FRAMING GUIDE

NOTE: The following framing tips are applicable to any of Nicole’s art prints

Framing choices are personal — often depending on style preferences & budget.

Nicole finds that a simple, flat, modern, squared-off
white frame, with a matching white mat, tends to display the prints best. 

That said, depending on the look of your space and other frames,
a black or even gold frame can also look beautiful.

OPTIONS

1. Professional Framing

PROS:

  • Comfort in knowing your print will be protected and look great long-term

  • Many customizable framing styles and sizes, to your taste

  • High-quality acid-free materials

  • Expertise to help you choose the right frame for your space and the print

  • Artwork installed for you with acid-free framing tape — all you have to do is hang it!

CONS:

  • It can be more of an investment. Depending on framing choices and/or add-ons (like shadow box depth, UV glass or non-glare), it can add up. Consider getting a quote and then deciding.

FYI:
Here’s a Great Mid-Range, Time-Saving Option For You!

This collaborative online framer with a shop on ETSY will create a hand-made modern frame with
a matching white acid-free mat & backing + high-quality plexiglas.
Her prices even include shipping!

Mention that you’re framing a “Nicole Kagan Print” and she’ll take care of you.
Ask if she will include some acid-free tape to install your print onto the back of your mat.

(Note: Available only in Canada & up to sizes, 18” x 24” or 24” x 24” )

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2. Buy your own ‘Ready-Made’ Frame &
Get a Custom Acid-Free Mat and Backing Cut 

Pros

  • Properly-sized mat

  • Can be fun to hunt for vintage frames

  • A customized white mat will likely better match the white of your print’s paper and show off the print better

  • Comfort in knowing your print will be protected from yellowing over time

  • Sometimes the framer will install the art onto the mat and backing for you

Cons:

  • Currently, pandemic-shortages and lockdowns can make finding one more difficult

  • Ready-mades often come with thin, cheap plexiglas, which can more easily scratch and buckle

  • If you want to switch out plexiglas for real glass, the frame’s construction and hanging hardware might not support the added weight 

FYI:
If local, FRAME IT ON BLOOR or MICHAELS will prepare a custom mat for your own frame.
(But most framing stores will cut you a mat if asked.)

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3. Find a ‘Ready-Made Frame’ Online or
In-Person & Pop in the Print

It’s possible to luck out and find a nice quality frame, in the size you need, that comes with an acid-free mat, but this might require time to search.

Pros:

  • If you have the time to look, there are often a range of online or in-store options available  

  • More budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Finding the right one can come down to ‘luck.’ Currently, pandemic shortages and lockdowns may also make finding one more difficult

  • Better for smaller to medium-sized prints (for large prints, professional framing becomes more necessary)

  • Risk of print yellowing over time from acid in mat, backing, and tape

  • Often contains a ‘cooler white’ mat that might not match the print’s ‘warmer white’ paper

  • Sometimes instead of glass, they come with cheap Plexiglas, which more easily scratches or buckles

  • If switching out Plexiglas, sometimes the frame’s construction or hanging hardware can’t support additional weight from real glass 

  • You’ll need to install the art

Online or In-Person Stores for Ready-Made Frames:

Amazon, Michaels, West Elm, Wayfair, D’esseres, Ikea

{Visit Ikea or West Elm online for more frames}
 

 
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Nicole’s Favourite Framing ‘Looks’

Tier 1

Simple, Modern White Frame
White Acid-Free Mat & Backing 
(matching white mat shade to print)

Tier 2

‘Shadow Box Style’ Frame
Matching White Acid-Free Mat
Artwork raised and floated in the depth of the Frame
Non-Glare Glass 

(If you can invest in professional framing, I highly recommend Hawkridge Framing on St.Clair West)

General Framing Tips to Consider

  • An acid-free mat and backing will prevent artwork from yellowing over time

  • If you prefer a non-mat look, the print should be in a shadow-box style frame (deeper depth) so the artwork doesn’t touch the glass — and should be adhered/mounted to an acid-free backing to avoid the image from buckling with the mat to hold it in place.

  • Consider acid-free framing/scrapbooking tape (vs. “regular” masking tape or scotch tape)

  • Avoid placing art in direct sunlight for long periods of time to prevent fading.

  • Double-check your frame size before making your purchase. (Some companies list dimensions of the window opening of the mat, while others give the dimensions for the entire frame itself.)