Framing your Art Prints: All your questions answered!

How do I frame my art prints? This is a question I'm asked repeatedly. So I decided to write a blog post...then had a brainwave to do a video chat with my favourite framer Cathal of Frames etc. in Clondalkin Dublin. You can see what framing wisdom Cathal imparts in the video above and I hope you find it useful! Thanks Cathal for chatting with me!

In this post I'll tell you my favourite ways to frame prints and the questions you might consider when deciding on how to frame your art print.
 
All of my art prints are limited edition, meaning you are getting a product that is pretty unique! They are all beautifully printed on high quality paper using archival ink. 
 
Each print is sold with a white border on the edge. This does three things: It gives the look of having a "built-in" mat around the print, making it look more like fine art and less like a poster. It gives space around the edges so when they are framed, no part of the image will be covered by the front frame lip. And lastly it gives me the white space to sign, name and number each limited edition print for you. Signed and numbered art prints are more valuable than if they are not signed and you have bought a limited edition product. You can also choose to frame over the white border if you wish to.
 
My 12” x 12” prints come beautifully mounted, and so you can bring them to your local framer to get the surround that best suits your space. These prints will fit some ready-made frames, such as the Ikea Ribba Frames. However, Ikea now use plexi-glass rather than real glass and personally I think that detracts from the piece. But that option is there! 

I would recommend going to your local framer and choosing a surround frame that best suits the piece you have purchased and your room. When framing is done properly, it really adds to the look and it will last much longer than a ready-made frame.

My larger pieces 20”  20” (50cm x 50cm) and unusually shaped pieces, such as the Chakra prints will need to be custom framed. There are so many options when it comes to framing. 
A good framer will guide you on what you need.

The questions you might like to have in mind are:

What material do I want my frame to be?
This will depend on the style of your home or space. Wooden or painted wood frames lend to a more traditional and a softer look, whereas metal effect frames will be sharper making for a more industrial or modern look.

What colour do I want my frame to be?
Frames come in a variety of colours. For my work, I tend to go for a cream or white frame, though I have seen people frame them with black or wood and they look great too! When choosing a colour for your frame, consider the wall where you are going to be hanging your print. Also think about other paintings nearby which have a certain colour or shape. How will the wall, the paintings and the furniture in the room form into a harmonious whole?

What kind of mount (matt) would I like for my print?
Mounts or mats as they are known in the US, give space to allow your artwork to breather visually. Mounts come in any colour of the rainbow! I tend to use a cream mount when framing my prints, but you don’t have to.  There are lots of options when it comes to mounts. You can also double mount, which gives more depth to the piece. You can see how a double mount works in the video above. 

What kind of glass would I like?
Nowadays, we have more options than just plain glass when it comes to framing. You can also get non-reflexive glass and this is absolutely brilliant as you cut out the glare from other light sources such as windows or electric lights. It will cost you a little more, but it is particularly beneficial if you are going to be meditating on the piece have bought or you are using them for a meditation space.

I hope that you have found this helpful and that your art piece brings you every joy each time you look at it! 

Here are some recommended Dublin framers which I've either used myself or have been recommended by other artists who I know!

Frames Etc - Convent Road, Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22. Phone Cathal: 087 283 4150

Framing Direct - Unit 4, Adelaide Court, Albert Rd., Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Phone David: 01-2844733

Castleknock Framers - 42 Parkdrive Close, Castleknock, Dublin 15: Phone 01-8207620

Carroll Craft Frames - Liammaire, Killalane, Skerries, Co Dublin. Phone William:  086 199 7084

Hang Tough Studio - 25 Lennox Street Portobello Dublin 8. Phone: 01 5552234.