Framing Your Art Print

Every print from davidkjonesart is created with framing in mind. Whether you love the clean look of a borderless print, prefer a classic mat, or want the relaxed vibe of gallery-wrapped canvas, this guide will help you display your tropical artwork just right.

Borderless vs. Bordered Prints

Borderless (Full-Bleed) Prints

Borderless prints extend the artwork all the way to the edge of the paper with no white margin. This style works beautifully when you want to frame the print with no mat and let the art fill the frame completely, when hanging prints in a gallery wall arrangement and preferring a bold immersive look, or when mounting the print directly to foam board or a backing panel.

Tip: If you plan to use a mat with a borderless print, order the next size up. For example, pair a borderless 11x14 print in an 11x14 mat window, but mount it in a 16x20 frame — the mat border will surround the art cleanly.

Bordered (White-Margin) Prints

Bordered prints include a white margin around the image — typically 1/2" to 1" wide depending on print size. This built-in border allows you to mat and frame the print without the image getting cropped, protects the image from direct contact with the mat bevel, and gives the artwork a more traditional gallery presentation.

Mat Sizing by Print Size

A mat (or mat board) has a window cut in the center that surrounds your print inside the frame. Choosing the right mat size ensures the image is fully visible and centered. The table below shows standard mat and frame pairings for each print size we offer.

Print Size Recommended Mat Window Frame Size to Use Typical Mat Border Width
5x7" 4.5x6.5" 8x10" ~1.75" all around
8x10" 7.5x9.5" 11x14" ~1.75" all around
11x14" 10.5x13.5" 16x20" ~2.75" all around
13x19" 12.5x18.5" 16x20" (tight) or 18x24" ~0.75"–2.75" depending on frame
16x20" 15.5x19.5" 20x24" ~2" all around
20x24" 19.5x23.5" 24x30" ~2.75" all around
24x30" 23.5x29.5" 30x36" or float mount ~3" all around or float display
Note: Mat window dimensions are cut 1/4" smaller than the print on each side so the mat overlaps the print edge slightly and holds it securely. Your image will be fully visible — the overlap hides only the outermost white margin.

Gallery-Wrapped Canvas Display

Gallery-wrapped canvas prints are stretched over a wooden frame (stretcher bars) and are ready to hang straight out of the packaging — no additional framing required.

How Wrapping Works

The canvas wraps around the sides (typically 1.5" deep) and staples to the back. The printed image continues slightly onto the sides, so the artwork looks complete from all angles.

Hanging Tips

Each canvas has wire stretched across the back for easy hanging. . Group canvases with 2–3" spacing between pieces for a cohesive gallery wall feel.Flamingo Margarita (art print) - davidkjonesart

To Frame or Not to Frame?

Gallery-wrapped canvases look great unframed. If you prefer a more polished look, you can add a floater frame — a frame designed for canvas that surrounds the artwork with a small visible gap, letting the canvas float inside the frame. Floater frames are available at most art supply and home decor stores.

Tip: Tropical watercolor art pops beautifully in natural wood or whitewashed floater frames — they echo the breezy, sun-drenched feeling of the artwork.

Quick-Reference: Choosing Your Display Style

Display Style Best For What You Need
Borderless + frame only Bold, immersive look Frame sized to match print exactly
Bordered + mat + frame Classic gallery presentation Frame one size up + pre-cut mat
Gallery-wrapped canvas Ready-to-hang, modern look Nothing extra — just hang it!
Canvas + floater frame Polished, traditional feel Floater frame sized to canvas

Still have questions? Contact us — we are happy to help you find the perfect framing solution for your print.