Quick answer
To frame a risograph art print without glass, use a floating frame with a spacer or mount the print on a sturdy backing and cover with a clear acrylic sheet that doesn't touch the paper.
Why skip glass for risograph prints?
Risograph prints have a soft, matte finish and visible dot texture that glass can flatten or obscure. Without glass, the print's tactile quality and subtle color layering stay fully visible. This approach also avoids reflections that compete with the art.
Trade-offs to consider
Skipping glass means the print is more exposed to dust, moisture, and accidental touches. The paper may curl over time in humid conditions. For long-term display in a high-traffic area or near a kitchen or bathroom, consider a UV-protective acrylic sheet instead of bare framing.
Steps to frame a risograph print without glass
- Choose a frame with a deep rabbet or use a spacer: Select a frame where the print sits at least 1/4 inch behind the frame lip. If using a standard frame, add a mat or foam-core spacer to keep the glass or acrylic off the print surface.
- Mount the print on a rigid backing: Use acid-free foam core or museum board as the backing. Attach the print with archival photo corners or a removable adhesive (e.g., linen tape) so you can remove the print later without damage. Check that the backing is at least 1/8 inch thick to prevent the print from sagging against the front cover.
- Replace glass with clear acrylic or leave the front open: For protection without glass, install a sheet of UV-protective clear acrylic (plexi) in the frame. If the print is in a low-traffic area, you can leave the frame front open for a completely glass-free look. Acrylic is lighter and less reflective than glass, but it scratches easily—handle with clean, soft gloves.
- Seal the back to block dust: Cover the back of the frame with kraft paper or a dust cover, then attach hanging hardware. This prevents dust from entering through the back while keeping the front open or acrylic-covered. Use a paper dust cover rather than plastic to allow the print to breathe and avoid moisture buildup.
- Hang away from direct sunlight and humidity: Risograph inks are water-based and can fade in strong light. Hang the framed print in a spot that avoids direct sun, air vents, or damp walls. Rotate the display every few months if possible.
Product used in this guide
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Still Life with Books and Flowers #3 Risograph Art Print: This riso-printed card unfolds like a quilt of intentions. Small scenes pieced side by side, each one a quiet act of care. Hands reach, build, write, play. A sewing machine hums. A keyboard waits. Its layered, matte risograph texture is exactly the kind of detail you want to preserve by framing without glass.
Still Life with Books and Flowers #3 Risograph Art Print