Most people spend a long time choosing the right print. Then they rush the framing. Here’s how to do it properly — so the print actually looks the way it deserves to.
Handle it like you mean it
The oils on your hands will damage the paper surface over time — sometimes invisibly at first, then permanently. Hold the print by its edges only. If you’re handling something larger, clean cotton gloves are worth it. It sounds precious, but prints are meant to last decades. The extra thirty seconds are worth it.
Measure twice, buy once
Most framing disasters start here. A print that’s slightly too big for a frame gets forced in, creased at the corners, or bent along the edges. There’s no fixing that. Measure your print before buying anything, and if the size is non-standard, look for a frame slightly larger and plan for a mat to fill the gap.
Use a mat — it’s the one thing most people skip
A mat (or passe-partout) sits between the print and the glass. It does two things: it looks better, and it protects the paper from touching the glass directly. That contact causes moisture buildup over time, which leads to warping and, eventually, mould. A white or off-white mat works with almost anything. It also makes a modest frame look considered. If you’re on a budget, invest in the mat before the frame.
Don’t use tape on the print itself
Standard tape yellows, hardens, and tears paper when removed. If you need to secure a print inside a frame, use acid-free hinging tape applied only to the top edge — or better yet, use a backing board that holds everything snugly without any adhesive touching the print at all.
Think about where the light comes from
UV light fades ink. It’s slow, but it’s relentless. If your print is going somewhere with direct sunlight or strong ambient light, UV-filtering glass or acrylic is worth the upgrade. Anti-reflective acrylic is also a good option for larger formats — it’s lighter than glass and easier to handle without leaving marks.
Avoid cheap plastic frames
Plastic frames warp with humidity. The fit loosens, air gets in, and the whole thing starts to look neglected within a year or two. Wood and aluminium are both stable over time. A simple thin frame in either material will outlast a decorative plastic one by years — and it’ll look better doing it.
The frame should disappear
A good frame makes you look at the print, not the frame. Thin profiles in black, white, natural wood, or brushed aluminium work with almost everything. The more decorative the frame, the more it competes. When in doubt, go simpler than you think you need to.
— Studio Ninette, designed in Belgium.