The Print Framing Guide

Local frame shops are a great choice when you're looking to frame your piece, as they have a wide selection of options and the expertise to frame your artwork professionally and beautifully.

Here are some of Apartment Therapy's reader favorites for local framing shops around the US, and a quick read from Forbes on the importance of shopping local – around the holidays or any time!

If you're up for doing your own framing, there are some great options out there. I've put together a few steps to help save you time and guesswork if you're looking to frame your print yourself! Jenna's prints are printed to the edges of the paper, so there's no need to trim the piece once you receive it – it's ready to drop into a standard-sized frame.

Your step-by-step guide to framing your print

  • Step 1: Gather Supplies

    You’ll need:

    • Your frame (frame shown can be found here)

    • Your print (an 11x 14 size of Jenna’s “In The Open” print is shown)

    • Acid-free double-sided tape (I recommend this tape)

    • Scissors

    • butter knife (optional)

    • glass cleaner (optional)

    • pencil (optional)

  • Step 2: Disassemble your frame

    The frame pictured is enclosed with metal tabs. I use a butter knife to carefully bend back the tabs while preserving my fingers!

    If you’re using a previously-used frame with brown kraft paper covering the back, carefully cut it around the edges with an x-acto knife or scissors.

    You may also need a screwdriver if your frame is assembled with screws.

    This step would be a great time to clean the glass with glass cleaner, allowing it time to dry fully while you work on your next steps!

  • Step 3: Place your double-sided tape

    • With clean hands, carefully remove your backing board (and mat, if included) from your frame, and remove your print from the plastic sleeve

    • Place your print on the backing board, and place the mat on top. Re-position the print between the mat and backing board to get it positioned correctly – so no gaps are visible between the print and the mat

    • Keeping the print in place, slowly remove the mat without shifting the print – it may take a few tries! Place a finger on the print to hold it in place as you lift the mat. You may even want to mark the corners of the print on your backing board with a pencil – taking care not to mark your print

    • Using your double-sided art tape, begin sticking tape directly to the backing board (cardboard or fiberboard) to mark the edges of the print. This is what your print will stick to, so be sure to get the tape under where the print will lay. Re-place your tape as needed. When you're finished creating a line of tape for each border, you will have a grid of tape on your backing board.

  • Step 4: Place and adhere your print

    • Peel off the white backing for the tape on all sides

    • VERY carefully position your artwork on the sticky side of the tape. Press along the line of tape to ensure the print is adhered to the tape around each edge.

    • Tip: I find it helpful to stick down one edge first, then remove the backing on the other 3 tape edges and slowly stick the rest down – this way you’ll be sure your print is positioned correctly as you’re adhering it!

  • Step 5: Place your mat

    • Line up your mat with the backing board – be careful not to lay it down too quickly in case any of your tape is exposed around the edges of your print!

    • Lay your mat down carefully over the print

  • Step 6: Place matted print in your frame, reassemble and enjoy!

    • Lay your matted print back in your frame

    • Reassemble your frame

    • Enjoy!

 

A final note on Frames

Your choice of frame and matting (or decision to leave out a mat) is individualized to your taste, preferences, and blending with the other decor in your home or business. While I can’t make guarantees on quality or service, I have enjoyed working with the following framing vendors: