framing giclée prints
creating archival conditions for longest giclée life
To ensure the most archival conditions for the longest life for your prints, it's best to frame your giclée prints. To get the longest life from your print, frame under UV protective glass and avoid displaying in direct sunlight.
Framing also provides an option to influence the visual impact of your piece, with the size of the mat and the scale and type of frame lending their style to the way your art looks hanging on your wall.
do-it-yourself framing
If your objective is to provide reasonable protection for your print, and you'd like the most cost effective approach possible, you may want to frame your giclée yourself.
If framing yourself, it's important to use acid-free mats. You will know the mat is acid free because it will be clearly labeled "acid free", "PH neutral", or "archival". You can buy these pre-cut for some standard sizes (the mini giclée prints fit nicely in a precut mat intended for 5x7 inch photographs). You may also be able to buy custom-cut or precut mats in varying sizes from your local framer. Dick Blick art supplies online has a variety of single-layer and double-layer precut mats.
Your frame selection should include a front made of glass or acrylic. For the best protection from fading, you might consider using UV protective materials (glass or acrylic rated as UV protective).
To create the most protective environment, you can seal the back of your frame with a paper dustcover, using framer's paper and tape.
This youtube video shows a simple assembly of the glass, mat, artwork, and frame, and shows how to apply a paper dust cover.
hiring a framer
For the most professional results and the highest quality conditions for your giclée prints, and for the widest variety of options in frame and mat presentation, your local frame shop or a professional framer is the best option. Bring your artwork (in its protective sleeve), and be prepared for selections in overall sizing and the scale and type of framing you'd like.