The framing of your artwork is as important as the selection of the art itself.

Framing prints and framing canvas are completely different yet alike in one respect. Because the presentation actually can enhance or detract from your print, you should use care in selecting the colors and finish of the materials. Remember the print is only half of the presentation.

Paper prints are framed behind glass with special colored mats to hold them in place and to cover the prints white edges. The mat also separates the print from the glass. This is very important because in time the glass could stick to the print. The mat must be slightly larger than the paper size in order to balance the print in the mat, which may require 3 inches or more all the way around the image. Most prints are double and triple matted for color enhancement. Limited editions prints should never, ever be trimmed, once altered they are valueless to collectors. All materials that surround and touch the print should be acid free to conserve the print against the advances of time. This is usually called conservation framing. Online Art Mall always frames with conservation in mind. Backing material is just as important, acid bleed through from cardboard or other acid containing materials will yellow or fade your prints in time rendering them
valueless. Save the acid-free jacket that your print comes in, collectors expect the jacket if you sell the print later. Online Art Mall when at all posssible frames the acid free jacket behind the print so that it will be with the print should you ever choose to un-frame it.
Some of our artists sign their prints in the border. When this is the case, Online Art Mall
will frame showing the signature

Canvas prints are designed to look and feel like original oil paintings. The canvas is stretched over stretcher bars and the print is framed directly in the frame with no glass or mats. Often the canvas prints will be framed with a linen liner for color enhancement. This linen liner is simply a linen covered inner frame that separates the canvas print from the outer frame. You should notice that when you choose a canvas print to frame on our web page the page will allow you the option to frame without a liner or with one. The two most common colors or white and natural beige, however, black, burgundy, and other colors are sometimes used for specific applications.

Framing Guidelines

The thickness of the frame should enhance the piece, not overwhelm it.
General guidelines used by Online Art Mall

1-2 inch width frame for frames up to 11 X 14
2-3 inch width frame for frames up to 16 X 20
3-4 inch width frame for frames greater than 16 X 20

Mats

Mats are used to further enhance your art. The outer mat is generally wider than the inner mats. By default we will generally make the outer mat close to the same width as the width of the outside frame and the inner mats will be about a quarter of this width. If you have exact dimensions you would prefer for your framing job, please contact us and we will be happy to make whatever adjustments you require. Mat colors must not overwhelm the art but should set it apart from the frame. It is generally a good idea to have the mat selections reflect the same color base as the art being framed. Online Art Mall offers your mats in three types, paper, suede, and linen. The colors are identical only the material and texture is different. Paper is the least expensive of the three choices, but all are acid free for protection of your print.

Glass (Glazing)

Online Art Mall uses clear acrylic rather than glass for picture framing. Acrylite^TM is the specific brand selected for it’s high quality and crystal clear appearance. We offer Acrylite^TM in regular clear, non-glare, and museum grade (both clear and non-glare). The regular clear will have much the same properties as clear glass and will offer little protection from UV light and no protection for room glare. Non-glare offers some UV Protection and substantially reduces the glare associated with stray light in the room. Museum clear and Museum non-glare both almost entirely prevent damage by harmful UV light. Museum grade is only offered at this time to call in customers who request it.

Now try our online framing shop for yourself.

If you have any questions or would like to contact us by phone,
please call us TOLL FREE.