A successful presentation of a FineArt print is unthinkable without a suitable frame.
Emphasize the value of FineArt prints with a HALBE magnetic frame
Kirchen, February 28, 2023 - The variety of FineArt papers is huge. In addition to glossy, matte and textured paper types, for some time now there have even been sustainable natural papers made from rapidly renewable raw materials, such as bamboo or hemp. The effect of a picture is different on every paper. Smooth cotton papers are suitable for many motifs. Strongly structured texture papers lend landscape motifs in particular a three-dimensionality that enhances the image effect with incredible depth. Heavy FineArt papers give the viewer an additional feeling of value due to their high grammage and special feel. But a successful presentation of a FineArt print is unthinkable without a suitable frame. Art lovers around the world appreciate the know-how of HALBE to perfectly stage their small and large works of art.
FineArt paper for the highest quality standards
Each FineArt paper has its own character. The spectrum of glossy surfaces ranges from satin to pearl to high-gloss - also known as baryta.
Metallic papers, for example, offer a fascinating metallic gloss effect with a touch of extravagance. The impressive and vivid image depth of these papers is particularly suitable for presenting fashion, architecture and jewelry shots that have a metallic look.
Matte FineArt papers with textured surfaces are very popular. Their special look and feel suggest a high level of quality to the viewer. But pastel paper tones are also in vogue. The different paper base tones are a deliberate image design tool to give the motif additional warmth or coolness.
Framing supports the aesthetic effect
In addition to the careful selection of FineArt paper, the frame should be given the greatest attention, as it is an essential component of artistic expression. Frame color, width and texture have a great influence on the value and impression of the image on the viewer. Art connoisseurs can immediately see whether the frame forms a harmonious unit with the FineArt print.
In general, the frame should direct the viewer's attention to the motif and not draw attention to itself. The choice of colour is a matter of feeling and taste - there is no rule of thumb. A dark frame suits many motifs. But not all dark frames are the same - wooden profiles are generally perceived as warm and soft, while aluminum is modern and cool. Dark brown wooden frames, such as brown alder or natural walnut, make the black parts of black-and-white photographs on pure white, cotton-based baryta paper look really dark.
If the motif is very light on a textured, warm-toned to cream-colored FineArt paper, a wooden strip in white maple is ideal. The structure of the paper is reflected in the wood and the off-white colour makes the more yellowish paper shine. In a bright white aluminum frame, the paper would appear "yellowed". Whereas a bright white smooth paper literally calls for a white aluminum frame.
Colorful designs often look fantastic in colored frames. However, it is important to make sure that the selected frame color appears in the motif - or even dominates it, if necessary. "You can often only find the perfect frame by trying it out," says David Halbe, managing director of HALBE-Rahmen GmbH. "But the choice of profile width should also not be underestimated. Narrow frames emphasize the noble look of very lightly structured papers. A frame that is too wide would compete with the image and not support its effect."
Handmade FineArt papers with a torn deckle edge only really come into their own with a free-floating frame in a so-called distance magnetic frame, i.e. the frame has a gap between the glass and the back wall and the FineArt print literally floats in the frame. These exclusive FineArt prints cannot be presented in a more expressive way.
Framing with passepartout and white border recommended
Regardless of the type of paper used, a FineArt print should always be framed behind glass with passepartout. The passepartout is not only a classic stylistic device, but also prevents the high-quality print from coming into contact with the glass. The inward sloping cut of the passepartout board supports the depth effect of the image and at the same time gives it more scope for development due to the distance to the frame. Depending on the passepartout thickness, the effect can be either intensified or weakened. Large-format FineArt prints require a thicker passepartout board than small-format motifs.
A 1 - 1.5 cm wide white margin to the passepartout cutout gives every FineArt print a certain lightness effect. The white margin may be larger towards the bottom, because each print should be signed by the artist and marked with place and date. In addition, insiders may recognize that a high-quality artist paper was used. Make sure that the white tone of the passepartout cardboard is a shade warmer than the FineArt paper. If it is a very dark black and white image, a black passepartout will also look impressive.
The right glass for a special viewing experience
As a rule, anti-reflective museum glass should be used for framing FineArt prints, as it offers an undistorted view of the artwork. This allows the paper structure to really come into its own. Whether it is matte or glossy FineArt paper, nothing is altered by the glass.
A dark frame suits many motifs. But not all dark frames are the same - wooden profiles are generally perceived as warm and soft, while aluminum is modern and cool.
Art connoisseurs can see immediately whether the frame forms a harmonious unit with the FineArt print. The selected frame color should appear in the motif - if necessary, it should even dominate.
Handmade FineArt papers with a torn deckle edge only really come into their own with a free-floating frame in a distance magnetic frame, i.e. the FineArt print literally floats in the frame between the back wall and the glass.
Regardless of the type of paper used, a FineArt print should always be framed behind glass with passepartout. The passepartout prevents the high-quality print from coming into contact with the glass.
A 1 - 1.5 cm wide white border to the passepartout cut-out gives every FineArt print a certain lightness effect.
The 1 - 1.5 cm white margin may be larger, because each print should be signed by the artist and marked with place and date.
Regardless of whether it is matte or glossy FineArt paper - Basically, an anti-reflective museum glass should be used for framing, which offers an undistorted view of the artwork.
We have compiled this and other high-resolution image material for you in the following dropbox - image rights: @HALBE-Rahmen:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gl30i3ao19hvk8mma4bwr/h?dl=0&rlkey=usq7uck3fxy5turebl53p9xkl
Reprint free of charge - specimen copy requested.
