A frame and its glazing are for the protection of the art as much as the aesthetics. Just like the images that attract you, your decor is unique to you and so should be the style of any frame molding you choose. Whether an image is placed in your home or a commercial setting, the framing establishes a transition from the art narrative to the surrounding space in which it lives. For shipping practicalities, all fine art prints on this site are sold unframed, though we're readily available to help with frame recommendations from the mat color and width through to the molding selections as well as known professional framers.

MATS

The mat acts to separate the art from the glass and frame. When matting prints, I recommend an 8-ply acid-free 100% cotton mat in a shade of white. My preference is to use archival hinges to lock prints to the window mats rather than dry-mounting them to a board or using adhesives. Many adhesives claim to be archival but are not. This makes future conservation and reframing much more challenging than needs to be. The goal is to be able to remove the print from all matting and framing without damaging the print and its borders. The frame and matting are replaceable while the art is not.

The mat size and window are important as well. As a rule, I cut my mat window 3/4” to 1” wider than the image edges. This allows the signature, title, and edition to be displayed. From there, adding between 3” to 5” mat to the frame, depending on the image size, provides an optimal balance toward isolating, yet integrating an image within its surroundings. The option to have an image matted and museum-hinged with 100% acid-free archival material ready for glazing and molding selection is an available option at checkout.

FRAMES

A frame molding and its color should complement rather than draw attention away from the art. I frame my images in many different molding styles and colors, yet primarily choose a solid painted wood in a shade of white, grey, or black, as well as metallic gold, silver, or pewter.  I have used excellent framers throughout the years to assist with creating the final display and am available to guide you through your selection process. 

GLAZING

Museum glass is the recommended glazing, though plexiglass and standard picture-framing glass are good options as well. High-quality anti-glare museum glass is ideal for reducing distracting reflections though comes at a steep price, however, if you choose UV retardant glass or plexiglass, which are fine choices as well, note only the highest quality does not have a subtle green appearance.