How to frame a hexagonal art print

To frame a hexagonal print, use a custom-cut six-sided frame with mitered corners at 120° angles, paired with acid-free matting and UV-protective glazing—never force a hexagon into a rectangular frame.

Precision cutting for hexagonal frames

A hexagonal frame requires six equal-length sides joined at 120° angles, not the 90° corners of standard frames. Most commercial frames are pre-cut for rectangular or square formats (e.g., 50x70 cm / 20x28 in, A2), so a hexagon demands custom fabrication. The miter saw must be set to 30° (complementary to the 120° internal angle) for clean joins.

Standard hexagonal print sizes include 30 cm (12 in) per side for small works and 50 cm (20 in) per side for larger pieces, though bespoke dimensions are common. The Fine Art Trade Guild defines precision framing as allowing no more than 0.5 mm deviation at any corner—critical for geometric integrity.

A hexagon’s symmetry tolerates no asymmetry in framing. Even a 1° error in mitering compounds visibly across six sides.

Matting and mounting considerations

Hexagonal prints require acid-free, cotton-rag matting (250–310 gsm) cut to the exact shape, with a 2–5 cm (0.8–2 in) border to prevent adhesive contact with the print. The American Institute for Conservation recommends hinging with Japanese tissue and wheat-starch paste for reversibility, avoiding pressure-sensitive tapes that degrade over time.

Float mounting—where the print appears suspended within the frame—is viable but demands a precision-cut spacer to maintain even depth. For prints on heavier stocks (e.g., 310 gsm watercolor paper), a sink mount (recessed into the mat) adds structural support without visible fasteners.

Glazing and protective treatments

UV-protective glazing (e.g., 99% UV-blocking acrylic or museum glass) is non-negotiable for pigment-based giclée prints, which fade under prolonged exposure. Acrylic glazing (2–3 mm thick) is lighter and shatter-resistant but prone to static; glass offers superior clarity but adds weight (critical for larger hexagons over 60 cm / 24 in per side).

The Canadian Conservation Institute advises a 3–5 mm gap between the print and glazing to prevent condensation in humid environments. Anti-reflective coatings reduce glare but may soften fine detail—opt for low-iron glass if maximum sharpness is required.

Hanging and placement

Hexagonal frames defy the two-thirds rule (hanging the center ~145–150 cm / 57–60 in from the floor) due to their irregular silhouette. Instead, align the geometric center of the hexagon at eye level, accounting for furniture clearance. A 50 cm (20 in) side-length hexagon, for example, spans ~100 cm (40 in) corner-to-corner—ensure wall space accommodates this.

Use a French cleat or two D-rings (positioned at the topmost corners) for even weight distribution. Hexagons over 70 cm (28 in) per side may require a third support at the bottom apex to prevent sagging. Drywall anchors rated for 10–15 kg (22–33 lbs) suffice for most framed prints in this format.

Cost and lead time expectations

Custom hexagonal framing starts at $400–$800 USD for small prints (30 cm / 12 in per side) with basic materials, scaling to $1,500–$3,000+ for large formats (70+ cm / 28+ in per side) with premium glazing and hand-finished wood. Lead times range from 3–6 weeks due to specialized cutting and assembly—standard framers lack the tooling for precise 120° miters.

Pigment-ink prints on archival paper (e.g., Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 gsm) add $150–$400 to the base cost, depending on size. Rush fees (1–2 week turnaround) typically increase prices by 30–50%.

Common questions

Can a hexagonal print fit into a standard rectangular frame?

No. Forcing a hexagon into a rectangular frame either crops the image or leaves excessive negative space. Custom cutting is the only solution for preserving the print’s integrity and the artist’s intent.

What is the most durable glazing option for a hexagonal frame?

Opt for 99% UV-blocking acrylic with an anti-static coating. It resists shattering, weighs 50% less than glass, and is cuttable to precise angles—critical for hexagonal formats where glass may stress at mitered corners.

How do I measure a hexagonal print for framing?

Measure one side’s length (edge-to-edge) and multiply by 6 for perimeter. Note the corner-to-corner diameter (twice the side length) to ensure wall clearance. Provide these figures to the framer—never approximate.

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