How to Frame Art Prints: Complete Guide (Materials, Costs & Tips)
You've found the perfect art print. You've ordered it. It arrives carefully packaged, rolled in protective tubing, ready to transform your space.
And then you realize: you need a frame.
Suddenly you're staring at dozens of options. Wood or metal? Glass or acrylic? Mat or no mat? Standard frame or custom? Do you do it yourself or pay a professional?
The questions multiply. The costs vary wildly. And what seemed simple, putting art in a frame, now feels overwhelming.
I hear this from collectors constantly. They love the print. They're excited to hang it. But the framing decision stops them cold.
So let me walk you through everything you need to know about framing art prints, from materials and costs to DIY tips and when to call a professional. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to frame your print so it looks professional, lasts decades, and doesn't break your budget.
Let's start with the basics.
Why Framing Matters (Beyond Just Looking Nice)
Yes, a frame makes your art look finished and professional. But that's not its only job.
A good frame does three things:
1. Protection
Paper is fragile. Dust, moisture, UV light, physical damage, all of these threaten your print over time. A frame with proper glazing (glass or acrylic) and backing protects your investment.
If you've bought museum-grade archival prints designed to last 100+ years, you want framing that matches that longevity.
2. Presentation
The right frame elevates your art. It creates separation from the wall, adds visual weight, and guides the viewer's eye to the image itself.
The wrong frame distracts, cheapens, or competes with the artwork.
3. Structural Support
Prints need support to stay flat and taut. Without proper mounting or matting, paper can warp, buckle, or sag over time, especially in humid environments.
Bottom line: Framing isn't optional. It's part of caring for your art.
Frame Anatomy: Understanding the Components
Before we talk about options, let's break down what actually goes into a framed print.
From front to back, here's what you're looking at:
1. Glazing (Front Protection)
The clear protective layer, either glass or acrylic, that covers the artwork.
2. Mat (Optional Border)
The border (usually white, cream, or black) between the frame and the artwork. Creates breathing room and prevents the print from touching the glass.
3. The Print
Your actual artwork.
4. Backing Board
A stiff board behind the print that provides support and keeps everything flat.
5. Frame (Outer Structure)
The decorative border that holds everything together, usually wood or metal.
6. Hanging Hardware
Wire, D-rings, sawtooth hangers—whatever attaches the frame to your wall.
Each of these components has options, and your choices affect cost, appearance, and longevity.
Choosing Your Frame Material: Wood vs. Metal vs. Acrylic
The frame itself, the outer border, is the most visible element. Here's how to choose.
Wood Frames
Best for: Traditional, warm, versatile aesthetics
Pros:
Wide variety of finishes (natural, stained, painted)
Works with virtually any decor style
Adds warmth and texture
Can be ornate or minimal
Cons:
Can warp in humid environments (choose quality)
Heavier than metal or acrylic
More expensive for high-quality options
Cost: $30-$200+ depending on size and quality
Recommended for: Natural wood interiors, traditional or eclectic decor, surreal art that benefits from an organic frame
Metal Frames
Best for: Modern, sleek, minimalist spaces
Pros:
Ultra-thin profile (focuses attention on art)
Extremely durable and stable
Lightweight
Clean, contemporary look
Cons:
Can feel cold or industrial if not styled well
Limited color options (usually black, white, silver, gold)
Less forgiving if you want to change the look later
Cost: $25-$150+ depending on size
Recommended for: Modern interiors, monochrome prints, minimalist aesthetics
Acrylic/Plexiglass Frames
Best for: Frameless, floating, ultra-modern look
Pros:
No visible frame border (print "floats" between acrylic sheets)
Contemporary and striking
Lightweight and shatter-resistant
Easy to swap prints
Cons:
Expensive for large sizes
Can scratch easily
Not ideal for textured or dimensional art
Fingerprints show easily
Cost: $50-$250+ depending on size
Recommended for: Gallery walls, modern lofts, prints under 20x30"
Glass vs. Acrylic Glazing: What Should Cover Your Print?
This is one of the most important decisions, and often the most confusing.
Regular Glass
Pros:
Clearest view (no distortion)
Scratch-resistant
Affordable
Cons:
Heavy (especially for large prints)
Can shatter (safety concern)
Glare under direct light
Cost: $10-$40 depending on size
Best for: Small to medium prints (under 24x36"), low-traffic areas, budget-conscious framing
UV-Protective Glass
Pros:
Blocks 70-99% of UV light (prevents fading)
Same clarity as regular glass
Essential for long-term preservation
Cons:
More expensive than regular glass
Still heavy and fragile
Cost: $30-$100+ depending on size and UV protection level
Best for: Archival quality prints, art you want to last decades, spaces with natural light
My recommendation: If you've invested in museum-grade prints, invest in UV-protective glass. It's worth it.
Museum Glass (Premium Option)
Pros:
99% UV protection
Anti-reflective coating (virtually no glare)
Crystal-clear view
Best possible protection
Cons:
Very expensive ($100-$300+ for large prints)
Overkill for casual decor
Cost: $100-$400+ depending on size
Best for: Gallery-quality work, serious collectors, art in bright sunlight
Acrylic (Plexiglass)
Pros:
Lightweight (half the weight of glass)
Shatter-resistant (safe for kids/high-traffic areas)
UV-protective options available
Cons:
Scratches easily
Can develop static (attracts dust to print)
Slight optical distortion
More expensive than regular glass
Cost: $20-$100+ depending on size and UV protection
Best for: Large prints (24x36"+), spaces where weight matters, homes with children
To Mat or Not to Mat? (And How to Choose)
Matting, the border between your print and the frame, is optional but often recommended.
Why Use a Mat?
Visual Benefits:
Creates breathing room around the artwork
Prevents the print from feeling cramped
Adds a professional, gallery-quality look
Can make small prints look more substantial
Practical Benefits:
Prevents the print from touching the glass (moisture can cause sticking)
Adds structural support
Protects edges of the print
When to Skip the Mat
You want a modern, edge-to-edge look
Your print already has built-in borders
You're framing very large prints (24x36"+) where mats add too much bulk
Budget is tight (mats add cost)
Mat Size and Color
Standard mat widths: 2-4 inches on all sides
Larger mats (3-4"): Make the print feel more important, work well for smaller art
Smaller mats (1-2"): Modern, less traditional, keep focus on the image
Color choices:
White/cream: Classic, timeless, works with everything
Black: Bold, modern, high contrast (great for monochrome prints)
Colored mats: Match artwork tones, but risk looking dated
My advice: When in doubt, go white or off-white. It's the safest, most versatile choice.
Standard Sizes vs. Custom Framing: Cost and Availability
This is where costs can skyrocket, or stay reasonable.
Standard Frame Sizes
Most prints are sold in standard sizes: 8x10", 11x14", 16x20", 18x24", 20x30", 24x36".
Why this matters:
If your print is a standard size, you can buy ready-made frames at:
IKEA (budget-friendly, modern styles)
Target/HomeGoods (mid-range, variety of styles)
Michael's/Hobby Lobby (craft store frames, frequent sales)
Amazon (huge selection, mixed quality)
Pros:
Affordable ($15-$80 for most sizes)
Immediate availability
Easy to replace or swap out
Cons:
Limited style options
Quality varies
May not perfectly fit your decor vision
Custom Framing
Custom framing means a frame shop builds a frame specifically for your print and preferences.
When you need custom:
Non-standard print sizes
Specific aesthetic you can't find ready-made
Museum-quality materials and craftsmanship
Complex matting or specialty glass
Pros:
Perfect fit and finish
Highest quality materials
Expert guidance and design help
Exactly what you envision
Cons:
Expensive ($150-$500+ per frame)
Takes 1-4 weeks
Not easily swappable
My recommendation:
For standard-sized prints (like mine), start with ready-made frames. You can always upgrade to custom later if you want something specific.
For non-standard sizes or heirloom pieces, invest in custom framing.
DIY Framing vs. Professional Framing: Which Should You Choose?
Let's be honest: framing isn't complicated, but it's easy to mess up.
DIY Framing (Buy Ready-Made Frame and Assemble)
Best for:
Standard sizes
Budget-conscious buyers
Simple, straightforward presentation
What you'll need:
Ready-made frame in your print size
Print (obviously)
Clean workspace
Patience
Steps:
Clean the glass/acrylic (use glass cleaner, microfiber cloth)
Remove backing from frame
Place mat (if using) inside frame
Center your print on the mat or backing board
Secure with frame clips or tape (archival tape only, never regular tape)
Replace backing, secure with frame tabs
Attach hanging hardware
Cost: $20-$100 total (frame + materials)
Pros: Affordable, immediate, satisfying to do yourself
Cons: Risk of dust, fingerprints, misalignment if you're not careful
Professional Framing (Custom Frame Shop)
Best for:
Non-standard sizes
High-value or sentimental prints
Complex matting or specialty glazing
When you want zero mistakes
What to expect:
Consultation with framer (bring your print)
Choose frame style, mat, glazing
They handle everything: cutting, mounting, assembly
Pick up finished piece in 1-4 weeks
Cost: $150-$500+ depending on size and materials
Pros: Perfect results, expert craftsmanship, zero stress
Cons: Expensive, takes time, less flexibility to change later
My recommendation:
If your print is a standard size and you're comfortable with basic assembly, DIY with a ready-made frame is totally fine, especially for your first print.
If you're investing in a large piece (24x36"+) or want museum-quality presentation, professional framing is worth it.
Where to Buy Frames: Best Options for Every Budget
Budget-Friendly (Under $50)
IKEA
Modern, minimalist frames
Limited styles but good quality for the price
RIBBA and SILVERHÖJDEN lines are popular
Standard sizes only
Amazon
Huge selection
Read reviews carefully (quality varies)
Great for standard sizes
Quick shipping
Target/HomeGoods
Mid-range quality
More style variety than IKEA
In-store shopping lets you see before buying
Mid-Range ($50-$150)
Michael's / Hobby Lobby
Frequent 50% off sales (never pay full price)
Custom framing available
Good for traditional/decorative styles
Standard and custom sizes
Frame shops on Etsy
Handmade, unique styles
Support small businesses
Can request custom colors/finishes
Shipping can be slow
West Elm / CB2
Modern, design-forward frames
Higher quality materials
Limited sizes
Aesthetic-focused
Premium (Custom Framing $150+)
Local frame shops
Personalized service
Expert advice
Highest quality materials
Support local businesses
Framebridge / Level Frames (online custom)
Mail-in framing service
Upload photo of your space for mock-ups
Professional results without in-person visits
Mid-to-high pricing
Hanging Your Framed Print: Tips for Success
You've framed your print. Now you need to hang it. Here's how to do it right.
Height Matters
Standard rule: Center of artwork at 57-60" from the floor (eye level)
For small spaces: Hang slightly higher (60-65") to make ceilings feel taller
Above furniture: 6-10" above the sofa/bed/console
Read my guide on displaying art in small spaces for more placement tips.
Hanging Hardware
For lightweight frames (under 10 lbs):
Picture hooks or nails work fine
Command strips if you can't put holes in walls
For medium frames (10-25 lbs):
Use wall anchors or studs
D-rings + picture wire on frame
For large frames (25+ lbs):
Always use wall studs or heavy-duty anchors
Consider two hanging points for stability
Leveling
Use a laser level or level app on your phone. Eyeballing never works.
Mark your wall lightly with pencil before committing to holes.
Caring for Framed Prints: Making Them Last
Once your print is framed and hung, care is minimal but important.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Even with UV-protective glass, prolonged direct sunlight can fade prints over time. Hang art:
On walls perpendicular to windows
In rooms with sheer curtains or blinds
Away from south-facing windows (northern hemisphere)
Control Humidity
Extreme humidity or dryness can warp paper or cause condensation inside the frame.
Avoid hanging art:
In bathrooms (high moisture)
Above radiators or heating vents
In uninsulated garages or basements
Clean the Glass, Not the Print
Dust the frame and glass regularly with a microfiber cloth. Never spray cleaner directly on the glass—spray the cloth first.
Never attempt to clean the print itself. If it gets damaged, contact the artist.
Common Framing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Using Regular Tape to Secure the Print
Regular tape (Scotch, masking, duct) is acidic and will damage your print over time, leaving yellow stains.
Solution: Use archival mounting tape or photo corners.
2. Letting the Print Touch the Glass
Moisture can cause the print to stick to the glass, damaging the surface.
Solution: Always use a mat or spacers to create an air gap.
3. Skipping UV Protection
Regular glass offers zero UV protection. Prints fade over time, especially in bright rooms.
Solution: Invest in UV-protective glass or acrylic if you want your print to last.
4. Choosing a Frame That Competes With the Art
Ornate, heavily decorative frames can overwhelm the artwork.
Solution: Let the art be the star. Choose simple frames that complement, not compete.
5. Hanging Too Low
Art hung too low makes rooms feel cramped and cluttered.
Solution: Follow the 57-60" center rule (eye level).
Framing Different Styles: What Works Best
Not all art needs the same framing approach. Here's what works for different styles.
For Surreal and Abstract Prints (like mine)
Best frames:
Simple wood (natural, black, white)
Thin metal (black, silver)
Minimal ornamentation
Why: Surreal art is already visually complex. Let the frame provide structure without distraction.
Mat: Optional. White or black works well. Skip it for a modern edge-to-edge look.
For Monochrome/Black & White Prints
Best frames:
Black (high contrast, bold)
White (soft, gallery-style)
Natural wood (adds warmth)
Mat: White or black, depending on desired contrast
For Colorful/Vibrant Prints
Best frames:
Neutral frames (black, white, natural wood)
Avoid colored frames that compete with the art
Mat: White or off-white to let colors pop
Quick Decision Guide: Your Framing Cheat Sheet
If you want affordable and simple: → IKEA or Amazon ready-made frame + white mat + regular glass
If you want museum-quality: → Custom framing + UV-protective glass + archival matting
If you want modern and sleek: → Thin metal frame + no mat + acrylic glazing
If you want traditional and warm: → Wood frame + white mat + UV glass
If your print is large (24x36"+): → Lightweight acrylic glazing + sturdy frame + professional mounting
If your print is valuable/irreplaceable: → Professional framing + museum glass + archival materials
My Personal Framing Recommendations
As someone who creates fine art prints designed to last generations, here's what I recommend to my collectors:
For Standard Sizes (16x20" to 24x36")
Budget option:
IKEA RIBBA or SILVERHÖJDEN frame (black or white)
Add a white mat if it doesn't come with one
Upgrade to UV-protective acrylic if possible
Total cost: $30-$60
Premium option:
Custom frame in natural wood or black metal
UV-protective glass or museum glass
Archival white mat
Total cost: $200-$400
Both approaches work. The budget option looks professional and protects your print. The premium option is an investment in longevity and presentation.
What I Frame My Own Work In
When I frame prints for display, I use:
Simple black wooden frames (1" profile, matte finish)
No mat (edge-to-edge for modern look)
UV-protective acrylic (lightweight, safe)
Archival backing and mounting
This keeps focus on the art while providing serious protection.
Final Thoughts: Framing is Part of the Art Experience
Framing isn't just a chore. It's part of the ritual of bringing art into your life.
Choosing the frame, assembling it (or watching a professional do it), hanging it on your wall, these are the moments when a print becomes yours. When it transforms from something you ordered online into something that lives in your space, that you see every day, that becomes part of your environment.
Take your time with it. Choose materials that match the quality of the art. And remember: a good frame protects your investment and elevates your space.
Your art deserves it. Your walls deserve it. You deserve it.
Ready to Frame Your Print?
If you haven't yet found the art that's worth framing, explore my collection of surreal fine art prints.
Each piece is:
Original photography, digitally transformed by hand
Printed on museum-grade archival paper
Available in standard frame sizes (easy to frame)
Made to order, one at a time
Art for those who feel the stillness. Made to last. Ready to frame.