If you have bought one of my prints or about to buy one, here are some tips on how to frame it.
The easiest way is to take it to a reputable framers, as they should do a good job and it takes all the stress and work out of the steps required to frame your print. However this may not always be an option or in your budget.
If it’s an art work on paper such as a Lino print, collage, or painting, it’s advisable to get a matt cut using mount board. This not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also acts as a barrier to keep the print from touching the glass. Without it the print might stick to the glass and there is a greater risk that dust might get into in.
Do your calculations first so you can buy a frame to fit.
The Matt (mount) should sit around the print allowing the edition number, name of the print, and signature to be read.
The thickness of the mount should be a thick card about 1.3mm and acid free.
The top and sides of the paper surrounding the print should be the same width at about 5mm – 10mm and the bottom with the title about 10- 20mm depending on the size of the writing.
If you purchase a mount online, calculate the ‘window,’ to include the printed image and this surrounding area.
Ideally the mount will be cut to be the same size on all sides, but it can also be aesthetic to have wider sides and/or bottom. It’s your choice how wide the sides are.
Use mounting tape such as PH7-70 Acid Free Conservation Mount fixing/Frame seal. To fix the print to the mount, following the instructions on the tape box. It will be only fixed to the top of the mount. Like this on both sides at the top.
Use a piece of backing card (preferably acid free) loose behind your print (don’t stick it )
Now you are ready to pop the mounted print into a frame.
Use a framing sticky tape (usually it’s sticky brown paper tape) to seal around the edges to cover the brads. Make sure it also bends round in a right angle to cover the back edge part of the frame as this will keep the dust out.
Colour
Colour of mount and frame is entirely your choice. If the print is black and white on off white paper, I find a cream or ivory mount looks good with a black frame. Coloured prints need a bit more thought. Black is a good safe option but other colours can also work well.
You can get mounts cut to size and picture frames at a framers, DIY, supermarkets or craft shops or online.
Here’s a couple of online options for mounts and/or frames.
https://www.pictureframesexpress.co.uk
Sometimes you can buy a frame in a supermarket including a mount that will fit just right like the ‘Divining Bird’ at the top of this post.
’Ice’ lino print is already mounted. It’s a little different in that one of the wings has escaped and is glued to the mount. I gave this print to my son Charlie who wrote the poem that inspired the print. He bought a natural wood frame online which sets off the print well and has it displayed in his boat as pictured.
The following two prints were framed by a professional framer with cream mounts and black frame.
Lord of the Sheep (above)
