How to Unroll, Frame, and Hang your New Artwork
A fast, archival-friendly way to unroll, frame, and hang your print
No stress. No guesswork. Just clean results.
Handle & unroll
- Start with clean hands or cotton gloves
- If shipped in a tube, reverse-roll gently in the opposite direction of the curl
- Lay flat on a clean surface; weigh the corners or place under a book overnight if needed
- Avoid heat, steam, or bending—slow and gentle wins
Frame basics
- Always use acid-free matting and backing to protect the artwork
- Choose UV-protective glazing (glass or acrylic) for bright or sunny rooms
- Make sure the artwork never touches the glazing (use a mat or spacers)
Common size pairings:
- 8×10 print → 11×14 frame
- 11×14 print → 16×20 frame
- 16×20 print → 20×24 frame
Hang
- Standard gallery height: center of artwork ~57" from the floor
- When grouping frames, leave 2–3 inches between pieces
- Use D-rings and wire for medium to heavy frames
- For lightweight frames, damage-free hanging strips work well
- Add felt or rubber bumpers to keep frames level and protect walls
Tools we like
Disclosure: Affiliate links. We may earn from qualifying purchases.
This document was last updated on December 21, 2025.