PRINT FINISHES:

If a finish is not selected, we will have your print made in the Standard photographic finish. We have samples of all the finishes available at the studio if you would like to see them before ordering.

The Metallic paper looks amazing on B&W portraits but is also suitable for colour. It has a metallic 'glow' that is quite unique. It does not require any further finishing but is better displayed behind glass to prevent scratching.

When choosing your finish, some of the print sizes will offer Standard Finish, Metallic, Lamination and ProTexture lacquer finish. The Metallic finish does not require any further protection and you would not choose lamination or ProTexture in addition to the Metallic finsh. If you choose Lamination or ProTexture, the print itself will have the standard finish as these methods are applied to the standard print and the Metallic finish would be redundant.

TWO METHODS OF FRAMING:

There are two basic methods of framing a print. The first is to place the print in a mat and then protect it with a sheet of framer's glass, either standard or non-reflective glass. When choosing this method of framing, consider that the mat is usually two inches or more larger than the print, and then an appropriate sized frame to hold it all together. This can considerably add to the cost of framing.

The other method is to simply protect the print and place it into a frame of the same size. For example, a 16x20 print may be placed in a 16x20 frame. Since you will not be using a mat and glass to protect the print, the photograph should be protected by some other method.

Lamination is a protective coating that replaces glass and allows you to frame your portrait without a mat. It's very durable and available in a non-glare finish, similar to non-glare framing glass. We recommend this on all prints 11x14 or greater if you are not setting the print in a mat. Glass is not required.

The ProTexture finish consists of about 7 coats of lacquer spray that creates a beautiful finish for wall portraits. This is my favourite finish and suitable for B&W or colour. Recommended on sizes 11x14 or greater, but is also available on smaller sizes. Glass is not required if you use this finish.

Please Note: If you are having a Canvas print made, you do not require any additional finish. See below for information.

MOUNTING THE PRINT:

There are many ways you can mount your print once you've decided on the method of framing. If you are going to place the print in a mat, you do not require any mounting at all. The mat will support your print and the glass will protect it.

Our newest mounting method for wall sized prints is our Gallery Wraps. A Gallery Wrap is similar to our Heirloom Canvas prints below, except that the printed image literally 'wraps' around the wooden stretcher frame. Gallery Wraps are also UV laminated for added protection against fading, scuffs and scratches. Depending on the size of the wrap, your canvas will have a 1 3/4" or 2 1/2" edge with the image wrapped right around. Gallery Wraps are delivered ready to hang without the need of a frame. When you take the cost of framing into account, the Gallery Wraps are actually a good deal too!

Another popular methods of mounting a photographic print is on Canvas. With this method of mounting, your print is adhered to fine artist's canvas and attached to a wooden stretcher frame. This unit can then be placed into a 'same size' frame, ie. if the print is 24x30, then the frame will also be 24x30. No other finish, or glass, is required with the Heirloom Canvas print.

If you are not using a mat or having an Heirloom Canvas print made, we recommed Masonite Mounting. We also offer Board mounting, however, the board mount is susceptible to warping with a change of humidy. It's fine for smaller prints, but not recommended for prints 11x14 or greater. The Masonite will stay flat and protect your print much better.

We also offer a Gatorboard mount which is a lightweight, yet very strong and flat material for mounting prints. If weight is a consideration, maybe because you are using a larger than normal frame, you may want to consider Gatorboard. We usually recommend this on prints 24x30 or larger.

I hope that answers some of your questions about photographic print finishes, mounting and protection. Of course there are always exceptions and other creative ways to display photographs. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contac the studio directly before placing an order.

Mike Guilbault, MPA
Master of Photographic Arts

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