Choosing a frame:
1. Bring your artwork/print along when choosing a frame. Try to pick a frame that enhances the artwork, but doesn't distract from it. Often, you can find a frame in the same style or color scheme as the artwork. Make sure to choose a frame you like, as you are displaying this artwork for your own enjoyment! Often a frame shop associate can help suggest possible options.
2. If you are not planning on matting the artwork, try a wider frame moulding instead of a thin one.
Choosing a mat:
3. Using a mat border is always recommended, especially for original artwork. It helps to support the art, so that it does not bend. It also allows safe handling of the art, and allows the art to breath when framed.
4. When purchasing a print from The Inky Octopus, you can choose the color of your mat frame. When choosing the color of your mat, pick something that will compliment the artwork and frame. When in doubt, a white or cream colored mat is a great neutral choice.
5. You can also find pre-cut mats at art supply and frame shops. Make sure to choose an archival/acid free mat, to insure it does not damage the artwork. You can also find acid free backing board and tape.
1. Bring your artwork/print along when choosing a frame. Try to pick a frame that enhances the artwork, but doesn't distract from it. Often, you can find a frame in the same style or color scheme as the artwork. Make sure to choose a frame you like, as you are displaying this artwork for your own enjoyment! Often a frame shop associate can help suggest possible options.
2. If you are not planning on matting the artwork, try a wider frame moulding instead of a thin one.
Choosing a mat:
3. Using a mat border is always recommended, especially for original artwork. It helps to support the art, so that it does not bend. It also allows safe handling of the art, and allows the art to breath when framed.
4. When purchasing a print from The Inky Octopus, you can choose the color of your mat frame. When choosing the color of your mat, pick something that will compliment the artwork and frame. When in doubt, a white or cream colored mat is a great neutral choice.
5. You can also find pre-cut mats at art supply and frame shops. Make sure to choose an archival/acid free mat, to insure it does not damage the artwork. You can also find acid free backing board and tape.
Putting the frame and art together:
6. Start with your frame. Take the back off of the frame, and clean the frame if necessary. A soft cloth works well for dusting off a frame; compressed air is also a great option. If you need to clean the sheet of glass, remove it from the frame and clean with glass cleaner. Be careful when handling a sheet of glass, the edges are sharp! Let the sheet of glass completely dry before placing back into the frame.
6. Start with your frame. Take the back off of the frame, and clean the frame if necessary. A soft cloth works well for dusting off a frame; compressed air is also a great option. If you need to clean the sheet of glass, remove it from the frame and clean with glass cleaner. Be careful when handling a sheet of glass, the edges are sharp! Let the sheet of glass completely dry before placing back into the frame.
7. Our art prints arrive matted and with a backing board. If you are using one of these prints, simply remove the plastic envelop, and place the print + mat into the frame. Then replace the back of the frame.
8. If the mat frame + backing seems too thick for the frame, you can remove the backing board. Just be careful when handling the print, and putting on the backing! If the print seems too loose in the frame, try adding another layer of (archival/acid free) backing board behind the print before putting on the frame back.
9. If you are adding a mat border to a print, you will need a pre-cut mat frame, backing board of the same size, and acid-free tape (acid-free linen tape hinges are recommended). Lay the mat frame face down, and the backing board next to it. Tape the two pieces together. Without handling the print too much, position the print into the mat frame. Use a piece of tape at the top of the print, to attach it to the mat.
Hanging your art:
10. Your frame may already have hanging materials attached. If not, there are several options, including a d-ring, saw tooth hanger, and wire across the back. Attaching a wire across the back (shown in photo) is usually the preferred option, as it is easiest to get the frame positioned evenly on a wall. However, certain frames will work better with different options. If you are unsure of how add a wire, here is a nice resource. You can also ask a frame shop to add these to the back of your frame.
11. To preserve artwork and prints, don't place your artwork in direct sunlight. Over time, too much light can damage the artwork and change the colors of the image. Also, hanging original artwork in a bathroom is not recommended. The humidity found in a bathroom can easily damage and wrinkle artwork.
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10. Your frame may already have hanging materials attached. If not, there are several options, including a d-ring, saw tooth hanger, and wire across the back. Attaching a wire across the back (shown in photo) is usually the preferred option, as it is easiest to get the frame positioned evenly on a wall. However, certain frames will work better with different options. If you are unsure of how add a wire, here is a nice resource. You can also ask a frame shop to add these to the back of your frame.
11. To preserve artwork and prints, don't place your artwork in direct sunlight. Over time, too much light can damage the artwork and change the colors of the image. Also, hanging original artwork in a bathroom is not recommended. The humidity found in a bathroom can easily damage and wrinkle artwork.
Did you enjoy this tutorial? Check out our entire selection of freebies. Can I send you an email to let you know about new freebies and critter illustrations? Join my email list!