How should my print be framed?
Should my framer use glass, plexiglass or non-reflective glass?
How much space should be allowed around the print for the mount board?
What colour mount board should my framer use?
Should my framer use an inner mount board?
How wide should the mount boards be?
What kind of frame moulding should I choose?


How should my print be framed?

It is very important for your print to be "Conservation Framed". This method utilises acid-free board, tape and glue. Any reputable framer will know about Conservation Framing. The two enemies of any artwork are acid and UV rays from the sun. Standard board, standard sticky tape and glue have a high acid content, which can destroy a painting or print.


Should my framer use glass, plexiglass or non-reflective glass?

Glass is my first choice, then plexiglass. Watercolour paintings should NEVER, EVER be framed with non-reflective glass - it just deadens the natural luminosity of a watercolour.


How much space should be allowed around the print for the mount board?

It is customary to leave a small margin of white space between the printed area and the edge of the framing mount board (approximately 1cm). This margin of white space is where the signature and number of the print appear. This doesn't apply to original paintings.



What colour mount board should my framer use?

I recommend an off-white colour, as close to the actual print paper as possible.


Should my framer use an inner mount board?

Because several of my paintings and prints have no "background", it looks good to have a dark inner - a width of about 1cm - surrounding the print. This can be in the form of a dark mount board, or a slip.


How wide should the mount boards be?

Please allow the print to breathe! The paintings and prints are shown to their best advantage with a surrounding mount board of about 10cm (4 inches) or more.


What kind of frame moulding should I choose?

This is really open to your taste and where the framed painting/print will be hung. Fashions also change. At the moment a wide, flat moulding is very popular and looks good in a dark mahogany colour. The moulding shouldn't be too narrow because this can look odd. There are so many great frames available and I've seen my prints looking good in some almost Baroque frames.


Please contact Sue via the GUESTBOOK if you have further queries