We are often asked “How can I frame a print by myself?” or whether it’s possible at all to do it DIY. Framing properly is one of the best ways to preserve and care for your prints. So it should be done correctly and carefully.

Where to buy frames?

The Range, Ikea, B&M, TK Maxx, Supermarkets.

Materials to use:

• Frame
• Artwork
• Acid-free mat board (optional)
• Acid-free tape (optional)
• Microfiber cloth

Should I Mat?

You probably have noticed that many pieces of framed prints have a sort of card “border” around the print. This is called a mat.

Print with Mat

It’s basically card paper with a cutout through which the design is displayed. The cutout is called an “aperture”.

A mat gives some breathing space between the print's design and the frame itself.
The opposite of having a mat is to frame an artwork ‘full-bleed’, meaning the print goes all the way to the frame’s edge.

Print without Mat

A mat gives extra wall space and emphasis for small designs. The mat around a smaller artwork can be quite large in size. To use a mat or not is often about personal taste.

Frame Size:

At the Funky Print Factory we sell prints in sizes such as 5x7", A4 and A3. Depending on which print you order, will depend on the size of the frame needed. Our sizes are some of the most popular sizes so finding a frame is easy, check out local home stores such as Ikea, B&M and The Range, alongside local supermarkets. 

You can buy frames with no mat, or with a mat depending on your personal choice. Frames with a mat will usually be larger than the print. Just make sure the aperture size matches your print size. 

How to frame your print:

1) Open your frame

A frame usually consists of glass, a paper insert, (pre-cut) mat board & backing board.

Take the backing board out carefully. The paper insert behind the backing board can be thrown away.

2) Position your print

With Mat: Place the mat face down on a table. Lay your print over the pre-cut aperture, face down. Using some acid-free tape, cut 4 small pieces to tape down the corners. Hold up the mat and print to see if the art is sitting straight. If not, simply re-adjust until it's perfect. 

Without Mat: Skip to step 3

Make sure you clean the frames glass with a microfibre cloth prior to framing your print.

3) Put the print in the frame 

The glass should be completely dry prior to framing. 

First, pop the glass back in, followed by your print. Put the backing board on top of the print. Adjust the metal clasps until the print is sealed. Et voila!