There's nothing more frustrating than trying to work out the appropriate frame size for your new precious print. We are here to help.

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To mount or not to mount, that it the question? THIS IS THE IMPORTANT BIT

 

Deciding whether to mount or not mount your new print is a personal choice. One of the great things about AmeTaylorGibson prints is that they can be framed with or without a mount - as long as you advise us accordingly.

 

Our prints are automatically sent to you EXACT size e.g. A4 is sent to you A4 size. This means that your print should fit your A4 frame without needing a mount, assuming the frame is correctly sized.

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However, if you do want to mount your print then please add this instruction into the NOTES area when placing your order - Just say the EXACT words, please add for mount and we will print with a slightly wider border to the design to allow for this. The print will still be supplied exact size e.g. A4 is sent to you A4 size, just with a tweak to the border size.

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We think that our prints look great either way but they are designed with a ready-made printed border to one or more sides, so that you have the option to not use a mount. Not everyone likes a mount and we agree! Our personal preference is no mount. Also, check out our information on frame spacers below, these can easily be supplied by a framer or bought separately online.

 

Structural diagram of a typical frame

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What's a Rebate?

 

All frames whether high street, online or professionally framed will have a rebate. A rebate is an area around the inside edge of the frame - the edges of the print will sit behind this. Rebates can vary in size depending on the frame you choose. It's important to consider this width when choosing to frame without a mount to make sure that you find a frame that does not obscure part of the print. It's also important to consider the depth of the rebate as already mentioned when choosing to frame without a mount and to calculate the total thickness of the glass, art and backing board inside the rebate area to make sure you insert the correct size frame spacer.

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This leads nicely onto our next question...

 

Frame Spacers - this information is for framing without a mount

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The reason why a print historically has a mount is to protect it from condensation building up on the inside of the glass. Fine Art papers are fragile and long term exposure to the effects of UV light and environmental attack such as high humidity can cause deterioration and damage. It's always advisable to choose a location to hang your print where condensation and UV exposure is kept to an absolute minimum and to handle our print with care at all times.

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When framing without a mount your framer should suggest adding frame spacers. They are tiny squares of clear or coloured blocks that sit inside the frame edge (the rebate) and create the space between the print and glass in the same way as the mount.

 

Just to remind, it's important to consider the depth of the rebate as already mentioned when choosing to frame without a mount and to calculate the total thickness of the glass, art and backing board inside the rebate area to make sure you insert the correct size frame spacer.

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If you decide to use a picture frame bought online or from a shop then we suggest also going online and buying frame spacers, these are cheap and come in a range of depths and colours to suit your frame. Spacers can be cut to size and insert as shown.

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Where to buy your frame

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There are many of options to consider when framing prints but in general they fall into 3 purchase categories;

• professional framing company where you visit the shop, view and select the frame of your choice and the framer will build a bespoke frame, fit glass/acrylic and attach hangings to your exact needs, or

• online store where they will build and supply the frame, fit glass/acrylic and attach hangings, you then fit the print when the frame arrives, or

• high street shops where you can purchase off-the-shelf frames at the sizes sold by that seller and again fit the print when at home.

It really comes down to your personal choice for style, quality, time and cost.

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Professional framing shop

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When you take your print to a framing shop the framer can offer loads of different frame options with samples instore to see. It's a good idea to think ahead about the space you plan to hang your print and the style and colour scheme in the room. Taking some pictures of the room and walls before you go, can really help to visualise the frame that will work when you are in the shop.

 

Don't forget to take your print! it's the best way to see and test everything for real.

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Glass Options

A professional framer will offer you a range of glass options, these will dramatically reduce reflection and provide UV protection. These are usually acrylic based not actual glass. They broadly fit into 4 types:

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• Float glass
  The most commonly used, standard 2mm thickness does not reduce glare/reflection and blocks up to 45% of UV light.

• Anti-reflective
  This has a multi-layered coating to reduce glare/reflection to improve optimal colour transmission and image clarity and also has a coating to protect against 70% of UV light.

• Conservation
  This is a premium glass that blocks 99% of UV light and have anti-reflective properties.

• Museum
  Premium glass that has amazing clarity and is considered the by many to be the best.

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Online framing stores

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Online framers can offer a good range of frame and glass options very similar to professional framing shops. I would suggest visiting a shop before buying online so you can see some of these choices in person. Frames by the same manufacturers or similar seen in framing shops are often offered by online stores. Some websites also allow you to upload an image of your print to get a clearer idea of how it will look with different frame options.

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Retail high street stores

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If they offer the frame size that you need they can be a great budget choice however typically they do not use high quality anti-reflective glass so the image can look dull compared to the print when seen outside the frame and the UV rating is not to the standard of better glass options.