Framing your print
You can order most works ready-framed at checkout, or choose a paper print and frame it yourself. Paper prints ship unframed, flat in rigid packaging, and the catalog sizes fit standard off-the-shelf frames — so self-framing is a ten-minute job, not a custom commission. This guide covers the self-framing route.
Standard sizes, standard frames
An 8×10 print drops directly into any 8×10 frame, or into an 11×14 frame behind a pre-cut mat — both are stocked by every frame retailer and most general stores. A 10×10 print fits a 10×10 frame, or a 12×12 frame with a mat. No cutting, no custom order, no waiting.
If you want the print matted, buy the larger frame size and a pre-cut mat with an opening slightly smaller than the print (a 7.5×9.5 opening for an 8×10 print, for example) so the mat overlaps the paper edge by a quarter inch on each side. The mat holds the print flat and keeps the surface off the glazing.
Mat colors and widths
The mat serves two purposes: it creates a physical buffer between the print and the glazing (preventing condensation damage and surface adhesion), and it provides a neutral transition from image to wall. White and off-white mats remain the gallery standard because they do not compete with the color temperature of the artwork. Warm white pairs well with Old Master paintings and sepia photographs; cool white suits Impressionist landscapes and modern graphic works.
Mat width should be proportional to the print size. A common rule among museum preparators is at least 1.5–2 inches of mat for prints up to 11×14. Narrow mats (under 1.5 inches) make the frame feel crowded; excessively wide mats can dwarf a small image and draw attention to the frame rather than the print. For grouped arrangements, keep mat widths consistent across all frames even if print sizes vary.
- Arctic white — A neutral, slightly warm white with no optical brighteners. A safe default for most works; it will not shift color temperature under tungsten or LED lighting.
- Ivory/cream — A warm, creamy white that complements Renaissance and Baroque paintings with heavy gold or umber grounds. Avoid with high-key modern works, where the warmth can make pale blues read as gray.
- Soft black — Used selectively for monochrome photographs, chiaroscuro etchings, and works where a dark ground should extend to the edge of the presentation. Creates a more theatrical, enclosed viewing experience.
Glazing types
Glazing protects the print surface from dust, moisture, and physical contact. The choice between standard glass, UV-filtering acrylic, and museum-grade anti-reflective glazing depends on the room's light exposure and whether viewers pass close enough to see their own reflection.
- Standard glass — Clear float glass with partial UV filtration. Inexpensive and rigid, but reflective under direct lighting. Fine for small frames in low-traffic, dimly lit rooms — which covers most 8×10 and 10×10 placements.
- UV-filtering acrylic — Up to 99 percent UV filtration at half the weight of glass. Shatter-resistant, making it the safer choice for children's rooms and frequently moved frames. The surface is softer than glass and can scratch if cleaned with abrasive materials.
- Museum anti-reflective acrylic — UV filtration plus an anti-reflective coating that cuts reflections to a fraction of incident light, so the image stays readable even under bright track lighting. The most expensive option; worth it for brightly lit walls.
Never use ammonia-based cleaners on acrylic; a dry microfiber cloth is sufficient for dust removal.
Hanging hardware
A framed 8×10 or 10×10 print weighs only a few pounds, so almost any properly installed hardware will hold it. The choice is about keeping the frame level and protecting the wall, not about load capacity.
- Sawtooth hanger — The simplest option for light frames, hung on a single small nail or picture hook. Adequate for frames this size; avoid it in high-humidity rooms where the hanger can corrode.
- D-rings with braided wire — Hang the wire on two hooks spaced a few inches apart to keep the frame level and prevent swaying. The standard for anything heavier than a small frame, and a good habit even at this size.
- Adhesive picture strips — Rated pairs of adhesive strips hold small frames flush to the wall with no holes — useful for rentals. Follow the weight rating on the package and press firmly for the full recommended time.
Frame profiles
The width of the frame moulding should be in proportion to the print. For 8×10 and 10×10 prints, a slim flat profile of 0.75–1 inch reads as quiet and contemporary and lets the image dominate; anything wider than about 2 inches starts to overwhelm a print this size. Slim profiles in black, white, or natural wood are stocked everywhere frames are sold.