Borders and Printing

This is something I was just having a conversation about with my sister and I was just about to post on here, but rather than start a second thread...

If you get a print made to be framed, do you print right to the edge of the paper or do you prepare a small border? I presume that the matt overlaps the print a little at the edges and if there is no border on the print then you are losing some of the image. I don't know how much overlap there is so I don't know if it significant or not. Presumably the larger the print the larger the overlap?!?

I recently printed out some 18x12 inch photos for my mother and was going to get them framed. Is it worth getting them reprinted with a border for the matt overlap?

If there's something critical on one edge just tape it carefully to the matt. If there's something important on each edge then maybe do a frame. I don't bother, personally.

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I have done some prints of my work with a matte added and if really doesn't matter to you, it just adds a nice border around the frame giving it a professional look. If you custom order a matte, it will most likely cover your photo about 1/4 inch to your photo. Hope that helps.

Personally I tend to put a border on all my prints. It provides space to handle the print and it gives you room to properly mount the print. If there is no room and improper mounting materials are used then over time it may show on the print. I custom matte all my prints that are framed so for me a little off here or there in the final measurements of the print is not an issue.