Framing 23rd Mar 2011

Framing

So you are now the proud owner of a print from my shop, what next?

Here's a few tips...

Delivery >

Your print will be sent rolled in a postal tube.

I've experimented with lots of different packaging methods over the last few years and have found this works best.

When you open your tube, the print will be rolled and wrapped in a blank leaf of paper.

To unroll, use a sharp knife and slit the tape on the blank paper and gently uncurl.

Don't panic. The tape is not on your print.

If you are having your print framed by a professional framer (see later notes on framers), I'd advise keeping the print rolled in the tube until you drop it off - it keeps it safe.

If you are framing the print yourself, you'll want to flatten it out a little first.

Gently uncurl and lay on a clean, flat surface.

Protect the print with a large, blank sheet of paper or card - you want to distribute the weight evenly over the surface of the print whilst protecting it from scuffing or smudging.

Weigh down with something heavy.

I favor 4 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Leave for a few days ... check on your print ... be gentle.

It may still have a slight curl, but will be more than flat enough to frame.

Frames

There's lots of choice.

Important thing is to pick something that works with the artwork, that you like and that suits the interior where it will be hung.

Here's what I like:

I like simple, clean, wooden box frames with a white or black finish.

I like frames to be 3" or so larger than the artwork to allow the print room to breathe - you don't want it to look jammed in and cluttered.

Colour is up to you, I usually go for a frame in the same colour as the paper, so black on white print = white frame.

white heartbreak

Mounts

Never, never allow your print to be in contact with the glass.

If the ink is touching the glass there's a chance condensation can build up which may lead to smudging or wrinkling.

To avoid this, use a window mount or float mount the picture.

A Window Mount is a large sheet of smooth card with a hole cut in the middle.

This card goes between the glass and the print, so the artwork can be seen through the hole in the middle.

Mounts can be any colour, I'd advise using black or white.

Personally, I like mounts and frames to be the same colour, to avoid a ‘Liquorice Allsorts' effect.

Float mounting is when the artwork is fixed to the back board of a deep box frame, slightly proud of the surface (so it looks like it's floating). The image doesn't touch the glass and appears to hover mid-air.

There are 2 options for picking your frame;

Bespoke; taking your print to a picture framer who will build a custom frame to your specification.
Off the Shelf; buying a ready made frame and mount (see the note a little later about mounts) and doing the framing yourself.

Bespoke

As with all trades, you get good and bad picture framers.

Ask around and find who's good in your area.

If in doubt, ema il me and I can point you in the direction of the framers past clients have used in your area - I most likely won't have personally used them, but I trust my clients J

Take the print along and speak to your chosen framer.

Discuss the style of frame, material, colour, finish, size and what colour of window mount you want.

Off the Shelf

Interior Stores like Ikea, Habitat, Heals and John Lewis all do some excellent, reasonably priced frames. Check the size is correct, the joints seem sturdy and that the glass and wood is chip free.

You can of course buy frames online too.

Some frames will come with a mount inside them.

If not, you can buy window mounts from Art Shops and Picture Framers - either pre-cut or custom made.

red

Hanging

When hanging your print, it's best to place it somewhere where it won't be under prolonged, direct sunshine.

Lots of intense sunlight may in time fade the ink and the paper.

If you have any queries about framing, hanging or caring for your print, please drop me a line and I'll be happy to help.

And Finally...

Now that you've received your print, framed and hung it, why not send me a quick photo of the final piece? I love seeing how clients chose to display the prints. There's a few images of various framed pieces which people have kindly sent me over the past few months below. Take a peek and see if they inspire your framing choices! If you'd like to share your newly framed artwork with us, drop me an email or a tweet and I'll add you to the gallery!

Chris' Crazy Botanic