FRAMING
Any quality framer can tell you most of what you need to know and help you with aesthetic decisions but this information may give you a better idea of what to expect. As a general rule, I like to keep the framing as simple as possible.
Metal frames are the least expensive and work fine but I usually prefer a relatively narrow wood frame in maple or cherry.
A Mat of some kind is a good idea because it prevents the face of the print from touching the glass. Archival (non-acidic) mats are best. A mat between three and four inches all around is my most common choice but, depending on the size of the print, you might want to use anywhere from two to five inches. It's okay if the bottom is a little bigger than the other three sides. I leave at least 1/4 inch of the white paper the image is printed on showing all around inside the mat.
I generally use UV glass or Plexiglas depending on safety considerations. Regular Plexiglas has some UV qualities and is safer but has to be cleaned more carefully or it will scratch.
Below are two examples of simple frames with white mats and a more elaborate frame with a cream colored mat. I usually use lighter mats but I've seen my prints matted with darker colors and they looked very good too.
Any quality framer can tell you most of what you need to know and help you with aesthetic decisions but this information may give you a better idea of what to expect. As a general rule, I like to keep the framing as simple as possible.
Metal frames are the least expensive and work fine but I usually prefer a relatively narrow wood frame in maple or cherry.
A Mat of some kind is a good idea because it prevents the face of the print from touching the glass. Archival (non-acidic) mats are best. A mat between three and four inches all around is my most common choice but, depending on the size of the print, you might want to use anywhere from two to five inches. It's okay if the bottom is a little bigger than the other three sides. I leave at least 1/4 inch of the white paper the image is printed on showing all around inside the mat.
I generally use UV glass or Plexiglas depending on safety considerations. Regular Plexiglas has some UV qualities and is safer but has to be cleaned more carefully or it will scratch.
Below are two examples of simple frames with white mats and a more elaborate frame with a cream colored mat. I usually use lighter mats but I've seen my prints matted with darker colors and they looked very good too.
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