Map finishes: Maps, framed maps and framed canvas maps

When you buy a map from The Unique Maps Co., you need to select a "finish."

The 3 most common finishes are:

• Map. This is a map, printed on thick, acid-free archival fully matte (no shine) paper. It will be carefully rolled up and delivered in a cardboard tube. See examples.
• Framed map. This map will be printed on the same fully matte paper, but it will be framed as well. My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame, but you can change it to dark brown, dark grey, oak, antique gold or white for free. Custom framing and mounting is also available for an additional fee. See examples.
• Framed canvas map. This map will be printed on canvas, and then "float framed" with a black wood frame. This is a wonderful and unusual way of presenting an old map. There are a few different colour options, too. See examples.

There are many other exotic map finishes available, such as rolled canvas, acrylic panels, aluminium boards, wallpaper, and even textiles like silk and muslin.

Contact me if you have any questions or want to ask about the availability of a specific material or finish.

Read on to find out more about maps, framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Maps

These are exactly what you'd expect from The Unique Maps Co: beautiful maps, printed on thick, fully matte paper. They look exactly like an old map.

Learn more about how I source and restore old maps.

In technical terms, these maps are gicleé printed on 200gsm paper, which feels a bit like card and is perfect for framing.

I use only Epson Ultrachrome pigment inks - the best of the best, plus they're UV and fade resistant.

Your map will then be carefully rolled up and put in a strong cardboard tube.

These customer photos give you a good idea of what my maps look like. Some have been framed by me, some have been framed by the customer.

If you are planning to frame a map yourself, please read my map size guide first. Usually I can send you a map that fits perfectly into your frame.

Contact me if you're looking for other paper types, such as cotton rag.

Framed maps

Framed maps are delivered 'ready to hang'. They use the same premium paper and inks, so they look amazing and are UV and fade resistant.

My standard frame is a gallery style flat profile black ash hardwood. The width of the frame varies by map size, but is usually around 1.5-3cm (0.5-1in). It is a simple frame style that works in most homes and offices.

 

Standard frame colours

If you select "pick frame colour", you can change your frame colour to dark brown wood, oak, white, or antique gold. Changing the frame colour is a free customisation.

From right to left the standard frame colours are: Black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold.

Custom framing is also available if you're looking for a different frame colour or material, such as oak, walnut or aluminium. This costs extra for smaller maps, but is free for framed maps 125cm/50in or larger. You can select custom framing before you add a map to your cart, or you can get in touch before you order.

Framed canvas maps

I print on responsibly sourced cotton canvas with very high quality, fade-resistant inks. The canvas is then stretched over a handmade knotless finger jointed frame, made from certified sustainable pine wood. This stretched canvas is then "floated" inside a simple black wood frame, with a gap of around 5mm between the canvas and the frame.

The finished piece is 1.5 inches (38mm) deep and comes ready to hang.

Please note that because of the texture of canvas, some of the finer details on some maps will be harder to read than a map printed on paper. At 36x24 inches (90x60cm) everything should be legible. Contact me if you want to check before you order. I've also created a 'canvas collection' of maps that look great on canvas.