To frame, or not to frame? We'll help you answer this question. - Sivertson Gallery (2024)

To frame, or not to frame? We’ll help you answer this question.

(Get 20% off all custom framing in our frame shop during January, February, and March — learn more here.)

Are you buying a print on paper—or giving a print as a gift? Consider finishing with a frame.

We’ve got a frame shop right here in our Grand Marais gallery staffed with experts ready to finish your piece of art. We are commonly asked: should I frame my art? Do I have to?

We’ve got frames for all art, hand-crafted to order right here in Minnesota. Framing is an art in and of itself, and a good frame choice can greatly enhance the appearance of your art.

However, not every 2D work needs a frame.

We’ve outlined the basics to consider when framing your new art. Start with this question: Is your new art a work on PAPER or CANVAS?

• Paper prints need a frame for hanging and preservation. This includes giclée prints, original prints, and photo prints.
• Canvas prints are ready to hang on your wall and do not require a frame.
• Dry-mounted canvas prints on our website have a standard frame choice of dark, maple, or weathered wood.
• Dye sublimation metal prints are ready to hang on your wall and do not need framing. (All Christian Dalbec photo prints can be purchased as metal prints, for example.)

Standard framing for art on PAPER

Works on paper—prints, photographs, and originals—demand a special set of considerations because of the perishable quality of the substrate (paper). You love your new artwork, so it only makes sense you’ll want to preserve it for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Most works on paper will require framing under glass for protection; using a decorative mat with the frame and glass is optional. (Matboard, with a cutout window, is laid over the art and prevents the glass from touching the surface of the artwork.)

Prior to framing, the artwork on paper must be mounted on a rigid support. “Conservation” mounting is strongly recommended—which is what we do here at the Sivertson frame shop. We use acid-free corner pockets and acid-free adhesives with archival foam board. (No Scotch tape or cheap cardboard is ever used in our frame shop!)

We offer two classic and standard framing styles on our sivertson.com paper prints:

Giclée prints at Sivertson are framed using a white museum mat (approximately 4 inches wide) behind UV-protected “Conservation Clear” glass. A 3/4-inch black wood frame finishes the package. This is a popular, classic style widely used by artists and in museums. It looks great with all decorating styles in both home and business settings. (By the way, all paper prints from Sivertson are high-quality giclée prints.)

Letterpress prints at Sivertson are framed to the edge of the print using a 3/4-inch black wood frame behind UV-protected “Conservation Clear” glass. There is no white mat included. All of Rick Allen’s letterpress prints will be finished in this style and some extra-large giclée poster prints will be finished in this frame style.

Standard framing for art on CANVAS

Our sivertson.com canvas giclée prints are offered in “stretched canvas” and “dry mounted framed canvas” options. A painting or print on canvas, unlike works on paper, has a structure and shape all its own. Do you like the rougher style of stretched canvas, or do you prefer the finished look of a framed canvas piece?

Stretched canvas prints are ready to hang on your wall and do not need to be framed. This “unfinished” and authentic look is preferred by many as there is no frame to interfere with the original work. The exposed, wrapped edges become part of the piece. Choosing stretched canvas is a design decision, and many people prefer this look.

Dry mounted framed canvas prints are available in three wood frame options to complement your image. On many products, you can choose dark oak, maple veneer, and weathered wood as shown below. Finishing with a frame creates a polished look for canvas prints. If you are showcasing many prints on the same wall, framing them all with the same wood unifies the artwork, no matter their style or subject.

Not sure what you want or need? Maybe you want a custom frame on your new art?

Framing is an art in and of itself. If you need framing guidance of any type — or prefer a custom framing style instead of our standard options — please call us at 218-387-2491 or 888-880-4369. We have a custom frame shop on site, are happy to discuss the many possible options available to you, and welcome you to stop in and talk with our experts when you’re visiting Grand Marais.