Framing and hanging a Giclée print is an art in itself. There are many different ways to hang an art print, and the way you hang it can dramatically affect the look of the final product. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular methods for framing and hanging Giclée art prints for maximum impact. Topics we’ll dive into include:
- What is a Giclée print and what are the benefits over traditional prints?
- How do you choose the right frame for your Giclée print?
- How do you select the right mat board size, shape and colour?
- How and where should you hang your print?
- Tips for hanging a Giclée print in a way that maximizes its impact and beauty
What is a Giclée print and what are the benefits over traditional prints?
A Giclée print is an archival-quality, fine art print created from a digital file source, usually a high resolution scan. The term ‘Giclée’ is derived from the French word for ‘to spray’ and it refers to the process of spraying inks onto paper or canvas to create the final image. Giclées are much higher quality than traditional prints – they offer superior colour accuracy and greater longevity with less deterioration over time.
Giclées are made using high quality materials such as professional grade pigment inks, acid-free papers, and cotton canvases. This ensures greater resistance to fading and more vibrant colours that last longer compared to traditional prints. Furthermore, Giclées can have finer details and smoother transitions due to their higher resolution scanning capabilities. This means that works of art can be produced with improved tonality and shading which adds depth to each artwork.
Another advantage of Giclée prints is the enormous range of options available when it comes to paper or canvas substrates, sizes and shapes, framing options and hanging systems – allowing you to achieve any desired look for your artwork. When compared with traditional printing processes such as lithography or serigraphy, Giclée printing also requires shorter production times and less waste because it does not require plates or screens that need replacing after a certain number of prints.
Overall, Giclée prints offer great flexibility for customising your work of art while providing superior quality results which last longer than traditional prints. The ability to customise size, shape and texture combined with vibrant colours ensure that your artwork will stand out while maintaining its vibrancy over time!
Choosing the Right Frame for Your Giclée Print
Now that you know what a Giclée print is and how it differs from traditional prints, let’s take a look at choosing the right frame for your Giclée artwork. The frame of your artwork is the first thing people will see when they look at it, so make sure to pick one that complements the style and colours of your art piece.
When selecting a frame for your Giclée print, consider both form and function. You want to choose a frame that not only looks good but also provides the necessary support and protection for your artwork. The type of frame you choose will depend on the material used to create your Giclée print, as canvas prints require different types of frames than paper prints.
When selecting a frame for a paper Giclée print (like the ones we sell), look for one that is acid-free and archival quality – this will ensure that it won’t deteriorate over time or fade due to exposure to light. Wood frames are generally recommended for paper Giclée prints, although metal and plastic frames can be used depending on the overall style of the artwork.
For canvas prints, wood frames with corner braces provide added stability and rigidity to hang artwork securely on walls without sagging over time. You can also use stretcher bars or floating frames to hang canvas Giclée prints – just make sure that the frame is sturdy enough to support the weight of the artwork and that it is properly secured to prevent it from slipping off its mounting.
No matter what type of frame you choose for your Giclée print, be sure to measure both the artwork and the frame accurately before hanging it on your wall. This will ensure that everything fits perfectly and looks great in your chosen space!
How do you select the right mat board size, shape and colour?
Once you’ve selected the right frame for your Giclée print, it’s time to decide on the correct size and shape of your mat board. Mat boards are used to provide a border around your artwork and add an extra layer of protection between the glass of the frame and the art piece itself.
When selecting a mat board for your artwork, consider both its colour and shape. The most common shapes for matte boards are rectangles or squares, but you can also choose from a variety of other shapes such as circles, ovals, or even custom-cut designs! As far as colours go, pick one that complements the artwork in order to bring out its best features – white and off-white are usually a safe choice, but you can also opt for darker colours to create a more dramatic effect.
In addition to size and shape, you should also consider the thickness of your mat board. Generally speaking, thicker boards will provide better protection for your artwork over time, so it’s best to choose one that is at least 4-ply thick (or 2mm).
Some people opt use multiple mat boards for a more dramatic effect. This is called “double matting” and allows you to create a border around your artwork that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Just make sure that the colours of the mat boards complement each other and the artwork – otherwise, it can be distracting.
Finally, make sure that the mat board you choose is acid-free and archival quality – this will ensure it won’t deteriorate over time or fade due to exposure to light.
How and where should you hang your print?
Once you’ve selected and framed your Giclée print, the next step is to hang it in its designated space. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the size and weight of the artwork as well as your personal preference.
The most common way to hang a Giclée print is using either nails or screws. When using nails, make sure that they are not too long – this will keep them from damaging the wall if moved around. Screws are generally preferred for heavier frames, as they provide more secure mounting for larger art pieces.
Hanging wire is also an option for lighter frames that don’t require additional support from nails or screws. Place hooks on either side of the frame and hang it from a single piece of wire. This provides an easy and secure way to hang your artwork without damaging walls or frames.
No matter which method you choose, make sure that the artwork is securely mounted to prevent accidents or damage. Additionally, hang your Giclée prints in areas where they won’t be exposed to direct sunlight – this will keep them looking their best for longer.
As far as height goes, it is generally best to hang your art pieces at eye level or 58 inches from the floor, as measured from the centre of the artwork. This will allow for the best viewing experience, as it ensures that your artwork takes centre stage in the room and all of its details can be easily seen.
Tips for hanging a Giclée print in a way that maximises its impact and beauty
While it’s best not to hang a Giclée print in direct sunlight, it’s also important to make sure it has enough ambient or artificial light light to be easily viewed. Artworks hung on dark walls can make a room look unfinished and detract from the overall visual appeal.
It’s also important that you hang multiple pieces of artwork in a way that allows them to work together. Try to hang the artworks in groups, either clustered together or with one piece serving as the primary centrepiece for the grouping. This will help create an interesting visual display and draw your viewers’ eyes around the room.
Make sure you hang your Giclée prints at the proper distance from each other – not too close together, not too far apart. This helps create a balanced look and ensures that none of your pieces get lost in a crowded wall space. The right spacing between artworks is subjective and really comes down to the room and artwork in question but getting it right can make all the difference. As a general rule of thumb, hang each frame about 3 to 6 inches apart from the next.
If you’re trying to find the right size artwork for above your furniture, like a bed or sofa, look for pieces that are between 65% and 85% of the total width of your chosen furnishing. Artwork any wider than that will make your furniture appear disproportionally small in comparison, while anything smaller will leave too much unoccupied space around it.
Finally, remember that art is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. If you don’t already have a vision in mind for how your artwork will hang, take the time to experiment with different arrangements and placements until you find one that suits your style and taste best.With these tips in hand, you’ll be ready to hang your Giclee print like a true pro. Have fun experimenting and make sure to share pictures of your finished work on social media – we’d love to see what you come up with!
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Cover photo by Lefty Kasdaglis