Botanical Art Framing Guide

 

Let's make framing your new piece of art fun and easy with these simple steps!

 

CHOOSE YOUR FRAME TYPE

Decide whether you'd like your piece to be displayed on a table top or on a wall. Wall frames usually have some sort of hooks on the back, whereas table top frames will have a stand on the back. Some frames will have both!

 

WHAT SIZE IS YOUR ART?

Know what size your art is. Currently, I have 4 sizes of fine art prints in the studio:

  • 2 x 3 inches (mini prints)
  • 4 x 6 inches
  • 5 x 7 inches
  • 8 x 10 inches

If you aren't sure what size yours is, just measure! Most frame sizes in stores are given in inches, so this makes it easy to match up.

 

CHOOSE YOUR FRAME SIZE

There are two main options for framing: 

  • choose a frame made for the exact size of your art, or 
  • choose a frame that is BIGGER than your art

If you want the overall size of your piece to be close to the size of your print, you would use a frame made for that size, such as an 8x10 frame for an 8x10 print (below).

If you want to take up more space than the size of the print, you can use any size frame, as long as it is "matted to" the size of your print. The easiest way to do this is find a frame with a pre-cut mat already in it (below).

For example, you could use any larger size frame "matted to 5x7 inches". This means the mat that comes with the frame will have an opening that is 5x7 inches, perfectly showing off your print, but the frame itself will take up more space on a wall as it is larger overall.

 

 

OPEN YOUR FRAME

Once you have your frame, open the back and take all the pieces out except the glass. Sometimes frames come with some extra cardboard or foam inserts to keep everything snug, so you can put these back in once you've positioned your art.

Remove the display picture as you will replace this with your art.

 

CLEAN THE INSIDE GLASS

I like to use a mixture of vinegar + water on a paper towel to clean the inside glass of the frame to wipe away any finger prints or smudges. Let it dry completely.

 

ASSEMBLE

Without a mat:

Place your print face down on the glass. Replace the fillers in the back of the frame like any cardboard or foam (unless it makes it too thick with your print), add the back, and close it up.

With a mat:

Take the mat you've removed that came with your frame. With your art facing up on a flat surface, place the mat on top and adjust so that the art fits in the window of the mat. Since the overall frame is larger than your piece of art, you will need use one or two piece of tape on the backside of the art and mat, attaching the art to the mat so that it doesn't slide down in the frame. Gently stick a few pieces of tape on the back of the art and the mat, just enough so that it is in place. You don't need to press down hard on the tape, the frame inserts will help keep everything in place, this is just so it doesn't wiggle. Place the mat and art into the frame, replace any cardboard/foam fillers, and close the back.

 

CLEAN THE FRONT GLASS & DISPLAY

I like to finish framing by using the same paper towel with vinegar+water to get any dust/fingerprints off of the front of the glass. Your new piece of art is now housed safely in its frame. Enjoy the new piece of art in your collection!

 

 

If you have any questions or issues with framing, I am happy to help - just send an email to hello@studiochelsea.ca or DM me on Instagram @studiochelsea!