Framing Tips and Tricks

    Framing can be a difficult thing, from mats to hanging to where to buy materials, it all gets confusing. The first thing to think about is how you want your piece to look. Do you want it to look more traditional? Sleek, modern? And how can you achieve that look? There are several different ways to mat and frame a piece, weather its custom framing or putting it together yourself there are a lot of decisions to make.
Depending on the size of your piece custom framing may be a better option and can be easily done at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or local shops and galleries including The Golden Gallery in Bay City. Custom framing gives you more choice in mat/frame color and style as well as more choice in how you want the piece to look. However, custom framing can also get very expensive but can be worth it in the end due to durability and craft.

However, you can also buy your own materials and do it yourself, and experiment with what you like and what you don’t like. Also don’t forget about how you’re going to hang your piece, wire, metal brackets?  So here are a few helpful tips,

1.      What/Where to buy:
-       Frame, Pre cut mats or large sheet of mat board, wire and hangers for the back (possibly photo corners)
-       Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Golden Gallery, etc. 

2.     Frames- Solid black? Thin, thick?

Neilson Frame

-       Make sure you get the size you need, what size is your print, drawing? Ex. If your print is 11x14, then your mat needs to be 16x20 and so does your frame! These measurements are usually printed on store bought mats but you are not limited to them, you can cut your own window and create a different size mat and a different size frame, those are just standard measurements.
-       Make sure your frame is sturdy! Can it be hung on a wall? Will the backing snap off?
-       There are many frames to chose from, just make sure it is durable! However the more durable frames can get expensive (around $25) but they can be reused over and over again.

Neilson Frames

-       A good brand is Neilson, they have been around a long time and are very durable. They are custom cut and come in a huge variety of choices, and can cost around $20 per frame, you can order them online here: http://www.warehouseframers.com/cgi-bin/mivavm?/Merchant2/
merchant.mvc+Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=FRMTL

REMEMBER if you chose to buy the Neilson frames, you must buy the hardware that is required to put the frame together! The kit costs a dollar and is available on this site! You can also find Neilson and other frames at:
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/nielsenreg-pre-cut-frame-silver-16x20/pre-cut-frames/  

3.     How do you want to mat your piece?

Window Mounting

-       Window Mount – Photo corners on blank mat board, with a window that covers the piece, opens and closes
-       Basic Mat- Window cut in mat board that frames the piece, usually with a back mat
-       Also, keep in mind if you are a student mat cutters and other equipment is available in A112 
- Also, if cutting your own window, usually the window is raised a little so there is more space at the bottom, which actually to our eye looks more even, especially when the front of the mat is signed.

Basic Window Mount

4.     Getting your piece ready to hang
-       Hobby Lobby and Michaels will put hangers and wire on the back for you for $5 a frame, which isn’t too bad if you don’t want to do it yourself, just go at a time when it isn’t busy!!
-       Otherwise it’s not hard to do and is inexpensive. Hangers for the back can be found at Hobby Lobby and Michaels for just over a dollar plus coated wire for the back. All you have to do is screw the hangers on either side of the piece and secure the wire and your piece should be able to hang anywhere! Just make sure you remember what direction your piece is going….vertical or horizontal.
-   Also if putting the hangers on yourself I would suggest putting them about 5 in. down from the top of the frame so the wire isn't visible.

 5.     If framing photography- and you don’t have a home printing system, I would suggest Meijer for prints, they usually do a good job and will replace the print if you aren’t satisfied. But their color is accurate and I find them to be best out of other chain stores.
 These suggestions are based off of my own experience with matting and framing and all of it’s difficulties and rewards, if you have any other suggestions or places you like to get your materials please comment below! Thank you


Alison Bur
Gallery Assistant
University Art Gallery
Saginaw Valley State University