There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a print you love and turning it into something that looks genuinely stunning on your wall. But if the thought of DIY framing has always felt a little daunting, you're in good company. The truth is that learning how to frame a print at home is one of those things that seems complicated until you actually try it — and then you wonder why you ever left that print propped against the skirting board for so long.
I recently filmed a short video showing how I frame one of my own watercolour prints using a mount, and the response was so lovely that I wanted to put together a proper written guide to go alongside it. So here it is — everything you need to know about DIY framing, from start to finish.
Start with the right frame size
This is where most people come unstuck when they're learning how to frame a poster or print for the first time. The frame you choose needs to be sized to fit your mount, not your print — so always work out your mount size first and choose your frame around that. Getting this wrong is the most common DIY framing mistake and it's completely avoidable if you measure carefully before you buy.
Getting your mount right
A mount — sometimes called a mat board — is the border that sits between your print and the frame. It lifts the print away from the glass, creates a beautiful breathing space around the image, and gives the whole thing a clean, finished quality that makes even a simple print look properly special.
For most prints a white or cream mount works beautifully. White feels crisp and contemporary; cream is warmer and works particularly well with watercolour prints where the tones are soft and natural. As for width — go a little more generous than you think you need. A wider mount always looks more considered and intentional, and it gives the image real room to breathe.
How to frame a print — putting it all together
Once your frame and mount are ready, the process of DIY framing really is straightforward. Lay your mount face down, centre your print behind the mount window, and secure it carefully using acid-free tape or mounting corners. Regular sticky tape is a firm no — it can damage your print and yellow over time, which is the last thing you want with a print you love. Pop everything into the frame, secure the back panel, and you're done. Fifteen minutes from start to finish, and the result genuinely looks like something from a gallery.
Always handle your print from the edges rather than the surface — fingerprints and natural oils can mark fine art paper, especially on lighter prints.
Prefer to leave it to a professional?
Completely understandable — and I've got you covered either way. I sell all my prints both mounted and unmounted, so you can choose whichever option suits you best. If you do go for a mounted print, just bear in mind that the image size will be slightly smaller than the overall print size to allow for the mount border — so keep that in mind when choosing your size. And if you're ever unsure, just drop me a message and I'll help you work it out.
Love this print? You can find it here : Brownsea View - Watercolour Dorset Print
Browse the full collection of prints at CraftyCowDesign.co.uk.