Why Your Prints Look Better When You Frame Them Right
By People I've Loved | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Poor framing choices can mute the impact of your art. Learn the common framing mistakes and how to solve them so your prints stay vibrant and undamaged.
Quick answer
Your prints can look muddy, faded, or physically damaged if you choose the wrong framing materials. The secret is in the mat, the UV glass, and the mounting method.
Why framing matters for art prints
Letterpress prints—like the 11" x 14" Universe I am Trusting in You Print printed on 100% cotton Cranes Lettra paper—deserve a frame that does not steal their detail. A frame that is too deep or a mat that is the wrong colour can distract from the actual art. More importantly, cheap materials can cause long-term yellowing, buckling, or moisture damage.
Framing is a protective layer that also enhances the visual experience. Good framing makes the ink pop, keeps the paper flat, and prevents the print from touching the glass—something that over time leads to sticking or ink transfer.
Fix Your Framing Mistakes
- Symptom: The print looks dull or colours are washed out: Likely cause: Using standard picture frame glass that reflects too much light or a non-UV-filtering glazing. Corrective action: Switch to UV-protective acrylic or glass. The slight extra cost dramatically preserves the ink for years.
- Symptom: The paper feels wavy or bowed inside the frame: Likely cause: No mat or spacers, so the print is pressing against the glass or is stretched too tight. Corrective action: Add a mat—at least 1.5 inches wide on each side—to create an air gap. Your print will also appear more intentional and gallery-like.
- Symptom: The frame looks too chunky or distracts from the art: Likely cause: Using a wide or ornate frame on a small print. Corrective action: Choose a frame that is narrower than the mat border. For an 11" x 14" print with a 2-inch mat, the frame should be around 0.5 to 1 inch wide on the face. Ask your framer to let you see it before cutting. If you cannot decide, stop here and pick a simple black or natural wood frame. It works with almost any print and room.
Products that frame well
- Universe I am Trusting in You Print: Letterpress printed by hand on 100% cotton Cranes 110 lb Lettra paper. 11" x 14". Frame not included. The thick, textured cotton paper stays flat inside a standard 11" x 14" frame, but you still need a mat to create breathing room and prevent glass contact.
Universe I am Trusting in You Print - Our Embrace Print: Letterpress print on cream 110 lb 100% cotton Lettra paper. 11 x 14 inches. Frame not included. The warm cream paper looks best against an off-white or cream mat; a pure white mat can make the paper appear yellow by comparison.
Our Embrace Print
