How To Frame Your Echardman Art Prints

Whether you're framing your print yourself or taking it to a professional framer, this guide will help you understand your options and make the best choices for displaying your artwork.

Understanding Your Print Dimensions

All Echardman Art prints include a white border around the artwork. This border is intentionally part of the design - it creates breathing space between the art and the frame, giving your piece a clean, gallery-quality look.

Here are the dimensions for each print size:

A5 Print

• Paper size: 148 × 210mm (5.8 × 8.3 inches)
• Print area: 126 × 190mm (5.0 × 7.5 inches)

A4 Print

• Paper size: 210 × 297mm (8.3 × 11.7 inches)
• Print area: 180 × 272mm (7.1 × 10.7 inches)

A3 Print

• Paper size: 297 × 420mm (11.7 × 16.5 inches)
• Print area: 258 × 390mm (10.2 × 15.4 inches)

A2 Print

• Paper size: 420 × 594mm (16.5 × 23.4 inches)
• Print area: 366 × 554mm (14.4 × 21.8 inches)

A1 Print

• Paper size: 594 × 841mm (23.4 × 33.1 inches)
• Print area: 517 × 781mm (20.4 × 30.7 inches)

Choosing Your Frame Size

You have two main approaches when framing prints with white borders:

Option 1: Exact Fit Frame (No Additional Mount)

Choose a frame that matches your paper size exactly. The white border on your print will act as a built-in mount, creating a minimalist, contemporary look. This is the most straightforward and cost-effective option.

• A5 print → A5 frame
• A4 print → A4 frame
• A3 print → A3 frame
• And so on...

Option 2: Larger Frame With Mount

If you want to add more visual impact, choose a frame one size larger than your print and add a mount board. The mount will surround both your print and its white border, creating extra depth and drawing the eye to the artwork.

• A5 print → A4 frame with A5 mount
• A4 print → A3 frame with A4 mount
• A3 print → A2 frame with A3 mount
• And so on...

Both options look great - it really comes down to your personal preference and the space where you'll be displaying the print.

Selecting Your Frame Style

The frame you choose should complement both the artwork and your interior space. Here are the most popular options:

Wood Frames Classic and versatile, wooden frames add warmth to any space. Natural wood finishes work with almost any decor style, while painted wood frames in black, white, or colours can create a bolder statement.

Metal Frames Sleek and modern, metal frames are perfect if you want a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic. They work particularly well with graphic or abstract artwork.

Acrylic Frames Lightweight and modern, acrylic frames create a floating effect and work beautifully in casual or contemporary spaces.

Colour Choice Neutral colours like black, white, or natural wood are safe choices that won't compete with your artwork. If you want something bolder, consider how the frame colour will interact with the colours in the print.

Glazing: Protecting Your Print

Glazing is the transparent cover that protects your artwork. You have two options:

Glass

• Traditional and scratch-resistant
• Heavier and can break if dropped
• Best for smaller prints (A5-A3)

Acrylic (Perspex)

• Lightweight and shatter-resistant
• Naturally filters some UV light, helping prevent fading
• Usually more affordable
• Ideal for larger prints (A2-A1) due to lighter weight

For A1 prints, we'd recommend acrylic glazing purely for practical reasons - it's much easier to handle and hang.

Putting It All Together

If you're framing the print yourself, here's how to get the best results:

1. Clean everything first - Use a microfibre cloth to clean both sides of your glass or acrylic. Any dust or fingerprints will be trapped once the frame is sealed.

2. Centre your print - Place the print in the frame, making sure it's positioned evenly. If you're using a mount, check that the print sits properly within the mount window.

3. Secure carefully - Use the frame backing to hold everything in place. Be gentle to avoid creasing the paper or damaging the print.

Looking After Your Framed Print

To keep your print looking its best:

• Avoid hanging in direct sunlight, which can cause colours to fade over time
• Dust the frame and glazing regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• If you've used acrylic glazing, use a plastic-safe cleaner (not glass cleaner, which can damage it)

Need More Help? Feel free to take your print to a local framer if you'd prefer professional advice. They'll be happy to discuss frame options and can show you samples to help you make the perfect choice for your space.

Your print comes with a certificate of authenticity - keep this safe as a record of your artwork's provenance.