Paper based work is the most common type of item that we frame. It is basically anything that is printed, drawn, painted, etched or sketched onto a form of paper. This can range from watercolours to posters, from limited edition prints to photographs. As the term 'paper based' covers a large range, the framing options for each are also broad and diverse.

Paper based art can be framed as seen (not recommended - see below for an in depth explanation), mounted(single, double, triple, quadruple etc.), floated, framed with fillets, framed with spacers and many many more different ways, dependant on the type and style of item that you are framing, and also how you want it to look.

Have a little look to see the different ways that paper based art can be framed. We are sure that with your ideas (and sometimes ours), and our range of techniques, we can find the perfect way to frame that special photograph, or that limited edition print of your favourite artist.

For valuble or sentimental paper based art - we would suggest that you get your item framed to conservation or museum standard, which not only enhances the image but also protects it - click here for more information on conservation and museum framing.

So Why Shouldn't Paper Based Art Be 'Framed as Seen'?

If glass is used to protect the image from dust or damage(in 99% of framing jobs it is), the glass should be raised off of the image, either with the use of mounts, or spacers, or with other common techniques. If we didn't raise the glass - any condensation that occurs (and it does occur) can cause irreplaceable damage. The most common seen in photographs (and virtually all other media) is that over a period of time the photo can stick to the glass and any attempt to remove the photograph will normally result in a damaged photograph and an unhappy owner.

If condensation isn't allowed to evaporate, it becomes a hot bed for mold and mildew growth, which again can be very detrimental to your paper based work.

In the case of loose media - such as pastels - if the glass isn't raised, the pastel itself can smudge (changing the original picture forever), or again pastel can be transferred to the glass.

We here at Picture It Framed by John will nearly always recommend the use of a mount, to not only space the glass away from the image, but also to enhance the image. Click here to see a small range of of mount styles, that are guaranteed to enhance (and protect) your image. However if you don't want a mount or a spacer, and are aware of the damage that can be caused we will still frame the image to your spec.