How To Frame Your Print

The short version: when looking for a frame, look use the search terms “frame matted to [size listed on my shop]”. For example, If you bought a print and the listing said it was an 8x10, you want to use the phrase “frame matted to 8 by 10”. This will help avoid cropping of your image and frame it nicely.

“This is a weird size…” “How big of a frame do I need?” “Am I supposed to cut this off?”

You’ve probably said one or all of those statements after purchasing a print either online or in person. You absolutely LOVE it, but now you can’t remember what the artist said, Google isn’t much help, and you don’t want to seem “silly” for not knowing how to hang up your new print. We’ve all been there, even me. I’m here to guide you and offer suggestions on finding the perfect frame for your art print.

Like anything, there are pros and cons of framing your art print.

If we’re being honest, the pros outweigh the cons on this one. Framing your print protects and preserves the print allowing you to enjoy the high-quality over time. The right frame can also enhance the presentation of your print by bringing out certain colors and matching your unique aesthetic and style.

On the other hand, it can get a little costly. Some frames are more expensive than others based on material and size. Depending on the materials of the frame, it could also add too much weight for a command strip (renter-friendly).

You don’t have to break the bank to have a high-quality presentation.

Quick note: I do not get anything for the links posted below. They are also not the only options out there. I found these frames and think they are versatile and high-quality. These are suggestions are are specific to my prints. It may be a good starting point for other prints you may have acquired. Please be sure to check the artist’s website for information.

Step 1: Identify the Sizes of Your Print

Sizes? Plural? With my prints there are 2 sizes to consider: the printed image area and the overall area.

The Printed Image Area is artwork. In my Etsy Shop my prints are listed by the artwork area. For example, if you bought this paint brush print, the image size is 5 by 7 inches. Or the bird prints come in various sizes such as 10 by 10, or12 by 12 inches. In my shop, I list every print by image or artwork area.

The Overall Area is the size of the whole paper. I include a border for each of my prints. I’ve found that having a little extra helps for framing with a mat — which we’ll get into in this post. Most of my prints have an extra half inch all around making the print slightly larger. So a 5 by 7 artwork area will have a 6 by 8 overall area and a 10 by 10 artwork area will have an 11 by 11 overall area.

Note: I have since switched from sending the prints out to printing in-house. At the time of this edit, prints 8 by 10 or smaller have about an extra quarter inch around.

Artwork Area vs. Overall Area

The artwork area is 5 by 7 — or how the print is listed in my shop. The overall area includes the small border to help with framing making this print 6 by 8 overall.

Step 2: Find the Right Frame

Now that you know the size, you’re ready to find the perfect frame for you! It can be fun to find a frame but also overwhelming when you don’t know where to look.

To get the best results, I type in “frame matted to [artwork area].” Let’s do this with the 5 by 7 Paint Brush print in the Amazon Search Bar. You can click here for the results in Amazon or keep on scrolling :)

I personally think a mat adds to the framing. It makes it feel professional and looks appealing with the space between the artwork and the frame.

Of the 3 options, only 2 of those will work. You want to make sure the mat is the same size as the artwork area. The first option would fit a 5 by 7 print, but the mat would crop the artwork to a 4 by 6 size. Options 2 and 3 are perfect and dependent on your preferences. They both exclusively say the mat is 5 by 7 and that would include the entire image without weird cropping.

My Suggestions

Again, these are just my suggestions that will work for prints purchased on my Etsy Shop. The size listed is the artwork area and what I am looking for with a mat.

5 by 7 Print Frame | 6 by 8 Print Frame | 8 by 8 Print Frame | 8 by 10 Print Frames

10 by 10 Print Frames | 12 by 12 Print Frame | 16 by 20 Print Frame

If you have any questions about framing your print, please feel free to send me a message on Instagram, Facebook or at phil@philmakes.art! I’m happy to help you on your journey!

And, just for sticking around this long post, get 15% off when you purchase 3 or more items in my shop with the code 3FORME at checkout!