Framing Guide
You've just bought a beautiful giclée fine art reproduction - what do you do next?
One of the questions I’m asked most frequently is: “How do I frame my artwork?”
While some of my reproductions are suited to typical store-bought frames, many are not. Just like an original artwork, the way you frame and care for a fine art reproduction will have a significant impact on its longevity.
If you’ve invested in a high-quality artwork that could very well outlive you, my recommendation is always to have it professionally framed, if your budget allows.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I frame my own work and how I recommend framing yours. If you have any questions after reading, please feel free to contact me. I’m always happy to help with framing advice and answer any questions you may have.
Most importantly, remember to treat your Fine Art Reproductions (Giclée prints) just as you would an original piece of art.
Handle With Care
A print is at its most vulnerable before it has been framed.
When handling your print, take extra care to avoid creases, kinks and scratches. Make sure your hands are clean and free from oils. If possible, wear clean cotton gloves and avoid touching the printed surface altogether. If you can resist the temptation to open it yourself, I recommend taking your print directly to your professional framer and allowing them to carefully unpack and unroll it for you.
If you do need to handle the artwork yourself, wear clean gloves or hold the print only by the outer white borders of the paper. The oils from your skin, as well as rough handling, can damage the delicate surface of the print or cause permanent creases in the paper.
When in doubt, handle it as little as possible!
Use Archival Materials
When framing a quality fine art print, it’s important to choose a reputable framer who uses archival and conservation-grade materials. Ask your framer to use acid-free or conservation-grade mat boards and backing materials. Poor-quality, acidic materials can yellow and deteriorate over time, potentially damaging your artwork.
The goal is to create a frame that not only looks beautiful but also protects your artwork for many years to come.
Protect Your Artwork Behind Glass or Acrylic
Paper prints should always be framed behind glass or acrylic glazing.
For the best protection, I recommend choosing museum glass or another glazing option with UV protection. Ultraviolet light can contribute to fading and deterioration over time, so UV protection is an important consideration when you're investing in a fine art reproduction.
Museum glass is more expensive, but it offers excellent protection and can help increase the longevity of your artwork. Acrylic is another option. It is lighter than glass and can be more cost-effective, particularly for larger artworks.
Your framer can help you choose the best glazing option for your particular artwork and location.
Hang Your Artwork Safely
Once your artwork has been beautifully framed, think carefully about where you hang it. Avoid placing your framed print in direct sunlight or under intense UV lighting. Even with UV-protective glazing, prolonged exposure to strong light can affect artwork over time. Finding a wall away from direct sunlight will help keep your print looking beautiful for as long as possible.
Cleaning Your Framed Artwork
Once your print is safely framed, it shouldn't require much maintenance. Your artwork itself should never need to be cleaned. Instead, simply dust the frame gently and clean the glass or acrylic when necessary. If you've chosen museum glass or specialist glazing, ask your framer for advice on the correct cleaning method. For standard glass, a suitable glass cleaner or cloth can generally be used, but just be careful not to allow cleaning products to seep into the frame or come into contact with the artwork.
Exactly What You’ll Need
Your fine art reproduction includes a white border around the printed image, in addition to the print size listed on my website.This border can either be trimmed away or left visible, depending on the look you'd like to achieve. Your framer can help you decide what will work best for your particular artwork.
When you visit your framer, I recommend discussing these three things:
1. Your Mat or Mount
I personally tend to choose a neutral or crisp white mount, but there are no hard-and-fast rules. You can choose the width of your mount based on the size of the artwork, the frame you've selected and the overall look you're trying to achieve. A wider mount can give a small artwork more presence, while a narrower mount can create a cleaner, more contemporary feel.
2. Your Frame
Choose a frame that complements both the artwork and your home. I usually gravitate towards white or natural timber frames. Depending on the artwork and the surrounding décor, I might choose a lighter or darker wood. For me, these options have a timeless quality and allow the artwork itself to remain the focus. Ultimately, your frame is a personal choice, so choose something you love and that works beautifully in your space.
3. Your Glazing
I prefer glass glazing for small to medium static frames, particularly museum glass where the budget allows. Museum glass provides UV protection and is designed to offer excellent clarity while helping protect the artwork. Acrylic glazing can have a higher up-front cost, but is very lightweight and suitable for larger artworks. It is also an excellent option for hanging artwork in kids bedrooms, but it does scratch more easily. There isn't one right choice for everyone, so discuss the options with your framer and choose what works best for your artwork, budget and location.
Choosing a Framer
The best way to make sure your artwork is properly cared for, and framed beautifully, is to choose a professional framer you trust. Before making your decision, take some time to read reviews of the framers you're considering. Then, if possible, visit their shop in person. Pay attention to the quality of their frame range, the materials they use and, importantly, how much time and care their staff are willing to spend helping you make your decision. If you're unsure, I recommend visiting a couple of different framers. Comparing their frame selections, advice and service can make it much easier to find the right fit.
If you're based in Brisbane, here are a few framers you may like to consider:
Direct Framing - Unit 2, 104 Gympie Road Strathpine
Frames on Farrant - Shop 1, 16 Farrant Street, Stafford Heights
The Art of Framing - Shop 5, 35 Woodstock Road (corner of Miskin Street), Toowong
A Final Thought
A beautiful fine art reproduction is something to enjoy for many years, and with the right framing and care, it can become a piece that you keep for a lifetime. Investing in professional framing isn't just about making your artwork look beautiful on the wall. It's about protecting the artwork you've invested in. Treat your Giclée reproduction with the same care you would give an original artwork, choose quality archival materials, protect it from damaging light, and you'll give it the best possible chance of looking beautiful for generations to come.