Framed prints are coming soon! Having just spent the best part of an hour framing a print as a gift for a friend (those pesky dust particles!!) I felt the need to sit down and get some of my thoughts down in writing.
Framing sounds straightforward, right? Choose a nice frame, pop the print in, seal it up, and you’re done. But anyone who’s ever tried to frame a print – especially one that means something to them or is destined for someone special – will know it’s never quite that easy. There’s an art to framing (pun entirely intended), and it’s one I’ve come to appreciate deeply after hours spent removing specks of dust, re-cutting tape, and gently aligning prints with the kind of care normally reserved for high-stakes surgery.
So, here we are. After many, many hours preparing over 30 framed pieces for my most recent solo exhibition, I’ve made the decision to offer professionally framed options on my website.
The Research
When I first floated the idea of offering framed prints, it was mostly prompted by the number of people at exhibitions and markets asking: “Can I buy this already framed?” And to be honest, I totally get it. Framing can be fiddly and time-consuming, and sometimes it’s just lovely to take a piece of artwork home, hang it up, and be done.
So, the research began. I considered several framers, looked into pricing, materials, printing options, spoke with fellow artists, and what goes into the making of a high-quality, ready-to-hang piece. And let me tell you, it was a real eye-opener.
The Intricacies of Framing
Professional framing, as it turns out, is more than just putting a picture in a frame. The print itself is usually produced on fine art, archival-quality paper, using inks that are designed to last a lifetime. Then there’s the matter of the mount, if one is used – it has to be acid-free to ensure the artwork doesn’t yellow or degrade over time. And the frame? Solid wood or high-quality aluminium, joined and finished with precision. Even the glass is thoughtfully chosen; in many cases, anti-reflective or UV-protective glass is used to preserve the image and improve clarity.
Then there’s something called a ‘glass spacer’– a tiny but mighty part of the whole ensemble. Glass spacers sit between the glass and the artwork (where no mount is used) ensuring that the print doesn’t come into contact with the glazing. Why does that matter? Well, contact can lead to moisture getting trapped, which in turn can cause mould, warping or ink transfer over time. The spacer keeps everything safe and sound, allowing the print to breathe.
Once everything is perfectly aligned and clean (which takes longer than you’d think!), the back is sealed professionally to prevent dust and insects getting in. Then come the fixings and the hanging cord, which are added with just the right amount of tension and durability.
It was after watching this whole process in action (and having attempted it myself) that I thought, “Yes, this is absolutely worth it.”
Is it Worth Paying Extra?
Yes, professional framing adds a bit to the final price. But what you gain in peace of mind and lasting quality is, in my view, well worth the extra investment. You’re not just paying for a frame; you’re paying for craftsmanship, preservation, and presentation. You’re also saving yourself from the stress of navigating framing shops, wondering whether you’ve picked the right colour mount, or dealing with those infernal specks of dust that appear just as you’ve sealed the back (and yes, always just before).
When I framed the prints for my recent exhibition, I did it all myself. Every single piece. I bought the frames, ordered the mounts, sealed the backs, and hand-tied the cords. It was incredibly rewarding to see everything come together, but it also gave me a newfound respect for the professionals. They do this every day, and their attention to detail is second to none.
So very soon, when you browse prints on my website, you’ll see the option to purchase them framed. They’ll be beautifully printed on museum-quality paper, framed by experts using all of the elements I’ve just described, and delivered to your door ready to hang. No guesswork. No DIY.
Of course, I’ll still offer unframed options too – some people prefer to choose their own frame to suit their space, and that makes total sense. But for those who want the full experience, who want to unwrap something that’s already been perfectly put together with care, love, and an eye for detail – framed prints are here (almost).
Framing Tips
If you’re an artist yourself and you’re thinking about offering framing, my advice would be this:
- Research your framers. Look for people who specialise in art prints and understand the difference that materials can make.
- Ask for samples. Try out different paper stocks, see how colours reproduce, and make sure you’re happy with the print quality before committing.
- Factor in the time. Framing isn’t just a job for the day before the show. It takes time to do it well, especially when you’re sealing, labelling, and stringing multiple pieces.
- Don’t underestimate the admin. Certificates of authenticity, labels, inventory lists, and hanging instructions all take time and care. Build that into your schedule!
- Consider shipping carefully. Framed prints are fragile and need robust packaging. Work with your framer or courier to make sure they arrive in perfect condition.
Conclusion
Adding framed prints to my offerings has felt like a big step – a commitment, almost. But it’s one I’m excited about. I want the pieces you buy to arrive as beautiful, finished works of art that are a joy to unwrap, hang, and live with.
So whether you’re buying for yourself, treating a friend, or picking a special gift, you now have the choice to make it even easier. Just choose the frame, and leave the rest to me (and my wonderful framers).
And next time I’m wrangling with a mount board or chasing dust off the glass, I’ll be doing it with a little more patience, a lot more respect – and probably a large cup of coffee (or should that be gin?)!
