Framing FAQ

Q: How should I frame my irregularly sized print?

A: 2 options. First option: Buy a standard sized frame that is at least a couple of inches larger than your artwork on each side, and then have a mat custom cut for it. Any frame shop can cut a mat for not much $$, even the very inexpensive Michael’s. I suggest having the mat window (“window” = the area cut out of the mat to expose the artwork) cut slightly larger than the print image itself so that the signature line is exposed and there is a small white border exposed around image. I typically do 1/2” larger on the sides and top, and 3/4” larger on bottom. Second Option: Have it custom framed. Framebridge is online and does a great job for decent prices. My favorite frame of theirs is called “Marin”.

Q: I’m having trouble finding a frame for my large print, where should I look?

A: It’s hard to find high quality frames at stores that carry inexpensive frames (eg. Target, Michael’s) in larger sizes that aren’t cheap poster frames. Don’t bastardize your beautiful, archival Noelle Phares print with a cheap frame if you can help it :) . Instead, try Framebridge.com, my favorite frame is called “Marin”. You can also try online custom frame makers like PictureFrames.com. I like the look of this frame of theirs, but full disclosure I have never ordered them and I do believe it is veneer, not solid maple. Or try your local custom frame shop. For Denver folk, I like Mile High Framing.

Also worth noting - people ask often for huge prints when they have huge walls and don’t have the budget for an original. Like, 6’ prints (which I don’t offer, but I get inquiries about this often). A 6’ print might cost a few hundred bucks, but framing will be in the many hundreds to thousands to do it right. I tend to suggest a series of framed prints as an alternative to a huge print.

Q: What happens if my professional framer damages the print / I’m not happy with their frame-job?

A: Unfortunately, once a print leaves my studio and arrives to you safely in the mail / at an art festival / from a retail shop, I am no longer responsible for it. If your framer damages the print in some way - which does happen on occasion because life - it is their responsibility to either fix it or replace it. In the rare occasion that a print needs to be replaced by the framer, have your framer contact me at (530) 228-6482 or noelle@noellephares.com and I will have them buy a replacement print at cost from me. It also happens that a print leaves the frame shop and the frame job itself is not perfect (eg. some wavering in the paper, dents in the wood, scuffs on the mat, etc). In that case, it is also of course the responsibility of the framer to address any issues, not mine. This stands for any of the frame shops / frame builders I have recommended on my website as these are just suggestions and I do not have any formal professional relationships with other framers. If you have purchased a print framed from me then disregard this paragraph - I take full responsibility for any final product that leaves my studio and will happily address any issues should they arise!

Q: What color mat should I use?

A: In my humble opinion, always white. White white white. No colored bevels, no double mats. I often select a warm white, with a slight cream tone but NEVER a greyish tone because that just dulls the whole thing. Dark mats can look cool with intricate gold frames for classic landscapes in the right settings, but I personally don’t frame in this style.

Q: What size mat should I use?

A: For 8x10” and 11x14” prints, I tend to go with ~2” white mats. This means the mat will add ~2” on all sides. For anything bigger, I tend to up that to 3”.

Q: What size frame should I get?

A: If you like to mat your prints, these are typical off-the-shelf dimensions that work great for the print sizes I offer. If you’re having trouble finding a frame that fits your 16x20” or larger print, see the FAQ on how to frame larger prints.

What size frames to buy:

8x10” listed print: 11x14” frame matted to 8x10”

11x14” listed print: 16x20” frame matted to 11x14”

16x20” listed print: 22x26” frame matted to 16x20”

Q: Where should I buy a frame?

A: See the “Framing materials & resources” section of my Framing Guide

Q: The online framer I want to order from only offers plexiglass/acrylic fronts. Where can I get framing glass?

A: For 8x10”, 11x14”, and 16x20” frames, Blick.com offers inexpensive framing glass that you can order online. For medium-large frames I recommend using Frame Destination which offers both UV-filtered Art Glass at a premium, or non-archival but inexpensive 2mm framing glass which is fine for prints in my opinion (as long as they aren’t getting blasted by direct sunlight). If you’re trying to get glass for one of my 24x30” or 30x40” frames, you’ll probably need to go to a local frame shop - most of which can custom cut framing glass for you on the spot. I always go to The Great Frame Up in Denver for my custom framing glass.

Q: Why does the frame cost more than the print?

A: The raw materials for a quality frame are generally much costlier than those of the print, so it’s not strange that the framing can cost 2-3x more than the print itself. A well-framed print can look just as good as an original, so don’t fear investing in the high quality frame when opting for the budget-friendlier print over an original painting if you can afford it. The print will last longer if it’s framed in high quality materials, as well.