So I've got this idea that involves printing small on to a full Imperial sheet of Platine, 22x30 inches in size. What size of matte and frame for the whole sheet? Beuller?
I'd float mount it in a deep box frame (say 1 1/2 inches deep), no mat, use a dark contrasting background mount board, and go with something like a 24"x32" or 26" x 36" frame.
Anodized black aluminum frame, water-white glass (this stuff is incredible for getting rid of reflections and uv, and it's cheaper than museum plexi), 8 ply mat (or maybe even 8 and 4 layered, flush with each other, not inset, so it gives the illusion of a 12 ply, when done well this looks fantastic...I would say a 6 inch border on all sides, so in a 34x42" frame.
My dad just had an opening in Atlanta, and the gallery used the above mentioned water-white glass and 8+4ply combo to frame the work. The prints are all roughly 40x54 inches. Dead Link Removed
You probably noticed a wide variety of answers. It really comes down to what you like. If you observe a 8x10 picture in a simple 8x10 frame it has more of a snap shot look. An 8x10 print with a nice mat in an 11x14 frame or even a 16x20 frame will have significantly more presence. For a larger image, an alternative is float mounting it in a frame that is just a little larger, say 23x31, but deeper like a shadow box frame. The later requires what is typically a custom spacer though. If you want the frame to protect the image over time you do not want it against the glass so you will need a mat or spacer. The clasic gallery style photo framing consists of a simple black frame with a white mat. For an image that size I would suggest you go with at least 3 inches but 4 or 5 inches as shown in ROL's example photo will give it more of a gallery feel. Of course, larger mat means larger frame, glass and backing so more money.
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