Ask the Expert
Eleven Things To Know When Custom Framing
1. Why custom frame?
Framing protects, enhances and conserves what you treasure. Whether you are framing a poster, your child's handprints or a fine work of art, custom framing will protect your them and also reflect your personal taste. Left unframed, objects or art will become damaged and can be easily misplaced or lost. You will keep a well framed piece of art longer than much of your furniture.
2. How should the framing and surroundings relate?
While you certainly should consider the room's decor, you shouldn't match the frame to the room at the expense of the picture’s presentation. Keep in mind that the room decor may change in the future. Choose matting to enhance your artwork. “Matting” is the term used to describe the "window-cut" material placed around an image within a frame. Mats can be made of a variety of materials such as paper, cotton and fabric in a wide range of colors. Mats serve as a spacer from the glazing and possible condensation as well as allowing the artwork to expand and contract with changes in humidity. Matting makes the overall size of the finished piece larger and provides a space for the eye to rest between the art and the frame. This visual breathing space enables the artwork to have presence within its surroundings.
3. An ounce of prevention
Many times cherished art is damaged prior to arriving at the frame shop because it is improperly stored or transported. If it's a rolled piece such as a poster, serious damage can be caused by rubber bands, tape, paperclips and even a gentle squeeze. Make sure that the artwork is placed in a folder, protective covering or tube. When lifting a piece of paper art, including photographs, always use two hands. Lifting paper with one hand can cause "half-moon" shaped creases in the paper. Try to lift the paper by opposite corners.
4. It's all in the details
When working with your designer at Mat About You, consider some of these details that can add a distinctive flair to your project: fillets, liners, stacked mouldings, creative window openings or fabric mats. We are familiar with these options and can help you decide what works best with your item. Sometimes it's the smallest element in framing that makes your artwork stand out.
5. Choose the best frame to enhance your art
Thousands of different frame styles (also called mouldings) come in many different widths and heights and in a variety of stains, glazes and finishes. Frames can be used in combination to build a truly unique presentation that will add additional size and color to your custom-framed art. A fillet, a narrow moulding inlaid inside the mat or frame and coordinated with the frame moulding, can be used to provide an inspired multi-dimensional look to your art. The possibilities are nearly endless, but we can help you choose the best combination for your very own presentation
6. Archival/conservation materials protect your art or object
Some common framing materials such as paper mats and cardboard contain acid that will gradually destroy your art. These materials may be appropriate for posters or art that you do not plan to keep for very long. Using archival mats and backing boards will help protect art from the damaging effects of time and from common pollutants that cause yellowing and deterioration.
7. Mounting your artwork properly
Dry mount and wet mount processes bond artwork to a board to prevent it from bubbling or crinkling and are most appropriate for posters and photographs. Pieces of any value generally should not be dry or wet mounted since these processes are irreversible and can greatly affect any resale value. Museum mounting, commonly known as hinging, attaches the art with Japanese paper hinges to the board. The art hangs freely, allowing it to expand or contract with changes in humidity. Hinging or archival photo corners are recommended for original artwork, delicate photographs and other irreplaceable items. Objects like needle work and quilts, etc., should be stitched, pinned, and blocked when appropriate. Jerseys, garments and weavings, depending on the value and type of material, should be hung in the frame or lightly fastened or sticked. Glues should never be used to tack down garments.
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