In the case of floating the piece, little edges are built up around the edge of the frame to raise the glass away from the piece. Any framer knows all this and does it automatically.

"breathe". The border around the print image itself is not necessarily the same dimensions as you might choose for the mat. Also, it is standard that the bottom is always slightly wider than the other sides - about 1/2" for my work. Ex: 3" x 3" x 3" x 3 1/2". Otherwise, an optical illusion makes the bottom actually look smaller! It is really a matter of taste, of which "look" you prefer. Personally, I think my prints look better with a mat, with the color of the mat close to the same color of white as the paper. They seem a bit lost without that definition. (Rag matboard comes in various shades of white, all sort of rich and velvety compared to cardboard mats. I feel that colored matboard competes with the artwork. A good rule is, the simpler the better. Let the piece speak for itself.) Definitely use what is called rag matboard, both for a richer look and to preserve the print. Also, the paper should never touch the glass - a mat prevents this. In the case of floating

There are two main ways to frame prints and works on paper. Both should always use archival materials - ie matboard etc made from cotton "rag", not regular cardboard mats. These are highly acidic and will cause eventual discoloration where it touches the artwork - similar to how newspaper discolors. One method is called "floating" in which the entire piece is mounted on top of a piece of matboard with the edges showing and a little of the background paper showing behind. Usually that is done when the edges of the artwork are deckled - ie not cut but showing the original feathered-looking edge produced when the paper is made. Many people like that look especially if it is a fine handmade paper. Otherwise, a nice mat made of archival "rag" matboard is cut and placed with about 1/2" border showing around the actual image, with a slightly larger margin on the bottom where the signature is. I would use a wider mat width - too narrow of a border cramps the image - the piece needs to "

Hi, I finally framed my prints but may have made a mistake. would you have framed them with all the white print paper showing plus the fringe of the paper? or would you have done a more traditional 2" mat with only 1 and 14# of white paper around it? I love the prints just not happy with the framing I did. Need help on which is better way to do it

I really do love the piece and will frame soon. I am a grower of roses and my middle name is Rose. I just identified with the piece as I felt it looked like me. It is the first piece of professional art i have ever bought. Thanks!!

fabulous!

I am pleased to have the opportunity to show my work at the UGallery site. I have just sent similar work to the Affordable Art Fairs in both New York City and London. Now, I am eager to get back to the actual process of making new prints and paintings!