How to Properly Frame a Maison Charlot Art Print

A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect, Long-Lasting Results

Framing an art print—especially a giclée print on fine-art cotton paper—is one of the best ways to protect your artwork and enhance its visual impact. Whether you’re framing a limited edition, a favourite illustration, or a photograph, the way you prepare the frame can make a huge difference in how long the print lasts and how professional it looks on your wall.

This guide walks you through every step, including often-overlooked details such as using a protective paper sheet, applying the adhesive strip around the back edges, eliminating dust, and ensuring your glass is perfectly clean.

1. Gather All the Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, prepare the following:

  • Your art print (preferably a giclée print on archival cotton paper)

  • A frame (wood or metal)

  • A mount/mat (optional but recommended for protection and aesthetics)

  • A backing board (usually included with the frame)

  • A protective paper sheet (acid-free, placed between the print and the backing board)

  • Adhesive paper tape or a gummed paper strip (the type activated with a wet sponge)

  • Clean microfiber cloth

  • Glass cleaner or alcohol-based cleaner

  • Soft brush or compressed air

  • Cotton gloves (optional but recommended)

2. Clean the Frame and Glass Thoroughly

Framing should always start with preparing the glass. Any dust, fingerprint, or streak will be permanently visible once the print is sealed inside.

Steps to clean the glass:

  1. Remove the glass from the frame.

  2. Spray a small amount of glass cleaner or alcohol solution on a microfiber cloth (never directly on the glass to avoid residues leaking into the frame).

  3. Clean both sides carefully.

  4. Let it dry completely.

  5. Inspect under light to ensure no dust, fibers, or streaks remain.

Tip: If your frame includes acrylic/plexiglass instead of glass, avoid alcohol. Use a plastic-safe cleaner.

3. Prepare the Artwork and Workspace

Cleanliness is essential. Work on a flat surface and ideally wear cotton gloves to avoid leaving oils on the paper.

Avoid touching the printed surface.

Giclée prints, especially on cotton paper, can be sensitive to pressure or fingerprints. Always handle from the edges.

Use a soft brush or compressed air

Lightly remove any tiny dust particles sitting on the print.

4. Use a Protective Acid-Free Paper Sheet

This step is essential and often forgotten.

Place an acid-free paper sheet (also called a barrier sheet or interleaving sheet) between the art print and the backing board.

Why this sheet is important:

  • Prevents any texture, pattern, or acidity from the backing board transferring to the print

  • Adds long-term protection against humidity and abrasion

  • Keeps the print perfectly smooth inside the frame

At Maison Charlot, we always recommend this step to preserve the archival quality of the cotton paper.

5. Position the Print in the Frame

If you're using a mount/mat:

  1. Flip the mount face down.

  2. Place the print centered behind the window.

  3. Use two small archival hinges (tape tabs) at the top only—never tape all sides.
    This allows the paper to expand naturally without buckling.

If you’re not using a mount:

  1. Place your protective sheet on top of the backing board.

  2. Lay the print centered and perfectly aligned.

  3. Carefully place the cleaned glass on top while keeping everything aligned.

6. Close the Frame and Seal the Back With a Gummed Paper Strip

This is the professional finishing touch many high-quality framers use.

Applying the gummed paper strip:

  • Use a wet sponge to lightly activate the adhesive on the strip.

  • Apply it all around the perimeter on the back of the frame, sealing the gap between the frame and the backing board.

  • Press it gently to ensure it adheres fully and dries flat.

Why this step matters:

  • Creates a tight seal that prevents dust, insects, and humidity from entering

  • Gives a clean, professional finish on the back of the frame

  • Improves long-term preservation of the artwork

Let the paper tape dry completely before hanging.

7. Final Inspection

Once the frame is sealed, flip it over and examine the front:

  • Are there any dust particles trapped inside?

  • Is the print positioned perfectly straight?

  • Is the glass flawlessly clean?

If anything looks off, it’s worth reopening and correcting—it’s much better than seeing a dust speck every day for years.

8. Hang Your Framed Print Correctly

To finish:

  • Use hooks that support at least twice the weight of your frame.

  • Hang the artwork at eye level (generally 145–155 cm from the floor to the center of the piece).

  • Avoid direct sunlight to protect pigments and paper.

  • Keep some distance from heat sources or humidity (radiators, bathroom, kitchen).

Final Tips for Professional Results

  • Always use archival materials when possible (acid-free, neutral pH).

  • If framing a limited edition, avoid pressing the artwork directly against the glass—use a mount.

  • Don’t skip the cleaning or the sealing steps; they make all the difference for longevity.

A well-framed print not only protects your artwork but elevates it, giving it a polished, gallery-ready appearance.