Choosing the Right Frame Style
With so many framing styles available, we understand that choosing the right frame and mat combo for your By The Horns Print can be confusing. We've outlined below some of the differences between a number of options, including tips and recommendations to help you narrow them down and finally choose the perfect frame for your art.
What does it all mean?
Full-Bleed
Full-bleed printing is when the image covers the paper from edge to edge without any standard borders or margins. Full-bleed framing is when you frame around the full paper dimensions without any matting, with only a thin margin of the print overlapped by the frame on each side.
When your print is a full-bleed, the frame can act as the border around the art. Any prints with a lot of negative (or white) space look great in this full-bleed frame treatment. This can also work well for large and especially oversize pieces, for which a mat may not be necessary and sometimes not recommended.
Mat Board
A mat is a classic way to enhance the artwork within the frame. By The Horns only use conservation grade mat boards that will look great and safely preserve your art for the long haul. It's essential that the mat you choose is archival in quality, as cheaper mats and anything acidic will yellow and ruin paper-based artwork in even a short period of time. There is an additional charge for a mat board, if this is something you would like with your order, please contact By The Horns for a quote first. Want a different coloured mat? Just ask what there is available first.
When should you opt to add a mat? Matting can add more impact and allure to your artwork or photo, creating extra space around it and giving the eye breathing room that will naturally draw it towards the center. It also separates the print from the frame. This can be important for limited edition prints. Alternatively you can ask your framer to add a spacer. Mat boards are not suitable for the really large pieces as it becomes too heavy.
What is a mount? Do I need to have one?
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- Purpose of Mount Board
Much like mat board, it serves to protect a framed photograph or piece of artwork by providing a rigid, sturdy backing to keep photographs and artwork from moving or warping in the frame.
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- Where It Belongs
The location of mount board is basically the opposite of mat board. Instead of sitting on top of the artwork, it sits behind it. The artwork is attached to the mount board, which is against the back of the frame, with hinging tape or other adhesives.
So basically a mount creates a space between the image and the frame. It also stops the image from over time sticking to the acrylic (you should not frame anything valuable up against glass or acrylic). However, if you’re framing something that’s not valuable you can absolutely not have a mount. Mounts are not used on canvasses.This is an additional cost, so please get in contact for more information.
Adding a border to a print:
Sometimes we love the look of a mat board, but we would like a more affordable option. Then that is when we simply create a white border around the print. We can add a thin white border, a thick border or just a standard white border.
This gives the look of a mat board without the extra cost involved. Adding a white border can create a great effect. It does mean the size of your image is shrunk a little to allow for the white border. Adding a border is only necessary for framed prints, not for canvas orders.
The Frames:
High-impact wall art … frame groupings … bookshelves and sideboards. We have sizes, shapes
We can now frame BIG - looking for something larger than what is on the website? Contact us for more information.
Printing: Our frames are sold printed and ready to hang. Choose from our range of beautiful print options.
And sometimes it helps to see what other people are framing and the choices they've made for their own artwork and photos. Our Instagram feed may give you the inspiration that you are after.
Glass Options: Do you use glass?
For safety reasons, we use a high-quality acrylic. Trust me, you won’t see the difference! And it is stronger than glass, lighter in weight and more affordable to ship.
Is Glass An Option
Yes it is, if you are able to pick up yourself from the framer. Please contact us for more information.
Do you offer non reflective glass?
Yes at an additional charge, however it can have a foggy appearance to it.
If you are looking for something High End, we offer Invisible Glass! Which means you pretty much cannot see any reflection at all it looks invisible. This can be quite expensive however, so if this is an option for you and you are able to collect, please get in contact to find out more.
I would like to use my owner framer
Absolutely, but as a tip, get a few quotes first as it can get very expensive and if you print is black, make sure your framer knows how to deal and frame the black prints as they require special care!
Can you frame a Canvas?
Yes we can, we can offer a floating frame at an additional cost. Please get in contact if you would like this option. All canvases come stretched ready to hang.
Some other things to consider
Black prints that are framed will show more reflection than the lighter ones, so this is when it is a good idea to consider where it will be positioned. If it is positioned next to a window with the light coming in, it will show more reflection. An alternative here is to go for a canvas that shows no reflection.
To purchase a By The Horns print - www.bythehorns.co.nz
