Framing Tips for Prints on Handmade Paper

After I graduated I trained and worked as a picture framer so I'm passionate about making sure artwork is framed proffessionally. However, I understand that bespoke framing can be expensive so here are a few tips to help you either frame your artwork at home or go to your picture framer with a good idea of what you want.

Here I'm specifically talking about framing my prints on handmade paper. This paper is made by my lovely friend Katherine. She takes discarded blotting paper and my print proofs, then blends them together to create new, beautiful paper. This paper is quite delicate so needs to be framed carefully. 

Double Sided Glass Frame: You can find these pretty inexpensively in homeware shops and online. Here I've attached this print with just one piece of archival tape.

Pros: Inexpensive, unique look, easy to frame

Cons: Dust/bugs can get inside making it not very archival, often you are stuck with standard sizes, if you use tape to secure the artwork it may damage the paper when you peal it off

Float Mounting: A great way to show off the decked edge of the paper is to float mount your print. This is where it lays on top of a piece of mountboard. You could then pop it straight in your frame, however, I think it looks best when there's a bit of space between the print and the glass (this is better for the print in the long term too). You can do this by buying a box frame or putting an aperture mount in the frame like in the image below. 

When you are float mounting your print make sure to use archval tape to do so. This technique can be fiddly to do well and you may want to ask a picture framer to do this professionally.

Pros: Professional look, shows off the print edges, 

Cons: Often quite a bit of tape is needed to attach the print which may make it hard to unframe in the future, can be tricky to do well at home, could expensive when done proffesionally

Aperture Mount: This is the most common way of framing an artwork. This obviously means you won't see the deckled edges but if you're not bothered about that then this may be a good option for you!

You usually need just two bits of archival tape at the top of the artwork to attach it. DON'T tape all the way around as this will mean when the paper expands and contracts due to heat/moisture it could buckle. Don't forget to attach a piece of barrier board behind the print to protect it from the MDF in the back of a frame which is often very acidic. 

Pros: Easy to do, minimal tape needed, looks smart

Cons: You won't see the decked edge

Extra tips:

Always use archival tape when attaching your artwork.

Make sure your frames are sealed with tape if possible to stop dust and bugs getting to the artwork.

Always place barrier board/archival mount between the artwork and any acidic material such as MDF. 

If you can afford it UV/Art Glass will help protect artwork from the sun over time.

To keep costs low you could buy a ready-made frame and then ask your framer to cut a bespoke mount to fit your frame/artwork.