It happened. That stunning wall art print you've been coveting is finally yours. Now that you've paid for the art, you don't want to skimp on the framing. But do you really need to splurge for custom work?
While professional framing can enhance a piece by bringing out colors or highlighting key details, you don't need a professional framer to make a visual impact. Hiring someone saves you the hassle, but it can be costly—sometimes more so than the art itself!
If you're even a little handy, the right tools and instructions can help you create custom-quality DIY framing at a fraction of the cost. This guide works whether you're looking to frame artwork, hang art in a gallery wall, or simply find affordable ways to display your original artwork.
How to Frame Art: 10 Quick Steps
- Gather supplies: frame, mat (optional), glass, backing board, adhesive, securing clips, gloves, and hanging hardware.
- Wear gloves. Clean the glass on both sides before starting. Make sure the glass dries thoroughly.
- Lay the frame face down. Insert the clean glass first.
- Center your print on the backing board. Use small pieces of acid-free tape to secure it.
- Add the mat on top if using one. Make sure it's centered perfectly.
- Place the art and backing into the frame. Press down gently.
- Secure the backing with frame clips or points around all edges.
- Attach hanging hardware to the back, about 1/3 down from the top.
- Hang at eye level (try using the 57" rule for hanging)
- Adjust as needed based on furniture height and surrounding decor
What You'll Need: Basic Framing Supplies
Gather these essentials before you start framing your own pieces. All resizing should be done in advance.
- Frame
- Mat board (optional; also called a passe-partout)
- Glass
- Backing board: A rigid paper board that serves as the back of the frame, keeping the layers in place.
- Non-damaging adhesive (optional): Use acid-free materials like artist tape whenever possible, especially for valuable art pieces.
- Securing hardware: Spring clips or arrow-shaped framing points that slide into a groove between the backer board and the frame, compressing the layers to keep them in place.
- Lint-free dust cloth
- Hanging hardware (d rings work well for most frames)
- Dust cover (optional): Tacked edge-to-edge across the frame back, a brown paper backing to keep out dust and debris.
Additionally, have cleaning supplies handy, including paper towels, cleaning spray, water, and a clean paintbrush or Q-tip (to clean up glue spills).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Framing Art Prints
When you're ready to frame artwork, assemble everything. Make sure everything is pre-sized appropriately.
Note: Any time you're handling the art or the glass wear gloves to avoid smudges, fingerprints, or debris.
Clean and Set Up Your Workspace
Prepare to get to work. Lay out your tools and supplies, clean and ready to use. Take off any wrappers or covers on your supplies and prepare trash areas.
Dry-Fit Your Frame and Mat
Lay the layers face-up over the backer board. Lightly mark edges on the backer board so you can orient the components later. This helps maximize the use of negative space around your art piece.
Assemble the Components
Once you're happy, move everything so only the backer board remains. Apply the adhesive, then align the print to your marks and press firmly. Repeat the process with the mat (adding in any framing spacers, if used), ensuring no adhesive touches the print.
Insert Into the Frame & Secure
Place the frame face-down, and insert the glass, cleaning it if necessary. Then, place the assembled artwork layers face down as well. Compressing the layers with your hands, lift and look at it. If you're happy, lay it back flat, and then secure all the edges with frame clips.
Add a Dust Cover (Optional)
To add a dust cover, place adhesive around the back edges of the frame. Lay the dust cover down and press firmly so it adheres, then trim any overhanging edges.
Attach Hardware
Picture hanging kits are readily accessible at most craft stores or online. You can choose either a metal sawtooth-style hanger or eye hooks and wire. Before getting started, make sure you're clear on the best ways to hang artwork.
Hang and Inspect
Once everything is set, hang it up with a nail or picture hook, lightly clean the glass one last time, and then enjoy your hard work! Proper hanging hardware makes all the difference in keeping your framed piece secure.
How to Choose the Right Size Frame
Not sure what frame size works best? Here's a simple guide for common print sizes when selecting frames of the same size as your art or larger.
8x10 Prints
Small but mighty, these prints need balance. A thin frame (1/2 inch) keeps things delicate. For more impact, go with a 1-inch frame and a 2-inch mat. This creates an overall 12x14 piece—perfect for bathroom decor, hallways, or grouped in a gallery wall.
11x14 Prints
The goldilocks of print sizes. A 3/4 to 1-inch frame works perfectly. Add a 2-inch mat to create a more substantial 15x18 finished piece. These look great alone on smaller walls or paired with other sizes in a collection.
16x20 Prints
These statement pieces deserve attention. A 1 to 1.5-inch frame provides good proportion. With a 2.5-inch mat, you'll end up with approximately a 21x25 finished piece—substantial enough to single-handedly spruce up blank walls.
For modern spaces, try a thin white wood frame with a wide white mat for that white space that lets the art breathe while creating a dramatic effect.
Remember: Thicker frames add weight and importance. Thinner frames keep things light and contemporary. The mat should be proportional—larger prints can handle wider mats. A float mount is another great option for art with interesting, rough edges.
Measure your wall space before you decide. A too-small frame can get lost on a big wall, and a too-large frame might overwhelm a small space.
Choosing the Right Frame and Mat
The frame—and potentially the mat—can greatly influence how your print is perceived. The colors, materials, and scale can transform the artwork's presence in a space.
Since your piece is likely to stay in this setup for years, consider using acid free materials like acid-free paper or UV filtering glass to help protect it from direct sunlight.
Decide What Works for the Art Style
First, lay out your art print and examine it. Beyond colors and sizing, what is its narrative or emotional impact? Identify any dominant or secondary/minor colors you want to emphasize, and what genre (modern, classical art, etc.) your piece fits into.
Also, consider viewing distance. A small, detailed piece may require close inspection, but a comparably-sized bold, graphic design might benefit from oversized framing and more distant viewing.
Also, consider where it will hang. While you don't want to match the framing to a room's decor, it helps to know how the light behaves in the space.
Frame Types
The most common types of frames include:
- Minimalist Metal: Sleek, thin aluminum frames in black, silver, or white. Perfect for modern spaces and photos. They let the art be the star. Lightweight and easy to hang.
- Classic Wood: Warm, timeless frames that work with almost any art. From thin black gallery styles to chunky oak. Wood adds warmth even to modern prints.
- Ornate Gold: Traditional frames with decorative details. These add instant elegance and make even simple prints look important. Perfect for vintage art or to add a touch of luxury.
- Floating Frames: Glass or acrylic sandwiching your art with no visible frame edge. Creates a "floating" effect that works beautifully for modern art and photography. Clean and contemporary.
- Shadowbox: Deep frames that create space between the glass and artwork. Perfect for 3D items or to create depth. Makes anything look like a museum piece.
- Barn Wood: Rustic, weathered wood with visible texture and character. Adds instant warmth and casual charm. Works wonderfully with landscapes and nature prints.
- Clip Frames: Minimal glass with metal clips holding everything together. Budget-friendly and ultra-modern. Lets artwork speak entirely for itself.
Bringing your print—or a digital copy—to a framing store can help you make decisions. Lay sample frame pieces next to your print to see how they change the visual impact. You can do the same with mat colors. Not every option will be DIY-friendly, but you can usually find similar matches in-store or online.
Pick the frame that matches your style, not what's trendy. The right frame should enhance your art without stealing the show.
Do Picture Frames Always Need Glass? You Decide
You don't actually have to use glass when framing art. It comes down to personal preference and what looks best with the piece.
Glass protects your art from dust, fingerprints, and damage, making it last longer. UV-protective glass even prevents fading in sunny rooms.
But there are downsides. Glass adds weight, making large frames harder to hang safely. It creates glare in bright rooms, sometimes hiding details you want to see. It can also break during shipping or if bumped. And if moisture gets trapped inside, it can damage your art over time. For valuable pieces, consider museum-quality glass. For posters or temporary displays, you might skip it altogether.
To Mat or Not to Mat? Making the Right Choice for Your Art
While not all art needs a mat, they serve some real purposes. Along with visually framing the piece, it also gives your eyes a neutral border, serving almost as a "rest" from the print. They can also keep the glass from directly touching the art.
Using a mat or not also depends on the piece. Some prints, like those with rough edges, look better without a mat that covers their irregular borders. Mats can also have raised textures to give additional visual interest, or you can layer multiple mats to literally add depth to your art, highlight elements of the composition.
Some subjects look better without a mat, though. Landscape art, for example, can look sweeping and majestic when it takes up the whole frame.
Like selecting frames, a store visit is a great way to explore different mat colors. If you're comfortable with precise cutting, a professional can custom cut just the mat for you, relatively economically.
Sizing Note: Mats, backer board, and glass should match the frame's interior dimensions. It should fit snugly, but slide in easily.
Pro Tips for a Professional-Looking Finish
Here are some extra ideas to make your DIY project look even more professional!
Avoid Glare: Light glare can obscure your print, so keep the light source in mind. Check for reflections, and, if necessary, consider using non-glare glass.
Frame Spacers: Small pieces of material that slide between the glass and the art, frame spacers not only add depth, but also prevent contact between the art and the glass. This can prevent it from sticking and buffer against damage like water or mold.
Keep it Level: Use a level and tape measure to ensure your artwork hangs straight and balanced. When creating a gallery wall with multiple pieces, this becomes even more important.
How to Find Affordable Frames
While custom frames can be pricey, especially for higher-end materials, there are ways to frame art on a budget.
Repurpose: The easiest way is to reuse frames, either from art you (or friends/family) no longer enjoy, or from thrift stores, garage sales, or online second-hand marketplaces. Thrift store frames are often a great idea for finding quality at low prices.
Online Sources: Custom frames can be found online for a lower price than mass-produced options at big box stores.
Framing Your Art Made Easy
Framing art is subjective. The best way to frame your piece is the way that feels right to you. Your house, your art, your rules. You can always reframe it if you change your mind or your style changes, especially if you're already saving money by doing it yourself.
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