Why would you Leave Prints with a 5mm or 10mm white border?

Leaving a white border around a print, whether it’s 5mm, 10mm, or any other width, is a common practice in photography and printmaking for several reasons:

1. Framing: When framing a print, a white border can make the process easier, ensuring that none of the images is hidden behind the frame’s edge. This ensures the entire image is visible, even when matted and framed.
2. Handling: A border allows people to handle the print without touching the image itself, reducing the risk of fingerprints or smudges on the actual image.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Some people believe a white border enhances the visual appeal of an image by providing a clean separation between the image and any surrounding elements.
4. Matting: If you’re using a mat with a frame, a border can provide additional spacing between the edge of the image and the mat, which can be visually pleasing.
5. Protection: Borders can act as a slight buffer in case of minor damages or imperfections on the edges, which are more common than in the centre of a sheet.
6. Signing and Editioning: Especially in art, photographers and artists often use the border to sign and number limited edition prints. This way, the signature doesn’t interfere with the image itself.
7. Gallery and Exhibit Display: The white border allows for attachment without poking holes through the image when prints are pinned or attached to walls or boards.
8. Visual Break: The border provides a visual break, separating the image from its surroundings. This can make it stand out more, especially when displayed against busy backgrounds.
9. Professional Presentation: A white border often gives a print a more finished, professional look, signalling a deliberate presentation choice.
10. Flexibility in Cropping: Over time or in various displays, if someone decides the print needs more trimming, having a border provides flexibility without cutting into the actual image.

When deciding on the width of a border, the choice between 5mm, 10mm, or another measurement is largely a matter of personal preference and the intended display method.