Framing and Preserving Your Prints

In order to preserve the prints, there are a few simple things to do when framing them. Framing a print of any type is done as follows: Most prints require a mat. The mat window should be slightly larger than the print enabling the viewer to see the impression of the edge of the plate on the print as well as the information which is usually on the bottom of the print and tells whether the print is an artist's proof or part of a larger edition There is also the title of the print, and the artist's name. I have purposely worked in a format that will fit into a ready-made mat that can be bought at most art stores. For instance, my largest etching is 9 by 12 inches. Mats are available with a window size of 10 by 13 inches that shows off the edges of the print appropriately. Mats can also be cut by framers inexpensively in order to make them fit in a ready-made frame you might choose. One thing about the mats and the materials used in them: they should be acid free, and your etching should be protected from any surface in the frame that may contain an acid. I always add an acid free piece of paper behind the etching when I am framing it...and if I am using tape which is not acid-free, I do any taping down as far as I can from the actual print. Acid does make artwork deteriorate over time.