Hey art lovers! I know we’re all guilty of buying more prints than we have space for in our house. We stash them in closets and drawers, promising ourselves that one day we'll get them framed and hung up on the wall. But let's be honest, the cost of framing can often be more expensive than the art itself. Custom frames can be super expensive, leaving us feeling frustrated and unable to afford to pay to frame the art prints we spend good money on in the first place... Well, don’t worry! We have some tips and tricks to help you properly frame your art prints without breaking the bank.
1. Always try to buy art that fits into a standard US frame size. This will save you time and money when it comes to framing. Here's a list of common standard frame sizes:
5x7 inches
8x10 inches
11x14 inches
12x18 inches
16x20 inches
18x24 inches
24x36 inches
At Mindzai, we go out of our way to edit our artist prints so that they are standard framable sizes. This means you won't have to spend extra money on custom framing.
2. Amazon has expanded its frame size options and actually has quality frames for more affordable prices than we've seen anywhere else for the past decade. We recommend checking out their selection before going to a craft store or custom framing shop. You get what you pay for so please check out the product description before committing to a purchase.
3. Use OOK picture hangers to hang your prints. These hangers come in a variety of sizes and support weights of up to 100 pounds. They're easy to install and don't require anchors. Plus, they leave smaller holes in your walls compared to traditional picture hangers. Here's a link to their Amazon page
4. Don't hang your prints in direct sunlight unless you have UV treated glass or plexiglass in the frame. Direct sunlight can cause the print to fade over time, even though our Giclee fine art prints use light-fast pigments that won't fade over the next century. It's better to be safe than sorry and not hang your art prints in direct sunlight. You can research and find ways to treat your own glass or plexiglass if you want to go that route.
5. NEVER - under any circumstances - thumbtack your prints to the wall. It just doesn't look good. You spent good money on that print, so why not invest a little more, put it in a frame, and hang it on your wall the right way?
Now that we've gone through some tips and tricks for framing your art prints, let's talk about mixing and matching frame styles. Don't be afraid to mix and match frame styles! Different styles of frames can add depth and visual interest to a gallery wall or collection of art. Just make sure to choose frames that complement each other and the artwork they will hold. A great way to achieve a cohesive look is to stick to a certain color palette or theme.
In conclusion, framing your art prints doesn't have to be a daunting or expensive task. By keeping these tips in mind, you can properly frame and hang your art prints for the world to see. Happy framing, art lovers!
