Where I Buy My Frames, And Tips for Handling Your Artwork

Hi! I get a lot of questions about where I recommend framing my artwork, like my Barton Springs Pool Austin print, so I wanted to share my favorite go to places. Hope these helpful framing tips, help you enjoy your artwork more and get it hung on the walls of your favorite places even faster. 

Where I buy frames for my artwork:

I love finding a good frame for my original paintings or fine art prints. Texas-based Frame Destination is my current go to frame store for my larger custom prints. I love supporting local Texas small businesses, and I value the quality and customer service at Frame Destination. They do things like answer the phone with a real person, and have great custom options.

For frames for 30x40" archival prints, I often order this gallery-style natural wood grain frame. There are different wood color options that fit your design needs. Order the 30x40" size, be sure to select "points," so that the framers will install the small metal pieces all along the edges to hold the print securely in place. It comes with a free hanging kit. When it arrives, it's simple to remove the wrapping and the clear protecting sticker on the arcylic, and frame your fine art print. When handling your print, be careful to only touch the edges, as moisture, our natural oil from our hands can damage the print. 

For smaller frames for 11x14" art prints sizes, I often find good options at Target. There is a wide variety of quality, so I recommend physically going into store and picking up the frames. They have some nice 16x20" with 11x14" mats already to go.  

For framing original paintings, I recommend going to a fine art professional to have them professionally frame it. If you'd like to do it yourself, I'd recommend wood "floater frames." There are many youtube videos out there of how to do this properly if you'd like to take the time to learn. Otherwise, go to the professionals. 

How to handle your artwork:

Adding matting to your print is a personal preference, just be sure anything touching the artwork, like a mat, is acidfree and archival. Also you can purchase acid-free tape when mounting any artwork. 

When hanging your frame, keep the artwork out of direct sunlight, as the sun will damage and fade the color of the original painting or archival print over time. 

If you have a hankering to see and collect more Austin-inspired artwork, I have an entire Austin art prints series. 

Hope these helpful framing tips, help you enjoy your artwork and get it hung on the walls of your favorite places.