Digital BW, The Print

Apologies if these are questions of taste but I am not sure where to start.  I am at the 
point where I would like to get some of my prints framed and have some basic 
questions:

1. How much of a (white) border is necessary around the print - presumably the card 
mounting board frame must overlap the print to some extent....(sorry if I am using 
the wrong terms)

2. What is customary practice re signing and numbering prints? ie where and with 
what 

3.  Are there any particular things I should ask of or check for with a framer (or for 
that matter when buying materials to do my own framing)?  ie UV glass etc, quality of 
mounting board etc

4.  I have read with interest all the posts re coating but, to be frank, buying mayer 
rods and spreading gunk looks like a recipe for disaster in my hands.  Are their easier 
alternatives with an "acceptable" loss of quality?  If you use a coating, do you still 
have to mount behind glass?


Thanks in advance

Steve