20 x 20 inches; 6 inches of mat on all sides
Mat window for your print 8 x 8 inches

Results: Stunning!

Fine Art Print Framing Resources

These are framing resources I have researched that accommodate standard-size fine art prints. I have personal experience in using Framebridge, Custom Picture Frames, Micheal’s and Target.

WAYFAIR
Bay Isle Home

Wayfair Basics

OVERSTOCK
I’ve linked to some lovely wooden frame examples.

FRAMEBRIDGE
I have personally used FrameBridge. It was created by an artist who understood the issues around framing and framing well. They send you a shipping container for your print when you select and order online. When your print has been framed, they ship it to you, ready to hang. So simple. They even have designers to help you in the selection process. Highly recommended.

SIMPLY FRAMED
Simply Framed is similar to FrameBridge in terms of service and framing. Pricing may vary.

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMES
I used this online resource for framing original artwork when I have a piece that won’t fit into a standard frame. The prices are very reasonable with a healthy variety of frames to suit any taste. Highly recommended.

NOTE: Because you will be placing your print into the frame by removing the backing, you need to be adept at installing the hanging hardware that the company supplies. It’s pretty simple to do this but using a gimlet or awl to get the holes going for the screws so as not to split the wood of the frame is a good idea.

GOOD OLD STANDBYS (for framing smaller prints).
I have to admit, I have had good results working with the framing department at Micheal’s and occasionally found a good frame+matting at Target stores.

And then there is Amazon.

Hot Framing Tip

This is an idea I gleaned from another artist and wish I had thought of it myself. If you are a thrift shop, flea market, and garage sale fan, you could snag amazing frames for little cost. A creative mindset helps. You may need to have a new mat cut, clean the glass, remove the backing, replace it, and remove and replace the hanging hardware and wire.

Keep in mind that finding the perfect frame that matches your taste and budget takes some time. Even with this list of suggestions, it may take time to find a frame you love, or that blends with your home’s decor. If you have ever taken artwork to be framed at a local frame merchant, you know what I mean. Still, it is time well spent, and there is nothing like working with a professional framer to make the process run smoothly.

Happy framing!

New to Collecting Fine Art & Prints?

If you dream of filling your home with original art and fine art prints (which are a great entry point for collecting art, by the way), but find the whole thing intimidating, we have the prefect starter guide for you.