TL;DR: Adding borders to your prints can protect edges, preserve full compositions, and make mounting or signing easier. Learn when to use borderless, quarter-inch, and one-inch border options for your fine art or photo prints.
Why Borders Matter
If you are ordering prints of your artwork or photography, you will likely encounter the option to include a border. A border is the solid-colored margin around your printed image, usually white or off-white. It is more than a decorative choice — it affects how your print can be handled, framed, and preserved over time.
At The Stackhouse, we offer border options across our fine art, photo, and canvas prints so you can customize your final presentation to suit your needs.
Our Border Options and When to Use Them
Each print type at The Stackhouse can be trimmed with one of three border styles. The printed image area stays the same; only the outer white space changes. Choose the option that best fits your workflow or display style:
- Borderless (default): The image extends to the edge of the paper. Ideal for mounting, framing, or packaging where exact sizing is required.
- Quarter-Inch Extra Border: Adds a small buffer around the image. Perfect for matting or prints that need extra space for handling or presentation.
- One-Inch Extra Border (Pro): Common for limited editions or signed prints. Provides ample space for matting, labeling, or artist signatures.
Want more technical details on sizing? See our guide on file requirements and print sizes.
Borders Help Protect Your Prints
Even the best giclée prints can be vulnerable to handling damage. A small border acts as a buffer zone, protecting the actual image from scuffs, dents, or fingerprints. When packaging or framing, it also makes it easier to handle the print without touching the printed surface.
Borders Preserve the Full Composition
Adding a border ensures no part of your artwork is cropped during trimming or mounting. This is particularly important for reproductions and photographic prints that need exact framing dimensions. The border creates space between the image and the mat window or frame edge, keeping the full composition visible and balanced.
For canvas printing, borders also play a structural role. When creating gallery-wrapped canvas prints, the image often extends or mirrors around the sides of the frame. A printed border prevents losing important details to that wrap area.
When You Might Skip Borders
Some artists prefer a clean, borderless finish, especially for frameless displays or modern interiors. Borderless prints create an edge-to-edge look that feels immersive. If you sell prints directly to collectors, consider offering both bordered and borderless options so customers can choose their preferred style.
Custom Border Options at The Stackhouse
We provide flexible border options for all print types, including loose canvas prints and giclée fine art papers. You can select from multiple widths or request no border at all. Our production team trims every piece with precision to maintain consistent dimensions and presentation quality.
Ready to print your artwork? Upload your files on the Stackhouse Order Page to choose your border style and start printing with professional accuracy and craftsmanship.
