Adding borders to your art prints is a small detail that can make a big difference in presentation, framing, and perceived value. The right border gives your work breathing room, protects edges during handling, and can make signing or matting easier. This guide explains the types of borders available at The Stackhouse, when to use them, and how to decide which option is best for your artwork.
Understanding Print Borders
At The Stackhouse, you can order your prints borderless, with a ¼-inch border, or with a 1-inch border. If you need a different size or a specialty layout, we can customize your border setup. Contact us for custom border requests or specialized framing needs.
What Is a Borderless Print?
Borderless printing means that the ink extends all the way to the edge of the paper or substrate. The artwork fills the entire printed area, creating a clean, modern look with no white margins.
At The Stackhouse, the listed print size always refers to the image area itself. If you add a border, it is printed in addition to the selected size. For example, an 8x10 print with a 1-inch border will finish at 10x12 inches overall.
Other print shops may include borders within the stated dimensions or require them for specific products. For example, our Mini Prints and Matting Packages are designed with built-in borders for easy display and handling.
Best Uses for Borderless Prints
- Prints designed for standard-size frames
- Retail-ready prints packaged for display
- Posters and photographic reproductions
- Artwork that already includes a digital border or background
Benefits of Adding White Borders
White borders provide flexibility and protect your image edges. They are useful when you want to preserve your artwork’s original aspect ratio without cropping or altering composition. Borders also provide functional benefits like space for signing and matting.
Top Uses for Prints with Borders
- Signing and numbering prints: A 1-inch or larger border gives ample room without intruding on the artwork.
- Matting or framing: A ¼-inch border helps prevent the mat from covering the image edge.
- Gallery wrapping: For home or studio framing, a 2-inch border provides the extra margin needed to stretch or mount the print cleanly.
- Custom layouts: Extra space around the image can enhance presentation for non-standard sizes.
Pro Tip: Work backward from your final frame size. If you plan to frame your art in an 11x14 frame, you can either print borderless at 11x14 or print 9x12 with a 1-inch border. Both options fill an 11x14 frame but create different visual effects.
Framing Considerations
Border choice directly affects how easily your print can be framed. Standard sizes like 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20 fit ready-made frames from most retailers. Prints with larger borders or unique ratios often require custom framing or matting, but they can also create a higher-end presentation that sets your work apart.
If you or your customers prefer ready-to-frame prints, stick to standard aspect ratios. For unconventional sizes, consider working with a framer who can build a custom mat to fit within a standard frame.
Design and Composition Tips
The right border can elevate your artwork’s composition and give it more visual presence. When preparing your files:
- Consider how the border interacts with your artwork’s color palette. White borders tend to complement bright or colorful pieces, while black or toned borders can enhance monochromatic works.
- Maintain consistent border thicknesses across a series of prints for a cohesive look.
- Preview your design with and without borders before finalizing your file. This ensures the print feels balanced and intentional.
Printing and Product Notes
Not all products can accommodate borders due to material or packaging constraints. For example, Mounted Prints, Bagged Prints, and Retail-Ready Prints are designed for precise sizing and will not include borders. If you’re unsure whether your product supports borders, our team can help determine the best solution or provide custom adjustments.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Artwork
Ultimately, the decision comes down to how you or your buyers plan to display the piece. Borderless prints emphasize image size and immediacy, while bordered prints add sophistication and flexibility. Think about framing, signing, and overall presentation before finalizing your choice.
Need help visualizing how borders affect your final product? Visit our Sizing and Borders Guide to see examples and compare options side by side.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose borderless or bordered prints, both styles can look professional and polished when produced correctly. Borders provide control, flexibility, and protection, while borderless prints offer a clean, immersive presentation. The right choice depends on your artistic intent and your customer’s framing preferences.
Ready to customize your print setup? Explore Giclée Fine Art Prints to choose your border size, or order a Free Media Sample Set to preview our papers and finishes in person. For special sizing or custom border requests, contact our team and we’ll help bring your vision to life.
