Avoid creases and get your new art ready to frame beautifully.

Introduction

When you receive a rolled art print—especially if it’s large—it can be tricky to get it perfectly flat before framing. Framing a print that’s still a bit curled can lead to buckling or a less-than-perfect finish. I’ve experimented with different methods over the years, and here are three simple ways to prepare your new print for display.

Method 1: Weight It Down

Gently unroll your print and place it face down on a clean, smooth surface. Next, lay a large, clean sheet of paper (like tissue or parchment) over the back to protect the artwork. Place heavy, flat objects (like books or art boards) on top. Leave it for a couple of days, checking occasionally to ensure it’s still covered and not shifting around.

Pros:

• Minimal handling of the print
• Easy to do with common household items

Cons:

• Takes up a lot of space
• Not ideal for busy homes where the weights might get bumped

Method 2: The Rolling Method (My Unique Technique!)

This method is especially handy if you don’t have the space or patience for heavy books. It’s my tried-and-tested way to gently coax the curl out of your print without causing any damage. Here’s how:

• With the print facing up, carefully roll it in the opposite direction of how it arrived.
• Start by rolling it widthways around a clean tube (the tube it arrived in), securing lightly with soft elastic bands or even your hands for a minute or two (steps 1 - 8 in the above photo)
• Next, repeat the same process lengthways.

This back-and-forth rolling helps relax the fibers and encourages the print to lay flat more quickly.

Pros:

• Quick and doesn’t require a lot of space
• Ideal for busy households or small apartments

Cons:

• Needs a steady hand and some patience!

Method 3: Frame It Directly

If you’re confident, you can pop your rolled print straight into a frame. This is easier with an extra pair of hands to guide the paper smoothly as you secure it.

Tip: My prints are made on luxurious, thick enhanced matte art paper with a warm white tone—museum-grade quality that’s both beautiful and durable. But it still needs careful handling to avoid creases!

Other Tips

• If you’re nervous, consider asking a professional framer for help.
• Humidity can sometimes help relax paper curls, so if it’s a damp day, that can work in your favor (but avoid actual water!).
• Always handle the print with clean, dry hands to avoid fingerprints.

Final Words

Whichever method you choose, take it slow—your artwork will thank you for it. I’ll be sharing a short reel soon on Instagram to demonstrate my rolling technique, so keep an eye out! To follow me on instagram, click this link