What frame is best for a linocut print?

Choosing the right frame for a linocut print is partly about protecting the artwork and partly about giving it enough space to sit comfortably within the room.

A simple frame usually works best because it allows the artwork to remain the focus. Natural oak, pale wood and slim black frames are all good options, depending on the colours in the print and the room where it will hang.

For my own work, I generally prefer clean, understated frames with a generous mount around the image rather than ornate or heavily decorative framing.

Should a linocut print be mounted?

In most cases, yes.

A mount creates space around the artwork, helps the print feel more considered and prevents the image from feeling cramped inside the frame.

A white or soft off-white mount is usually the safest choice because it works with a wide range of colours and keeps the overall presentation clean.

What colour frame works best?

The frame should complement the artwork without competing with it.

Natural oak or pale wood works particularly well with colourful linocut prints because it adds warmth while keeping the overall look light and understated.

A slim black frame can create a stronger, more contemporary look, especially for prints with dark outlines or bold contrast.

I would usually avoid choosing a frame simply because it matches one colour in the artwork. A neutral frame tends to work more easily with different interiors and allows the print itself to remain the focus.

Can I use a standard-size frame?

Often, yes.

Many linocut prints can be framed successfully in standard-size frames, especially when a mount is used to create the correct opening around the image.

The important measurement is not only the printed image size, but also the full paper size and the amount of border you want visible.

I include image and paper dimensions on my individual artwork pages so you can choose a suitable frame more easily.

Should a linocut print be framed behind glass?

Yes.

Paper-based artworks should normally be protected behind glass or acrylic glazing.

For better long-term protection, especially for original prints, conservation-quality or UV-protective glazing can be a worthwhile choice.

Should the print touch the glass?

No.

The print should ideally be separated from the glazing by a mount or spacer.

This helps prevent the surface of the artwork from coming into direct contact with the glass and provides a small amount of breathing space inside the frame.

How should I protect a linocut print from sunlight?

Avoid hanging original prints in strong direct sunlight.

Even high-quality inks and papers can be affected by prolonged exposure to UV light over time.

A bright room is perfectly fine, but choose a position away from continuous direct sun if possible.

UV-filtering glazing can provide additional protection.

What size mount should I use?

There is no single correct width, but I generally prefer a generous mount.

For smaller prints, a wider mount can give the artwork more presence and prevent it from feeling lost inside the frame.

For larger pieces, the proportions can be adjusted so the mount supports the artwork without becoming the dominant visual element.

If you are using a professional framer, take the artwork with you so the frame and mount can be chosen together.

Should I use a professional framer?

For valuable original prints or unusual sizes, a professional framer is often worth the investment.

They can advise on archival materials, mounting methods, glazing and frame proportions, all of which help protect the artwork while presenting it properly.

For smaller or more standard sizes, a ready-made frame with a custom mount can also work very well.

Final thoughts

There is no single frame that works for every linocut.

The best choice is usually one that protects the artwork, gives it enough space and complements it without becoming the main feature.

If you are buying one of my original prints, you can find the image and paper dimensions on each individual artwork page.

You can browse my original reduction linocut prints here.