Prints ship flat, unmounted, and unframed to keep them safe in transit and to give full control over how they are displayed. This guide walks through what to do when the print arrives and how to frame a print so it looks great for years.
When the Print Arrives
Before opening the package, decide whether the print will be framed at home or taken to a professional framer.
- If taking it to a professional framer: Leave the print packaged. A framer can safely remove and mount it using their own tools and workflow.
- If framing at home: Continue with the steps below to open and handle the print.
Once the plan is clear, set up a clean, dry space so the print has a safe landing spot.
- Open the print gently, and avoid using a blade near the print.
- Wash and dry hands, or use clean cotton gloves.
- Clear a large, dust-free surface such as a table or desk.
- Slide the print out slowly rather than pulling on a corner or edge.
Framing Options
There is no single right way to frame a piece. The best choice depends on the room, budget, and preferred look.
1. Ready-Made Frame With a Mat
For a simple, flexible option, choose a ready-made frame that is larger than the print and add a mat. The mat opening should be slightly smaller than the image area so the print sits neatly behind it.
2. Minimal Frame Without a Mat
For a clean, modern look, use a frame that matches the print size. The built-in white border on the print acts as a visual mat, so the artwork still feels finished behind the glazing.
How Prints Are Mounted Inside the Frame
Inside the frame, the print is attached to a backing board. For fine art paper, framers usually use conservation-friendly methods.
Hinge Mounting (Recommended)
Small pieces of archival tape or Japanese paper secure the top edge of the print to an acid-free backing. The rest of the print is free to move slightly as temperature and humidity change. This method is standard in museums and is reversible.
Photo or Paper Corners
The print slips into small, clear or paper corners so no adhesive touches the artwork. This keeps the piece easy to remove and reframe later.
Float Mounting
In a float mount, the edges of the print stay visible and appear to hover above the backing. This is often paired with a deeper frame or spacers so the glazing does not touch the surface. It is a striking way to show the full paper and border.
A Note on Dry Mounting
Dry mounting permanently bonds the print to a board. It can keep posters and inexpensive prints very flat, but is generally not recommended for collectible fine art because it cannot be reversed.
Glass, Acrylic, and UV Protection
The clear layer in front of the artwork is called glazing. It protects the print from dust and everyday contact.
- Standard glass: Classic, clear, and scratch-resistant; best for small to medium frames.
- UV-protective glass or acrylic: Helps filter UV light to slow fading over time.
- Acrylic: Lightweight and shatter-resistant, useful for large pieces or high-traffic spaces.
Even with UV protection, avoiding strong, direct sunlight and very humid spaces will help the print age gracefully.
Where to Have a Print Framed
Framing support is usually easy to find locally or online. Here are a few places to look:
- Independent frame shops and galleries that specialize in archival framing.
- Art supply and craft stores with custom framing counters.
- Online custom framing services that build frames to the exact size of the print.
A simple search for "archival custom framing" plus the name of a city is a good way to find framers who work with fine art paper.
Quick Care Tips
- Handle the print by the edges and keep hands clean and dry.
- Keep liquids, food, and moisture away from the print before it is framed.
- Once framed, avoid direct sunlight and very humid rooms whenever possible.
- Dust the frame and glazing gently with a soft, dry cloth.
With a bit of care when the print arrives and a thoughtful frame, a fine art print becomes a long-lasting part of everyday life on the wall.