The Art of Framing: A Guide for the Discerning Picture Owner

Frames aren't just pretty borders. They are the unsung heroes of the art world, protecting your precious artpieces while elevating them to new aesthetic heights. Framing is more than the finishing touch to your painting – it is the visual bridge that connects the room to the artwork and transforms your wall into something that makes you happy. Whether your artworks are on canvas or delicate paper, the right frame doesn't just hold the art – it enhances it. Experts say the frame is one-third of the painting. At TopArtPrint, we offer museum-quality giclée fine art prints on canvas and paper, and we understand that the frame can make or break the visual impact of a piece. Our framing services give your artwork the professional finish it deserves, with worldwide delivery available.

Framing is all about balance – balancing the artwork with the interior, the frame with the size of the artwork, and the aesthetic with your inner emotion. The frames we offer are sourced from top-quality European manufacturers, made from high-quality wood or durable polystyrene, and designed to suit any interior style. Whether it's a modern, minimalist aesthetic or something more classic and ornate, there's a frame to suit.

We only frame prints up to 71 cm (28") in length on the long side (due to shipping company limitations). If your chosen painting fits within these dimensions, you can choose from a wide variety of frames and passepartouts – although passepartout are not a requirement, it can certainly add a touch of sophistication. These lighter borders between the artwork and the frame not only provide a little breathing room for your artwork but also help tie the whole composition together.

The process is simple: when you commission your fine art print, you choose the frame and passepartout, and we'll take care of the rest. We stretch your canvas print over a sturdy stretcher bar, apply a UV-protective varnish, mount the picture frame, and attach a hanging system. When it arrives at your door, the artwork is ready to adorn your walls – fuss-free and hassle-free.

If the size of your chosen fine art print exceeds our 71 cm (28") limit, you can order and receive it as a rolled-up piece and use the services of your local framing studio.

Framing Canvas Prints with a Mat and Picture Frame

'Passepartout' is a French term that refers to a paper or cardboard element placed between the artwork and its frame. In English, this is known as a 'mat' or 'picture mat.' Modern framing materials have expanded beyond traditional cardboard, but in the framing industry, these elements are still often referred to as 'passepartouts' and 'mats.' You may also encounter terms like 'fillets,' or 'liners.'

For clarity, we will refer to them as 'mats' here.

Canvas prints framed with a mat create a striking effect – the mount provides a light, airy visual buffer between the artwork and its frame, allowing the viewer to focus on the art while offering a spectacular finish. This framing technique adds elegance, especially in spaces where a touch of lightness is needed to soften the visual weight of the painting. It’s also ideal if you want to visually enlarge your painting to take up more wall space. Sometimes the painting you want has size limits for printing, or you may prefer it printed at its smaller original size. If your wall space is large, adding a mat and picture frame can balance the proportions. This extra width (artwork width + mat + frame) gives your painting more visual presence on the wall.

Unlike artworks on paper, which usually require glass, the canvas remains uncovered, allowing the texture of the canvas to shine through. The final look is clean, sophisticated, and perfect for displaying anything from contemporary art to timeless classics.

*Note: The rule for artwork on canvas is to display it without glass, displayng its canvas texture and color depth. Yes, you may have seen oil paintings in museums behind glass, but that's to protect them of the thousands of visitors. Titian, Monet, or Gauguin didn’t put glass on their paintings.

Framing Canvas Prints Without a Mat

There’s a reason why, in museums around the world, many works of art are framed without a mat – many paintings have their original frames, preserving a timeless, classic look that allows the artwork to speak for itself. With no added mat, the frame envelopes the canvas directly, creating a bold, seamless flow between the art and its frame, making the painting a standout feature in any space.

This method works especially well for larger pieces or artwork with intricate details and want to keep your eyes on them. And, as with a canvas print, no glass is used here – the canvas is better left uncovered, allowing its texture and depth of color to be fully appreciated.

*Note: The rule for artwork on canvas is to display it without glass.

Framing Works of Art on Paper – Drawings, Watercolors, Etching, Pastels, Etc.

Framing works of art on paper requires a bit more finesse. Paper-based media – whether a delicate watercolor, an intricate drawing, or an etching – needs extra protection. This is where mats and high-quality acrylic plexiglass come into play. The mat serves not only as a visual boundary but also as a protective barrier that prevents the artwork from coming into direct contact with the glass or plexiglass.

Plexiglass is an excellent option due to its durability and some elasticity – lightweight, shatterproof, and with excellent optical clarity, it’s ideal for protecting artwork during transport (imagine how easily glass could break while your painting travels the world to reach your door). However, if you prefer the traditional look of glass, you can always opt for this at your local framing studio. After receiving the artwork, you can have the plexiglass replaced with glass in your local framing shop. Either way, the combination of a wide mat and sturdy picture frame ensures your artwork is both visually stunning and well protected.

*Note: Works of art on paper – including drawings, etching, pastels, and more – are typically protected with glass or plexiglass to prevent damage.

The Finishing Touch

Framing is the finishing touch to a work of art. It’s not just about placing four slats around the artwork; it’s about highlighting its best features, protecting it, and allowing it to exist in harmony with your interior. At TopArtPrint, we take this process seriously, offering framing options that complement our giclée canvas and paper fine art prints.

Whether you choose a mat + frame for your canvas, a classic picture frame without a mat, or protective plexiglass for your drawings and artworks on paper, we provide the expertise and craftsmanship needed to give your artwork the finish it deserves. And the best part? It arrives at your door, ready to hang, no matter where you are in the world.

And as a final note: Framing artwork using only colored sides, known as a "gallery wrap," is a budget-friendly method often offered by Far East websites. While it may work for certain modern or contemporary pieces, it can make an old master's painting look cheap and unimpressive.

You won’t find a single world-class museum or gallery displaying artwork in a "gallery wrap." That's why, at TopArtPrint, we don't offer this type of framing.