The most affordable option is buy a premade frame and matte- so to save some cash, buy a premade frame! Those with cut matte board on top will help keep your print from touching the frame, which can damage it.   We recommend taping the back to prevent dust from entering, and highly suggest getting one with acid-free matte, otherwise it will not provide long-lasting protection. 

The other two main high-quality options for framing are plexiglass or glass. Glass is more fragile and and less expensive, but has a clean, classic look.  Plexiglass is high quality, lightweight and shatter proof, ideal for people who need to move or ship their artworks or who are worried about damage. For maximum protection and highest quality, chose UV protectant, conservation or museum glass or UV plexiglass to keep out harmful rays that can fade your print.  Non-reflective plexiglass or glass will minimize reflection, but will also be slightly less clear than non-glare options.  

With traditional frames dry mounting is one option for backing your print and keeping it flat and protected. Dry mounting is a permanent mounting process where art is glued to a mounting board, using heat and pressure. This method of mounting will help protect your print and will keep it from wrinkling, but is not preferred by museums and galleries because it is hard to reverse.  The alternative is to use a hinge matte and framing tape to hold the print down flat.  Dry mounting should be done by a professional to avoid damaging the work. Framing and dry mounting can often be done together by a qualified framer.  Acid free board and matte is the most archival option, and will help your print from being damaged over time.

The most popular method for matting in traditional frames is a window or hinge matte mentioned above, where a cut piece of matte lies on top of the print, forming a "window".  The matte size can very greatly depending on what aesthetic you want and can be used to increase the overall size of your artwork.  An excellent alternative option is to have the print on top of the backing of your choice with no matte on top, leaving a border around the print, or framing the print right up to the edge.

A popular alternative framing method with a contemporary look is sandwiched mounting on plexiglass.  Normally prints are cropped to the edge of the image and then are permanently mounted between two pieces of plexiglass.  There are a great variety of materials and finishings that can be used, which can cause pricing to vary greatly, so explore your options.  Be aware that this method of framing is permanent and consult your framer to find the best option for you. 

Ask your framer for specialty frames, such as floater frames, to get a unique look.

Please, be sure when selecting a framer that they come recommended- do a little research first, and we are sure you will be more satisfied with your results.

Frame It: Easy Framing Ideas and Techniques For Absolutely Anything by Tonia Davenport. Cincinnati, OH: North Light, 2005.

Home Book of Picture Framing: Professional Secrets of Mounting, Matting, Framing, and Displaying Art by Kenn Oberrecht. 2nd ed. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole, 1998.

The Complete Photo Guide to Framing & Displaying Artwork: 500 Full-Color How-To Photos by Vivian Carli Kistler. Minneapolis, MN: Creative International, 2009.

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