The Collectors Guide To Framing

Framing Your Fine Art Print

When framing a fine art print, there are several considerations one must make. Do you want to use a mat board? How do you want to mount the work onto a piece of foam core? This article will help clear up those mysteries and walk you through the steps of creating a masterpiece for your home.

Choosing the Right Frame and Mat Board

The right frame for a print depends on several factors. These include whether you want a mat board—and if so, what size—and whether you want an ornate frame that acts as a statement in itself or a simple black frame that highlights the print.

Using a mat board is always recommended; this ensures that the print does not sit directly against the glass, preventing humidity buildup. These mat boards can be purchased pre-cut for almost any standard size. For example, you could buy a 24 x 36 in mat matted down to 20 x 30 in; this would provide a 2-inch border on the sides and a 3-inch border on the top and bottom.

When choosing a frame, I recommend buying one that is one standard size larger than your print and then using a mat to bridge the gap. This usually provides a large enough border to highlight the image and give it a sense of place. The color and style of the frame come down to personal taste; if you are unsure, go for a minimalistic black frame that lets the print speak for itself.

Mounting to Your Backing Material

Once you have your frame and mat board, you will need to attach the print to your backing material (usually foam core). There are two primary ways to do this.

The first method uses T-hinges. T-hinges are pieces of archival linen tape attached to the top of your print in "T" shapes. To create a hinge, one piece of tape is attached to the back of the print, perpendicular to the top edge, protruding slightly beyond the border. A second piece of tape is then applied over the first, parallel to the print with the adhesive side facing the backing board. This creates a "swing" for your print to hang from. These hinges are repeated two to three times along the top border, depending on the print's size. The main advantage of T-hinging is that the print remains removable. This is useful if you ever want to upgrade to a larger mat or if the backing board becomes damaged and needs replacement.

The second method is heat pressing. This uses an adhesive layer underneath the print to bond it uniformly to the backing board. As the name implies, this requires a heat press—a specialized piece of equipment that can be expensive. The press applies heat and pressure simultaneously to activate the adhesive and keep the print perfectly flat. While heat pressing ensures the print will never ripple, the process is permanent. Because the print cannot be removed, many galleries and collectors prefer T-hinges to ensure the long-term archival integrity of the work.

Mounting the Finished Work to the Wall

Now that your print is matted and mounted, you must consider the hanging hardware. Again, there are two preferred methods.

The first is using D-rings and mounting wire. This is suitable for smaller prints (typically 20 x 30 in and below), and many frames come with D-rings pre-attached. To utilize this method, you secure a wire between two D-rings on opposite sides of the frame. You then simply install a picture hook on the wall and suspend the frame by the wire.

For larger or heavier frames, a French cleat is recommended. This system uses two interlocking metal rails: one attached to the frame and one to the wall. French cleats are superior for large-scale works because they support more weight and keep the frame perfectly level—provided you installed the wall rail level in the first place.

Conclusion

Properly framing a photograph is the final step in the artistic process. It transitions a delicate piece of paper into a durable, protected work of art that can be enjoyed for decades. Whether you choose the archival flexibility of T-hinging or the crisp flatness of a French cleat mount, taking the time to select the right materials ensures your print remains as vibrant as the day it was captured.

By following these steps, you aren't just decorating a wall; you are preserving a moment in time and giving it a permanent place in your home.