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Framing Facts

We can frame (just about) anything!

Prints, photos, posters, original artwork in any medium, canvases (stretched or un-stretched), documents and diplomas, family heirlooms, 3D objects and collectibles… we love a challenge! Our talented framing designers will work with you to create the perfect framing to fit your home or office environment, as well as your budget. Our framing consultations are free of charge and no appointment is necessary. 

 

Need ideas?

Visit our framing galleries to view a sampling of projects we are proud of.

 

Are You Ready to Frame?

Here are a few things to think about before you come in:

  • Where will you be hanging your framed piece?

  • How big is the space? (You may want to bring a measurement!)

  • What sort of light is in the room? Natural or artificial? Bright sun or dark? 

  • Do you want this frame to coordinate with other framed pictures in the room? 

  • Will you want to match a particular color scheme?

  • Will you want to match furnishings or a style of décor (Contemporary? Classic? Modern?)

 

The FRAME

Choosing a frame

We will work closely with you to choose the perfect frame to fit your personal taste, the artwork and all of your design needs. We carry hundreds of quality moldings, wood and metal, from vendors such as Décor, Studio Molding, Larson Juhl, Nurre Caxton, Omega, Nielsen and Husar. 

 Our framing samples encompass:

·      • A full spectrum of color options

·      • Basic and rustic styles

·      • Ornate and decorative styles

·      • Natural hardwood finishes and stains

·      • Gold and silver painted finishes

·      • Matte or shiny metal

 

MATTING

What is “Matting"? 

A Matt is a 1/16” thick paper border cut to size with a beveled inner edge, to be installed as an acid-free layer between the artwork, the glass and the frame. The functional purpose of a mat is to keep the picture glass from resting directly on the artwork, and to protect fine quality prints and photos with an “acid free” barrier to preserve the artwork over time. Additionally, matting provides an aesthetically pleasing visual border around the artwork, usually 2” wide or more, and comes in a wide range of colors and textures. All of our Matting is made from acid free fibers, such as cotton, and will not yellow with age. 

 

Do I need Matting?

Occasionally a customer will choose not to purchase a mat for something simple such as a poster, photograph or fabric piece. In place of matting, we usually recommend “spacers”, which are 1/8” to 1/4” plexiglass strips that fit between the glass and the lip of the frame to protect the artwork from direct contact with the glass.

 

GLASS

What kind of glass should I choose?

Professional quality picture glass (the pros call it “glazing”) is necessary to protect your framed artwork from environmental elements such as light, moisture and dust. We carry 4 types of glass – regular clear glass, conservation clear glass, Ultra View glass, and Museum glass. The glass you choose will depend on three factors – the artwork, the environment in which it will hang, and your budget.

 

Regular clear glass: does not filter UV light, no reflection control, least expensive

Conservation clear glass: 99% ultra violet filtering, no reflection control, least expensive UV glass.

Ultra View glass: 99% ultra violet filtering, good reflection control, moderately expensive

Museum glass: 99% ultra violet filtering, excellent reflection control, most expensive

 

MOUNTING

What types of mounting are available?

Mounting refers to the method by which the artwork is mounted to the material backing the artwork (usually ¼” thick acid-free foam board).

 

Dry mounting: used to adhere photographs and posters to foam core. A thin heat-sensitive film is laid between the artwork and the board and set in a dry mount press, adhering every square inch of the artwork to the backing.

Hinging: Used with acid-free foam board to adhere limited edition prints, original signed art, documents or images that are of value, and anything that needs to be preserved. Usually consists of acid-free framers tape adhered to the top edge of the piece that is removable if necessary and will not damage the work with adhesives. 

 

Stretching: A mounting technique used to tightly mount a painted or unpainted canvas onto wooden "stretcher bars." The canvas is then stapled securely to the back (or sides) of the stretcher bars. Stretching also refers to the technique of mounting tightly stretched fiber art (needlepoint, embroidery, etc.) to an acid-free backing material, such as foam board.

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Stitching: With fabric pieces such as T-shirts or needlework we will often use stitching techniques to tack the item securely and archivaly to the backing so that the item does not . Our stitching is always done carefully and in the least obtrusive manner possible by our professional framing staff.. 

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Objects: If you wish to frame 3-D objects and memorabilia, we can do that too! We employ all kinds of techniques (velcro, stitching, archival glues, etc.) to securely mount objects to the backing of the piece. Bring your objects in for a one-on-one consultation with our professional framers – we'll give you plenty of ideas and work within your budget.

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