Swapping the prints in your frames is an easy, budget-friendly way to instantly transform your space. It lets you experiment with art styles and new trends without making significant changes to your home.

Reframing prints can seem daunting, but with patience, changing prints becomes simple and surprisingly soothing. If you’re thinking about rotating artwork to welcome the new season or simply showing off a new purchase, having the confidence to switch things up helps your home feel current and more personal. 

To help you get started, we’ll take you through the process, from gathering supplies to hanging your frames. You’ll learn framing artwork tips to protect your prints and give you the confidence to change things up as and when inspiration strikes.

What Supplies Will You Need?

Before dismantling your frames, gather your supplies. The right tools make the process easy and avoid last-minute shopping trips.

What you’ll need when framing artwork:

• A clean, flat surface. This is a must-have. You need ample space to lay your frame face down without scratching the glass or acrylic. A dining table, free from dust and covered with a soft cloth or towel, works well. The cloth protects both the frame and the surface underneath.
  

• Soft, lint-free cloths are excellent for cleaning glass and handling prints without leaving fingerprints and transferring oils from your hands.
  

• Frame-point driver or flat-head screwdriver: Use these to remove the backing, depending on the frame type. Most frames use flexible tabs or small points.
  

• Cotton gloves (optional) help handle delicate prints and prevent fingerprints and oil transfer, protecting artwork over time.
  

• Use a gentle cleaning solution or glass cleaner for smudges. Skip harsh chemicals.
  

• A microfibre cloth for streak-free glass cleaning.

What Type of Frame Do You Have?

Before you begin switching out your prints, it helps to identify what kind of frame you’re working with. Each frame style has its own opening mechanism, so finding this out early allows you to select the correct tools, saves you time, and prevents unnecessary frustration.

The most common frame types you’ll encounter are:

Clip Frames

These are the simplest to work with. They consist of a piece of glass, your artwork, a backing board, and metal clips that hold everything together. To open them, simply pull the clips away from the frame edge. They’re brilliant for frequently changing prints because they open and close easily and often without tools.

Box Frames and Deep Frames

Box frames have more depth and use screws and a more substantial backing board than clip frames. They’re wonderful for three-dimensional pieces and for creating shadowbox effects. The principle remains the same, but you might need a screwdriver.

Hinged Frames

Some contemporary frames feature hinged backs that open like a door. These are perhaps the easiest of all to work with, requiring no tools whatsoever.

If you’re looking for high-quality frames to make changing your prints easier, explore our collection of practical, aesthetically pleasing frames.

Framing Artwork Tips

Carefully follow each step below to ensure your new print is perfectly framed. Take your time with each stage to avoid mistakes or damage.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Place your soft cloth or towel on a flat, clean surface. Check that there is no grit or debris. Remove anything that could obstruct your workspace. Ensure you have enough room to assemble your frame comfortably.

Step 2: Remove the Frame from the Wall

If your frame is hanging, remove it gently and place it face down on your prepared workspace. Handle it with care to avoid scratches or drops.

Step 3: Position the Frame Face-Down

With the frame glass-side down on the protected surface, make sure the cloth is flat and that the glass is fully cushioned. This helps protect the glass from scratches while you work.

Step 4: Remove the Backing

For frames with flexible tabs: Carefully bend each tab upward, away from the frame. Work methodically, releasing all tabs before removing the backing, to avoid bending or breaking them. For clip frames: Release each metal clip by pulling it away from the glass edge. Most clips will open with minimal pressure and do not require tools.

Step 5: Lift Away the Backing Board

After loosening tabs or clips, lift the backing board straight up. If the frame sticks, gently move it around the edges to free it rather than pulling from one spot to avoid bending or breaking the board.

Step 6: Remove the Old Print

Before lifting the print, note its position to help you align the new one. Gently lift the print away from the glass. If it’s stuck, ease it away with a soft cloth—never pull, as artwork might adhere to the glass. Observing the old print’s position helps with the accurate placement of your new print.

Step 7: Clean the Glass

Before adding your new print, thoroughly clean both sides of the glass with your cleaning solution and microfibre cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, or marks. Hold the glass up to the light for a final check. Clean the backing board if needed.

Step 8: Position Your New Print

If your frame uses a mount board, place your new print behind it, ensuring it is centred. If no mount is present, position your print directly against the clean glass. Adjust as needed for an even appearance.

Spend time on positioning. Check your artwork is centred, upright, and lying completely flat. Adjust as needed before continuing.

Step 9: Replace the Backing

Lower the backing board gently into place. Make sure it sits flush and even against the frame. Your print should be securely held between the glass and the backing board.

Step 10: Secure Everything

Replace your tabs, points, clips, or screws, working your way around the frame evenly. Don’t secure one side completely before moving to the next - instead, work in stages around all sides to ensure even pressure.

You’re now ready to display your prints.

Tips for Working with Different Materials and Paper Weights

When purchasing prints, opt for a high paper weight. High-quality prints look and feel more luxurious while making them easier to hang.

Paper Prints

Most modern wall art is printed on paper, and while easy to work with, it can crease and tear easily. Handle prints by the edges to avoid transferring oil or dirt. If your print curls at the edges, flatten it under heavy books overnight to ease framing.

Canvas Prints

If you’re reframing artwork that’s been printed on canvas, remember that canvas has more texture and thickness than paper. Make sure your frame depth can accommodate it. Canvas prints shouldn’t be pressed too tightly against glass, as they need room to breathe.

Photography

Photography is often printed on thick, glossy paper. Handle these with care, as fingerprints and oil marks are most prominent on this paper type. Cotton gloves are especially useful here.

Vintage and Valuable Prints

For anything precious, antique, or valuable, consider using acid-free mounting materials. Standard backing boards deteriorate artwork over time. Frame accessories like acid-free mount boards and backing protect your investment pieces and ensure they remain in pristine condition for years.

Textured or Embossed Prints

If your print is embossed or features raised elements, ensure there’s enough space within the frame so these features aren’t crushed against the glass. A mount board or spacer can create a gap.

Avoiding Mistakes When Reframing Artwork

Don’t Rush the Process

The most common error is moving too quickly. When you rush, you’re more likely to position prints crookedly, create creases, trap dust under the glass, and damage your frames. Take a deep breath, and see it as an opportunity to pour into yourself and your home.

Always Clean the Glass

It’s remarkably easy to focus entirely on the print and forget about the glass. Always clean both sides thoroughly. A beautiful print behind smudged, dusty glass loses its impact.

Check for Debris

Even after cleaning, tiny fibres or dust particles can sneak in. Before securing everything, do a final check with good lighting. It’s easier to remove a speck of dust now than to reframe the print again later.

Don’t Overtighten Tabs

When replacing tabs, points, or screws, resist the urge to make everything super tight. Over-tightening can crack the glass, warp frames, or create uneven pressure that causes the print to crease.

Should You Use Mount Boards in Your Frames?

If you have a frame that’s too large for your print, a mount board bridges the gap, making the presentation feel deliberate. They also protect artwork by creating a small gap between the print and acrylic, preventing the artwork from sticking or being damaged by condensation.

Choosing Your Mount Board

Classic white or cream works with virtually anything and creates that timeless gallery look. For contemporary pieces, consider deeper tones like charcoal, navy, or black for drama. When selecting oak gallery wall frames and other wooden frames, consider how the mount board colour works with the wood tone.

Mount boards are available in our frame accessories collection, offering you the flexibility to create custom looks for your prints without the expense of entirely new frames.

Dress Your Walls With the House Outfit

You’re no longer limited by keeping the same artwork for years or by buying entirely new framed pieces every time you want a change. By following these framing artwork tips, you’ll have the freedom to experiment as soon as inspiration strikes.

Reimagine your living space and bring your rooms to life with our selection of prints and frames designed to enhance your home.