How to Frame Giclée Prints Without Damaging Them

You’ve splashed out on a gorgeous giclée print — one that could stay bright for 50 to 100 years if treated right. So the last thing you want is to ruin it by cutting corners on framing. Here’s how to frame your giclée properly, so it keeps turning heads for decades.

It starts with what’s closest to your print: the mount (or mat) and backing. Make sure these are acid-free and archival quality. Regular card can leach chemicals over time, causing yellowing or those weird brown spots you sometimes see on old paper.

A mount (that little border between the print and frame edge) isn’t just for looks. It stops the print touching the glass, which can trap moisture and cause sticking. That’s especially key if your art will hang in a spot where temperatures fluctuate.

Standard glass is fine, but if your budget allows, consider UV-protective glass or acrylic. This cuts down on light damage, helping preserve those rich giclée colours. Just steer clear of non-archival glazings or you’ll undo all the good work the printer did.

Never use tape directly on your giclée. If you must hinge it, use archival photo corners or acid-free tape — and only on the mount, not the print itself. Your framer should know all this, but if you’re doing it at home, better safe than sorry.

Keep your print out of direct sunlight and away from damp areas (bathrooms aren’t ideal for fine art). If you’re keen for more on display tips, have a look at our guide to showing off giclée art at home. Or if you’re still comparing your options, see why giclée prints stand the test of time versus posters.

And if you’re hunting for your next piece, browse our full giclée art print collection — they’re all printed to museum standards, just waiting for a good frame and a happy home. Want the technical dive? It’s all in our complete guide to giclée art prints.