Framing your artwork
You know the space you want to display your creativity-inspiring artwork, so you’re the best person to choose how to finish and protect your investment. Here are a few recommendations that should help, however, I’m happy to answer any specific questions or requests for customizations.
P.S. In the below video, I call them “frame stretchers” but they’re actually called “canvas stretchers.” Most framers offer this service and have the ability to stretch your giclée prior to mounting it in the frame.
Framing your giclées
Giclées ship rolled in plastic and packaged in heavy-duty shipping tubes. When you receive your giclée, you can take it right to a local frame store to have it framed. Giclées are signed and ready to go and unless otherwise requested, include a 2” white border for professional framing.
Your local framer will secure the giclée to canvas stretchers and fit it with a frame in the style and profile you choose. They can also offer a variety of different framing options including floating frames, layered matting, gallery wraps and other methods.
Supporting your local frame shop is a good thing! Framers are a valuable contribution to the art world and can help you make your art investment a lifelong treasure.
Framing your originals
In most cases, I ship my original pieces framed in a matte black Nielsen 22 metal picture frame from American Frame. These frames serve as protection and the paintings are ready to hang the minute you unpack your shipment.
There is no glass covering the canvas and the metal frame is typically 1.25” deep and has a profile (the thickness of the frame from the front) of about 1/4”.
If your decor is a mismatch to the more contemporary black metal frame, the frame is easy to remove and replace with a traditional frame you choose with your local framer.
The photo at the top where I’m holding a framed original is in front of The Gilt Complex, my local frame store. I wanted a wooden frame that highlighted the color in the original and also fit into the decor in my home office. I love what they did!
Here are some photos of an original front and back, framed as they ship:
Framing resources
There are many online framing resources you can use to frame your giclée, including American Frame and Level Frames. Plus, there are lots of YouTube videos on framing artwork for the do-it-yourself crowd. My recommendation is to support your local independent framer who can personally help you choose the best frame for your new artwork investment.