Framing your original art & prints : a general guide
Framing finishes of your newly acquired art and helps display it beautifully, it creates visual impact and protects the work.
Here a small guide to help you do it yourself or help have a conversation with a framer. There are many options. Framing is an art so don't hesitate to ask your local frame shop for advice on frame options.
If you are ordering a print this page will help you know which print finish to order.
Gallery wrap and floater frame
Original paintings:
If the description says 'on stretched canvas' this is a gallery wrap. You can choose to hang the painting as is (exposing the sided) or you can have it framed in a floater frame*.
Prints:
GALLERY WRAP:
When a print on canvas is stretched around a wooden support so that it looks like an original painting. No frame. “Gallery” wrapped usually means the canvas profile (edges) are at least 1.5 inches. Check with your framer to be sure you have the same vision on this.
This option is only available on canvas prints. In the border drop down menu choose "Wrap" for this look.
* FLOATER FRAME:
this type of frame creates the illusion that your artwork is "floating" within the frame instead of being covered by it which exposes 100% of the artwork. The artwork has to be wrapped to use this frame style. No glass is used to cover the artwork. This style of framing is contemporary, sophisticated and elegant.
Flat or Float Mounting
Use float mounting to achieve a contemporary and elevated look.
This option is available for both paper and canvas prints. In the border drop down menu choose borderless for this look.
MOUNTING: When the artwork is on top of the mat board vs. displayed under it.
FLAT means directly on top of mat.
FLOAT means there's an extra layer of foam board to give the art a floating look.
For this look you need a mat board the size of the frame (no need for a cut out mat per say. Although if the art is larger then the mat opening that comes with the frame you can use that mat no problem as your background board.
Both flat and float styles can be with or without glass. Glass is recommended to protect your art. If you prefer the 'no glass' look consider adding a varnish to you print here.
Float Mount is good for:
- original drawings, sketches and figure drawings on paper
- particularly well with original artwork that has an organic, ripped edge
- prints that have a white backgrounds or are printed with no borders
Frame with Mat
Matted art is a traditional look that is used to show work in a more classical presentation.
Most of the prints offered from my studio are “traditional” sized prints unless indicated otherwise. A “ready made” frame is easy to find.
This option is available for both paper and canvas prints. In the border drop down menu choose mat for this look. Print will have a 1" white border around.
Full Bleed
This is a contemporary look.
It's a great way to maximize the scale of the art by having the image stretching edge to edge. Framing this was you will loose a bit of the artwork on all sides.
This option is available for both paper and canvas prints. In the border drop down menu choose borderless for this look.
The 'full bleed' style can be framed with or without glass. Glass is recommended to protect your art. If you prefer the 'no glass' look consider adding a varnish to you print here.
