Choosing your print finish
At Willa Black Prints, every artwork is available in three finish options - unframed, framed with glass, and floating canvas. Each has its place depending on your wall, your interior, and how you want the piece to feel in your space.
This guide walks you through what each finish involves, who it suits, and how the frame colour options work across finishes - so you can order with confidence.
Still not sure? Contact us for a custom quote and we will help you decide.
Three finishes, one decision
All three finishes are available across most of our NZ art print collection. Here is what each one looks like and how it is made.
Unframed Print
The print only - no frame, no glass, no canvas. Printed on high quality paper stock using archival inks and ready for you to frame yourself. A great option if you already have a frame in mind or prefer to choose your own framing locally.
- Premium fine art paper
- Dispatched in 1-2 business days
- Rolled and posted in a protective tube
- You source the frame
Framed with Glass
A high quality art print using archival inks set behind glass in a timber frame - ready to hang straight from the box. This is the classic finish. The glass protects the print from dust and moisture, and the frame provides a clean, defined edge that suits most interiors. Specialty frames are available on request.
- Print behind glass
- Timber frame - black, white, or natural - 20 to 30mm frame.
- Dispatched in 5-9 business days
- Ready to hang - hardware included
- Specialty frames available on request
Floating Canvas
The canvas print is stretched over a 40mm deep wooden stretcher bar, then set inside a thin 10mm timber frame so the canvas sits slightly recessed - creating that signature floating effect. No glass. The depth and texture of the canvas gives the artwork a more sculptural, gallery-like presence on the wall.
- Canvas print on 40mm stretcher bar
- Thin 10mm timber frame surround
- Canvas sits recessed - floating effect
- No glass
- Frame colour - black, white, or natural
- Dispatched in 5-12 business days
Frame colours
Both framed with glass and floating canvas are available in three timber frame colours. The same options apply to both finishes, so you can stay consistent across a gallery wall.
For framed glass prints, specialty frame options are also available on request. Contact us to discuss.
Which finish is right for you
Not sure which to choose? This comparison covers the most common questions buyers ask.
| Unframed | Framed with Glass | Floating Canvas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready to hang | No - you frame it | Yes | Yes |
| Has glass protection | No | Yes | No |
| Frame colour choice | Your choice | Black, white, natural | Black, white, natural |
| Suits gallery walls | Yes - flexible framing | Yes | Yes |
| Gallery / sculptural feel | Depends on your frame | Classic / traditional | Yes - depth and texture |
| Dispatch time | 1-2 business days | 5-9 business days | 5-12 business days |
| Best for | Custom framers, budget-conscious buyers, gifting | Bedrooms, living rooms, classic interiors | Statement walls, modern and boho interiors |
What works where
Here is how the three finishes tend to sit in different rooms and interior styles.
Living Room Statement Wall
The 40mm depth and floating effect gives large-format pieces a presence that framed prints can not match. Ideal for a single large work or as the anchor of a gallery wall.
Bedroom or Hallway
The clean lines and glass protection make framed prints a strong choice anywhere that needs a polished, finished look without heavy visual weight.
Gallery Wall Mix
Buying unframed and sourcing your own frames locally gives you maximum control over the look - useful when you are mixing prints from different sources on a gallery wall.
Boho and Earthy Interiors
The natural timber frame option on a floating canvas pairs beautifully with rattan, linen, and warm-toned spaces. Our Maori-inspired works look particularly strong in this finish.
Gifting
A framed print arrives ready to hang and feels considered as a gift. Choose black or white for a safe, versatile finish that suits most homes.
Custom Framers
If you have a framer you love or want a specialty frame not in our range, ordering unframed gives you the print on premium paper ready for your own framing solution.
"The finish you choose changes how the art feels in the room - not just how it looks."
If you are building a gallery wall, all three finishes can work together - the key is keeping a consistent frame colour across mixed finishes. Read our guide to gallery wall art for layout tips, sizing advice, and real examples from Willa Black customers across New Zealand.
Gallery Wall Art GuideFloating Canvas vs Framed Glass Prints
- Which is Right for You?
A deeper dive into both finishes - with styling examples, room-by-room advice, and help choosing for your space.
Print finish FAQs
Can I order the same print in different finishes for a gallery wall?
Yes. Many customers order the same artwork in different sizes and finishes for a gallery wall. Keeping a consistent frame colour across mixed finishes - for example all black frames - ties the wall together visually.
What is the difference between a floating canvas and a regular framed print?
A framed print is a paper print behind glass in a timber frame. A floating canvas is the artwork printed directly onto canvas, stretched over a 40mm deep wooden stretcher bar, then set inside a thin 10mm timber frame with no glass. The canvas sits recessed within the frame - creating depth and a more sculptural finish.
Is the floating canvas suitable for humid rooms like bathrooms?
We recommend framed with glass for bathrooms and high-humidity spaces, as the glass provides an additional layer of protection for the print. If you are set on canvas, position it away from direct moisture and steam.
Can I order a specialty frame not listed on the site?
Yes - specialty frames are available by request for framed glass prints. Contact us to discuss your requirements before ordering.
How long does dispatch take for framed and canvas prints?
Unframed prints are dispatched in 1-2 business days. Framed with glass and floating canvas prints are dispatched in 5-9 business days as they are made to order. See our shipping page for delivery timeframes to your region.
Which finish is best for a Maori-inspired print?
All three finishes work beautifully with our Maori-inspired collection. Floating canvas in a natural timber frame tends to suit the warmth and depth of these works particularly well - especially at larger sizes where the canvas texture adds to the presence of the piece.