Tips on preparing your artwork for display
Decisions about mat and frame style and color are really a matter of personal taste, but here are some tips to consider when planning to display your work. And these are all suggestions based on mistakes I have personally made when framing my photographs.
1. Standardize your print, mat and frame style and size. In the long run it will save you money. No matter how established you are, you will likely have pieces in your show that do not sell. If you have standardized your print sizes, matting and framing, you can re-use the mats and frames for new work. [note: it will be easier to remove artwork from its frame if you do not permanently seal the back of the picture. If the picture finds a buyer then the back can be sealed prior to delivery.]
2. Use archival acid free "heavy" mat boards. 6-ply and even 8-ply mats will give your work a richer feel and the heavy museum boards will offer more protection for your prints. Make mats that open like a book with linen hinging tape and do not seal the mat window shut.
3. Cut the window openings 1" (aprox. 25 centimeters) larger than the dimensions of your print. It is easy to center them when mounting and the larger window will create a double mat effect.
4. Attach hanging eyelets on left and right sides with a picture wire. (not sawtooth style hangers.) Sawtooth hangers are weak and will not support larger, heavier artwork. They also show above the profile of many frame mouldings distracting attention from the work.
5. For wood frames always drill the small holes for the hanging eyelets about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the frame. If you don't use a drill you risk cracking the wood and that could result in a picture falling off the wall when the hanger fails.
Properly displayed artwork will increase the likelihood of it finding a buyer. It is a reflection on the professionalism and integrity of the artist.