How Framing Works
Framing a document involves supporting and protecting it within a structure that keeps it flat, stable, and visually well-balanced.
A typical frame setup includes:
- Acid-free or conservation backing board for support
- Matboard to create spacing and visual separation
- Glazing (Standard Clear or UV-filtering Clear) to protect the surface
- A properly constructed frame to hold everything securely in place
When assembled correctly, the document is protected from handling, environmental factors, and long-term deterioration — while presenting cleanly on the wall.
When Should You Frame Degrees, Certificates or Documents?
Framing is recommended when you want to:
- Protect important documents from damage or deterioration
- Display achievements in a professional and structured way
- Preserve items with personal, academic, or historical significance
- Prevent bending, fading, or surface wear over time
Unframed documents are vulnerable to environmental exposure and handling, which can lead to long-term damage if left unprotected.
Choosing the Right Frame
For standard-sized degrees, certificates and documents, ready-made frames can provide a straightforward solution. However, presentation plays a much larger role with documents than with general artwork.
When choosing a frame, consider:
- Size — ensuring appropriate spacing around the document
- Matboard — essential for presentation, balance, and protection
- Frame Style — should suit the environment (home, office, or formal setting)
- Glazing — clear glass or UV-filtering clear glass for long-term protection
For more important documents, the design and proportion of the framing can significantly affect how the piece is perceived.
Common Sizes & Ready-Made Options
Many certificates and documents are produced in standard sizes, allowing ready-made frames to be used effectively in many situations.
These are suitable for:
- General certificates
- Everyday display purposes
- Standard academic documents
- Degrees from Auckland, AUT, Massey, Otago, Canterbury, Lincoln, NZDF, Accountancy, Open Polytechnic, Victoria, UCol and more
Frames designed for these sizes provide a clean and consistent finish without the need for a fully custom approach.
Common Framing Mistakes
Framing documents requires a bit more care than standard artwork. Common issues include:
- Insufficient spacing around the document
- Using non-archival materials that cause damage over time
- Letting the document sit directly against glazing
- Choosing a frame that doesn’t suit the formality of the piece
Attention to these details ensures the document is both protected and presented appropriately.
When Ready-Made Framing Works — And When It Doesn’t
Ready-made frames are designed for consistency. When a document fits standard sizing and doesn’t require specific design consideration, they provide a simple and effective solution.
They work well for:
- Standard certificates
- Temporary or casual display
- Situations where simplicity is preferred
However, not all documents suit a ready-made frame.
Custom framing is generally the better option when:
- A more formal or refined presentation is needed
- The document carries significant academic, professional, or sentimental value
- Long-term preservation is important
- Exact proportions, spacing, or materials matter
In these cases, framing becomes less about convenience and more about presenting the document in a way that reflects its importance.
Ready-Made vs Custom Framing
There are generally two approaches:
Ready-Made Framing
- Designed for standard sizes
- Simple and efficient
- Cost-effective
Custom Framing
- Fully tailored sizing and layout
- Designed to enhance presentation
- Better suited for important or valuable documents
- Greater control over spacing, materials, and finish
For everyday use, ready-made frames can be sufficient. For anything more important, custom framing provides a noticeably higher level of presentation and care.
Need a Frame for Your Documents?
If you’re working with standard sizes, you can explore our range of ready-made frames designed for Degrees, certificates and documents.
If your piece requires something more considered, you can explore our custom framing options or get in touch for guidance — we’re always happy to help.
