How to Frame a Risograph Print Without Damaging It
By Jacqueline Colley Illustration | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the right way to frame a risograph print so it stays vibrant and undamaged. Step-by-step advice for protecting your art at home.
Quick answer
To frame a risograph print without damaging it, use a frame with UV-protective glass, acid-free matting, and avoid direct contact between the print and the glass. Never use adhesive tape on the print itself; instead, use archival corners or hinges. This keeps the soy-based inks and recycled paper in top condition.
Why risograph prints need special framing care
Risograph prints use soy-based inks that sit on the surface of the paper rather than soaking in. This gives them a soft, vibrant look, but it also means the ink can be more vulnerable to moisture, UV light, and friction. The paper itself is often made from recycled materials, like the 80% recycled coffee cup paper used in many Jacqueline Colley Illustration prints. That eco-friendly paper can be more absorbent and delicate than standard art paper.
Standard framing methods — like taping the print directly to a backing board or using a frame without a mat — can cause ink transfer, yellowing, or permanent creases. A few small adjustments to your framing approach will keep your risograph print looking fresh for years.
How to frame a risograph print safely — step by step
- Choose a frame with UV-protective glass or acrylic: Standard glass blocks some UV light, but museum-grade or UV-protective glazing does a much better job. Risograph inks are prone to fading in direct sunlight, so this is the single most important upgrade you can make. Checkpoint: If the frame you already own has standard glass, place the print away from direct sun.
- Use an acid-free mat to create space between print and glass: A mat (also called a mount) lifts the glass away from the print surface. This prevents ink transfer if moisture condenses inside the frame and stops the ink from sticking to the glass over time. Acid-free mats also keep the paper from yellowing. Common mistake: Skipping the mat can lead to ink sticking to the glass, especially in humid rooms.
- Secure the print with archival corners or hinges — never tape: Standard adhesive tape can pull off the ink layer or leave residue. Archival photo corners or Japanese paper hinges with wheat starch paste hold the print in place without touching the printed area. For small prints like A5, two corners at the top are usually enough. Checkpoint: If you must use tape, use low-tack artist tape on the back of the paper only, well away from the image.
- Assemble the frame in a clean, dry space: Dust and fingerprints are harder to remove from risograph paper because the surface is slightly textured and absorbent. Wipe the glass with a lint-free cloth before closing the frame. Avoid compressed air, which can blow dust behind the mat. Common mistake: Touching the print surface with bare hands can leave oils that attract dust and may slowly affect the ink.
Risograph prints you might frame
- A5 Small but so Spicy!: Risograph printed in the UK using Orange, Green and Sunflower inks on paper made from 80% recycled coffee cups. A5 size (14.8 × 21 cm). Open edition unsigned print. The recycled paper and soy-based inks mean this print benefits from UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to prevent fading and discoloration over time.
- A5 Jelly Print: Risograph printed in soy-based inks (Neon Pink, Orange, and Seafoam green) on paper made from at least 80% recycled coffee cups. A5 size (14.8 × 21 cm). Open edition unsigned print. Neon risograph inks are especially light-sensitive. Using a frame with UV-filtering glazing helps preserve the brightness of the neon tones.
