Framing a print with a border is more than just a way to hang art on the wall; it is the final step in a meticulous process that transforms a simple sheet of paper into a protected piece of history. The right border, created by the mat and the frame itself, provides the essential breathing room that prevents the artwork from touching the glass, creates visual focus, and complements the colors within the image. This guide walks you through the professional methods and critical considerations required to achieve a museum-quality finish that safeguards your art for years to come.
Understanding the Role of the Mat and Border
The border you see around a framed print is typically the mat board, a defined strip of cardboard that sits on top of the artwork. This layer is crucial for both aesthetic and physical reasons. Aesthetically, the mat introduces a deliberate pause between the art and the frame, creating depth and giving the eye a place to rest. Physically, it keeps the print from directly contacting the glazing, which could cause moisture to trap and ruin the piece. When learning how to frame a print with a border, you are essentially learning how to manage these layers to achieve a balanced composition.
The Visual Weight of ColorChoosing the color of your border is the single most impactful decision in the framing process. The mat board acts as a backdrop, and its hue can dramatically alter the perception of the print beneath it. A standard off-white mat works well for most traditional line art or black-and-white photographs, providing a classic contrast. For colored prints, however, you have the opportunity to be strategic. Selecting a mat color that picks up a secondary tone from the image creates a harmonious look, while a bold complementary color can make the piece pop dramatically. This step requires a careful eye to ensure the border enhances the print rather than competes with it.
Materials and Tools You Will Need
Before you begin the physical assembly, gathering the correct materials is essential to ensure a clean and archival-quality result. Cheap, acidic mats can yellow over time and damage your precious print, so investing in acid-free, archival mat board is non-negotiable. You will also need a sharp utility knife or mat cutter, a metal ruler for straight edges, cutting mat, pencil, masking tape, and the appropriate frame and glazing. If the print is particularly valuable or old, consider using photo corners or archival mounting tape instead of gluing it directly to the mat to preserve the originality of the piece.
| Tool | Purpose | Professional Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mat Cutter | Cuts clean, beveled edges | Creates a professional shadow gap |
| Utility Knife | Budget-friendly cutting | Requires a fresh blade for smooth cuts |
| Archival Tape | Secures the print | Never use regular plastic tape |
The Precision of Cutting the Mat
Cutting the mat to size is the technical heart of learning how to frame a print with a border. The goal is to create a window that frames the image perfectly, usually leaving a small gap between the image edge and the mat border. A common standard is to inset the mat by 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch, though this depends on the visual weight of the image itself. Measuring twice and cutting once is the golden rule here; use your ruler and pencil to mark the back of the mat board before committing to the slice. The beveled edge created by a mat cutter adds a luxurious depth that straight cuts cannot replicate, making the entire piece look significantly more sophisticated.
Technique for a Clean Cut
To achieve a clean cut, always score the mat board on the front side using a sharp blade and a firm metal ruler. Apply gentle, consistent pressure, making multiple light passes rather than trying to cut through in one go on the first attempt. Cutting on a stable surface protects your tabletop and ensures the knife follows the ruler without slipping. Remember to cut the mat slightly larger than the final dimensions initially, then trim the edges down if necessary for a snug fit inside the frame. This method prevents the mat from shrinking or warping when you finally secure it in place.
Assembly and Preservation Techniques
Once the mat is cut, the assembly begins. Place the print face down on a clean surface, then carefully position the mat window over it. Adjust until the border aligns exactly how you want it to appear on the wall. Use archival photo corners to hold the print in place at the top of the mat, allowing the piece to slide in and out easily without the stress of glue. Never tape the print directly to the mat if there is any chance you might want to remove it in the future. Finally, insert the mat and print gently into the frame, ensuring the glazing is clean and free of dust before sealing the back to protect the entire composition.
Finalizing the Frame for Display
With the print secured, the final step involves backing and hanging hardware. Use foam board or cardboard as the backer to provide rigid support, and secure it with point hooks or a frame strap. This prevents the frame from bowing over time and keeps the border intact. When hanging the piece, consider the height of the center point, usually around eye level, to ensure the border is appreciated fully. By following these steps, you have not only learned how to frame a print with a border but also how to preserve its integrity, ensuring the art remains as vibrant and impactful as the day it was created.
