Framing Guide
When shopping my fine art prints, you have two options:
- Unframed Prints
- Custom-Framed Prints
Read on to get to know all the differences between these two options.
Unframed Prints
Buying unframed prints gives you endless possibilities when it comes to framing and suiting your decor. Apart from that, it can be the most cost-effective way if you decide that all you need is a ready-made frame.
I ship all of my unframed fine art prints worldwide.
When to choose unframed prints?
You are short on time
If you are short on time (f.ex. you need the print as a gift), then always choose an unframed print. Custom framing takes time.
You want your frame to perfectly suit your decor
Unframed prints allow you to choose a frame which best suits your decor. You have an influence on how the finished work will look like, and you take part in the creative process. I know it's exciting for many of you.
You can choose among many different options and styles - wooden frames, metal frames, rustic frames, modern frames or more traditional ones.
You can frame prints with a mat for a more traditional look, or without - for a more minimalist, modern look. Large prints always look better without a mat. I don't recommend framing anything bigger than 18" x 24" with a mat.
You have a ready-made frame
All of my prints have standard sizes (f.ex. 11" x 14", 18" x 24" etc.), so that you can easily get a standard size ready-made frame.
If you want to frame prints bigger than 18" x 24" yourself, and you are going for a modern look without a mat, it's best to mount the print first. Mounting the print to a rigid surface (f.ex. foamboard, dibond) makes it perfectly flat.
In order to mount the print, you have to visit a framer. Then you can easily insert a mounted print inside a ready-made frame.
Your budget doesn't allow custom framing
Custom framing makes the artwork shine, but it's expensive. Buying an unframed print and getting a ready-made frame is the most cost-effective option.
You want to frame behind glass
I don't ship prints framed behind glass, because it breaks too easily in shipping.
I use quality 99% UV Acrylic. You can also upgrade to Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic.
You want to use a service of a local custom framer
At your local framer's you will probably find the biggest selection of different frame moldings and mats. They will advise you what's the best way to frame the print.
If you ordered a giant unframed print (36" x 48" or bigger), then custom framing is the only way to go.
You don't live in the USA
I ship framed prints only to US destinations.
Custom Framing
Choosing the right frame for your artwork can be quite overwhelming. There are so many different options. However, it doesn't have to!
I handpicked four wooden quality frames which perfectly suit my fine art prints. They are all handcrafted by framing experts in the USA, using the highest quality materials. Every single frame is custom-built to ensure a perfect fit, and it comes ready to hang.
A classic black frame will look great in every space. If you are looking for something which will add a contemporary vibe to your space, select a white, a natural maple or a natural walnut frame.
What sets my custom framing apart from ready-made frames?
Custom-built
These solid wood frames are cut, joined, and finished by hand in the USA by exceptionally talented artisans – with the highest, even obsessive, attention to detail. Custom-building to order ensures a perfect fit for the artwork.
Solid wood
Ready-made frames are often made using veneer or sometimes even worse — wood imitation. I say NO to veneer and wood imitation. It's all solid wood. Solid wood ensures that your frame will not warp over time.
The artwork is permanently mounted to a rigid surface (mounting board)
Thanks to mounting, the artwork stays perfectly flat and does not move inside the frame (there's nothing worse than a buckled print). Mounting a print to a mounting board is especially important in case of bigger prints.
Custom-made spacers
There are white custom-made spacers (made of quality mat board and foamboard) which make airspace between the artwork and glazing. It prevents print adhesion to the glazing (the artwork doesn't come into contact with the glazing), and mold growth.
Framing-grade thick acrylic glass
High-quality 85% UV, thick, framing-grade acrylic glass has nothing in common with thin acrylic glass which you can find in ready-made frames. Unlike thin acrylic, it is perfectly flat and it doesn't bend.
Dust cover
A dust cover is permanently attached to the back of the frame to prevent dust getting inside the frame.
My frames come in 4 different finishes: black, white, natural maple, and natural walnut.
All of my fine art prints are framed without a mat, which gives them a sleek, modern look.
My framed prints are ready to hang, which means they come with hanging hardware attached to the back of the frame, as well as wall bumpers to protect your wall.
Depending on the size of the frame, you will get:
• sawtooth picture hangers (for small prints),
• D-rings and hanging wire (for medium and big prints)
• wooden cleats (for giant prints)
What happens after you place an order?
Print Production | 1 Week
Your artwork is being printed by my fine art printer.
Print Quality Control | 1 Day
I receive the artwork for quality control and signing.
Shipping Print for Framing to Los Angeles | 2-4 Business Days
I ship a hand-signed artwork with a certificate of authenticity to Los Angeles for framing. I ship with FedEx, which only takes 2-4 business days.
What's important, I offset my carbon footprint thanks to Shopify Planet.
Custom Framing | 2-3 Weeks
Your artwork is being framed by my custom framer.
Shipping | 3-4 Business Days
When the project is completed, it is shipped to you with FedEx Ground or FedEx Freight (framed prints bigger than 36" x 48").
Exact Frame Dimensions
SMALL - 11″ × 14″
Paper size: 11" × 14"
Printed area: 9.4" × 12.4"
White margin/border: 0.8"
Black & White Frame
Outside dimensions: 11.875" × 14.875"
Frame face: 0.75"
Frame depth: 1.25"
Natural Maple Frame
Outside dimensions: 11.75" × 14.75"
Frame face: 0.625"
Frame depth: 1.0625"
Natural Walnut Frame
Outside dimensions: 11.75" × 14.75"
Frame face: 0.8125"
Frame depth: 1.1875"
MEDIUM - 18″ × 24″
Paper size: 18" × 24"
Printed area: 16.4" × 22.4"
White margin/border: 0.8"
Black & White Frame
Outside dimensions: 18.875" × 24.875"
Frame face: 0.75"
Frame depth: 1.25"
Natural Maple Frame
Outside dimensions: 18.75" × 24.75"
Frame face: 0.625"
Frame depth: 1.0625"
Natural Walnut Frame
Outside dimensions: 18.75" × 24.75"
Frame face: 0.8125"
Frame depth: 1.1875"
LARGE - 30″ × 40″
Paper size: 30" × 40"
Printed area: 28" × 38"
White margin/border: 1"
Black & White Frame
Outside dimensions: 30.875" × 40.875"
Frame face: 0.75"
Frame depth: 1.25"
Natural Maple Frame
Outside dimensions: 31.25" × 41.25"
Frame face: 0.875"
Frame depth: 1.5"
Natural Walnut Frame
Outside dimensions: 30.75" × 40.75"
Frame face: 0.8125"
Frame depth: 1.1875"
EXTRA LARGE - 36″ × 48″
Paper size: 36" × 48"
Printed area: 32" × 44"
White margin/border: 2"
Black Frame
Outside dimensions: 37.25" × 49.25"
Frame face: 1"
Frame depth: 2.25"
White Frame
Outside dimensions: 37.5" × 49.5"
Frame face: 1"
Frame depth: 1.875"
Natural Maple Frame
Outside dimensions: 37.25" × 49.25"
Frame face: 0.75"
Frame depth: 2.25"
Natural Walnut Frame
Outside dimensions: 36.75" × 48.75"
Frame face: 0.8125"
Frame depth: 1.1875"
GIANT - 40″ × 60″
Paper size: 40" × 60"
Printed area: 36" × 56"
White margin/border: 2"
Black Frame
Outside dimensions: 41.25" × 61.25"
Frame face: 1"
Frame depth: 2.25"
White Frame
Outside dimensions: 41.25" × 61.25"
Frame face: 1"
Frame depth: 2.25"
Natural Maple Frame
Outside dimensions: 41.25" × 61.25"
Frame face: 0.75"
Frame depth: 2.25"
Natural Walnut Frame
Outside dimensions: 40.75" × 60.75"
Frame face: 13/16"
Frame depth: 1 3/16"