Framing Original Artwork

I offer original artwork in both mounted and unmounted formats, tailored to the artwork's size and the type of watercolour paper used.

For mounted pieces, the final mount is a standard size, making it convenient for you to purchase a ready-made frame or take the mounted print to a professional framing service. Mounted prints are also ideal as gifts, and I ensure they are carefully packaged for your recipients. The mounts I use are acid-free and white-core, ensuring they won't yellow with age or harm the artwork over time. If your mounted artwork is wrapped in cellophane, rest assured that I only use biodegradable film to ensure environmentally friendly packaging.

Some of the larger original artwork I offer is unmounted, making it advisable to have it professionally framed. I can arrange framing services for you if desired. Additionally, I sell artwork with a decal edge unmounted, allowing you to display the artwork with the decal edge showing, if that's your preference.

Certain original artwork, particularly pieces on canvas, come already framed. If you have any questions or would like to explore framing options, please feel free to reach out to me at hello@catbarrett.co.uk.

Framing Prints

Selecting a Print Size:

My prints are available in standard A sizes, printed on high-quality art reproduction paper. Smaller sizes are printed in my studio, while larger sizes are produced by a UK-based reproduction company. Most of my prints come in A4, A3, A2, and A1 sizes.

To provide a visual reference, an A4 print, when framed with a wide mount, will fit within a frame that's roughly A3 in size. An A3 print, when framed, matches the size of around A2.

A4 prints are perfect for creating a collection on your wall or for smaller spaces. A3 prints can be framed individually to make a striking statement.

Choosing a Frame:
I offer my studio prints in standard 'A' sizes, making self-framing straightforward. You can also opt to have a professional framer frame your print.

When selecting your frame, remember to choose a mat, which is the white border between the frame and the artwork. Most artwork looks great with a simple black or white frame and a wide white mat. Warm wood frames complement landscape art nicely.

Using a Professional Framing Service:
If you decide to use a professional framing service, the process is as simple as taking your print to the store, choosing a frame and mat to your liking, and then collecting the framed artwork later. Expect a wait of one to two weeks for this service. Be sure to request acid-free and white-core (not cream core) mounts, as these won't yellow over time. Ask your framer to use dust tape on the back of your frame and to prepare your artwork for hanging.

Purchasing a Frame Yourself:
If you prefer to buy a frame yourself, you can easily find suitable options online or in stores. Look for a frame with a mat aperture designed to fit an A4 or A3 print. When choosing a frame with a mat, ensure the aperture size matches your print (not the final frame size unless you want a frame without a mat).

Wider mats often enhance the appearance of pictures. Choose a mat that allows the frame to be the next 'A' size up. These are often labeled as 'A3 for A4' or similar, indicating an A3 frame with a mat designed for an A4 print.

Today, you can also find frames with acrylic instead of glass, which are useful for large frames or in high-traffic areas like hallways or children's rooms. Acrylic frames are lighter than glass, allowing you to use command strips for hanging, eliminating the need for wall holes.

For frame shopping, consider the following options:

John Lewis: The John Lewis website lets you filter frames by the 'A' size you need, providing information on the frame's actual size and image size with the included mat.

Habitat: Habitat offers a lovely range of frames and mats, but be aware that they don't use 'A' sizes online. If you have a local store, you can bring your print in to match the mounts and frames.

Ikea: Ikea sells budget-friendly 'A' size frames, listed in centimeters. Search for the 'A' size you need, and the website will display frames and mounts that match.

Framing Your Print Yourself:
Once you have your frame, ensure you work in a clean workspace with clean hands, free from dust or pet hair. Use tape to secure the print to the back of the mat to prevent it from shifting during framing. Avoid working on soft surfaces like your sofa or bed, as this increases the risk of pressing on the glass and causing damage. When opening the frame, aim to reassemble your artwork and mat promptly to minimize dust settling on the glass. It's best not to leave the frame open and disassembled for an extended period.