Anatomy of a Frame
Updated: Oct 17, 2020
When getting a special piece of art framed, it's about more than just enhancing the beauty of the work. The materials and methods behind crafting the perfect frame matter. The goal is not only to have your art look fabulous, but to preserve it for many years to come. Here are some of the things we will guide you through when you come to visit us.
The Backing
The first step in protecting your art is the mounting methods. Whether you have a three-dimensional object or a photograph, it needs to be securely attached within the frame. If you have limited edition prints or original art, they should be carefully mounted using only archival reversible methods to protect their value. If you have a poster or something that you didn't pay a lot for, it can be bonded to foamboard to ensure it stays nice and flat in the frame. We always use the best materials available.
2. The Mat
Mats are the BEST! I love what they're able to do to enhance art as well as compliment the decor in a room. We offer a wide variety of archival mats that allow you to take the art in any direction you desire. However, they also serve a functional purpose; mats keep the glass off the art! Over time, photos can stick to the glass and damage may occur if the frame is exposed to condensation. Definitely don't want that!
Creativity has no bounds in mating! Add as many mats as you want, group collections of photos together, or add a mix of photos and objects within the same frame. It all depends on how you want the finished product to look.
3. Glass
The glass (or acrylic) we select for your art protects it against dust and any airborne pollutants that can cause damage. Our UV glass blocks 99% of harmful UV rays and slows the rate at which artwork fades when exposed to light. This is essential for any keepsake or signed piece. To minimize reflections without compromising protection, we recommend Museum Glass. It allows you the clarity to see all the colors in your art without the haze of old-fashioned non-glare glass while being 99% UV protected.
We will walk you through the different glass options as well as the right solution for a given piece. If you have something very large, it's probably best to go with acrylic. If you're framing for a child's room, you definitely want to get acrylic for safety.
4. The Frame
Picking out the frame is the most fun part of the process! It ties everything together. We've got tons of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for something simple or ornate, rustic or colorful, we can make it happen. If you're looking for something eclectic, we can layer different frames together to reflect your vision.
The frame is the point at which your art meets the room, so you want to take your time and make sure you pick a winner. Don't rely on images online to make a decision. Come in and see and feel the different colors and textures of the frames we have. The subtle nuances of the finish can make all the difference!
