FRAMING - TECHNICAL COMPONENTS

(For further technical aspects follow links to Moulding and Matboards)

Conservation Framing

For those items with monetary, investment or sentimental value (photographs, letters, original drawings) we suggest special framing techniques to prevent the damage that can occur naturally over time. Work of value should never be trimmed or altered in any way. Mounting is done using acid-free foam core, conservation hinges and paste. Rag mats (100% cotton conservations mats) are used to prevent damage to your artwork. All adhesives are acid free. Removal of the art at a later stage is possible and the art is easily restored to its original, unframed condition.

Moulding

At Art & Framing Solutions, we carry hundreds of styles, shapes and colors of moulding. We have a wide array of wood mouldings in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Woods come in all kinds of finishes to match your decor. Cherry, walnut, oak, mahogany and ash are just a few of the possibilities. Our mouldings go from very narrow to very wide; from shallow frames for small pieces to deep frames for shadowboxes.  The mouldings come with a great variety of carved, beaded and embossed decorative features. Colors are as varied - for example, traditional gold and silver, or driftwood browns and blues.  You will easily find the frame which perfectly suits your artwork and your home decor. In addition to wooden frames, we offer an extensive selection of frames in aluminum, Formica and other materials.  We continually update our choice of mouldings, adding the latest styles and fashions to our already vast selection.

Mats

One of the main reasons for using a mat is to help protect your artwork by keeping it separated from the glass and allowing an air flow in the frame. Without a mat, the paper or photo emulsion may stick to the glass.

Mat boards provide a beautiful decorative quality. At Art & Framing Solutions we often combine two or more mats to create a distinctive design. Mats that feature printed panels, grooves cut around the opening, decorative corner cuts or other special elements help contribute to the uniqueness of your framed piece.

Mats add depth to the framing. They give flat artwork an exciting dimension. Two or more mats create a stepping-stone effect around your artwork. Mats add width and give the artwork visual breathing room. A series of mats creates a buffer, setting the art apart from an ornate frame or a busy wall covering behind it.

Mats add color. By combining dramatic or subtle mats, we emphasize both major and minor colors in your artwork. A series of mats which highlight specific colors, helps coordinate your artwork with the colors of your room.

*Fabric Mats: In addition to mats made of colored paper and board, we offer fabric-covered mats. A fabric mat looks particularly good with reproductions, portrait photographs and certain types of original paper artwork.

*Multiple-Opening Mats: You aren't limited to putting just one item, photo or piece of artwork in a frame. By cutting several windows within a mat board, you create a frame that tastefully displays several related pieces such as a group of cherished family photographs or snapshots from a memorable vacation. Multiple openings are economical. Instead of buying several small frames to hold a number of related items, you save money by having multiple items combined into one larger frame - with dramatic effect.

Liners

For oil paintings which are generally framed without glass, we often use a fabric liner which adds elegance to the artwork while providing added texture. Our liners come in many sizes, shapes, colors and textures.  Available are natural fibers, linens, suedes, velvets etc.

Enhancers and Filets

Another effective method for highlighting the fit between frame and picture is to make use of an enhancer or a filet.  Enhancers are like miniature frames that go along the inside edge of the frame to add dimension and texture to your work.   Filets are small pieces of wood that go along the edge of a mat.   The can be used to create a decorative lip on a frame. They  are especially suited for use with fabric mats such as suede, linen, silk or leather.

Glazing

When you bring in your artwork for framing we offer you a wide variety of glazing options that will help protect your art. Glazing does more than act as a barrier to dust and dirt; it can help reduce glare and protect art from harmful UV rays.

* Regular glazing can be used for almost any framing project that doesn't require preservation. Regular glass has an advantage in that it allows the true colors of the artwork or photo to be seen without distortion. However, because of the surface glare of regular glass, you may not be able to see the artwork clearly if you are viewing it at an angle.

* Anti-glare or anti-reflection glazing reduces the amount of glare from lighting sources. Non-glare and anti-reflective glass products have an advantage in that they keep the room lighting from interfering or reflecting off surfaces so that the artwork is clearly visible under these types of glazing. 

* UV-filtering glazing protects your artwork from harmful UV rays that can cause fading and deterioration. Conservation glazing should be considered any time conservation framing is being used to protect the artwork. Conservation glazing helps prevent fading from both natural and artificial light sources. It is available in both glass and acrylic.

* Plastic (plexi glass) is lightweight and resistant to breakage. This makes it a good choice when framing oversized works of art or for use in areas where broken glass would be a hazard, such as a child's room or a hospital room.

Caring for your custom frames

Lift the frame from the wall and hold it so that its front surface is tilted away from you. Use a feather duster or a soft cloth to remove dust, or simply blow gently over the moulding. Dust so the particles do not fall on the front glass or painting surface.

Never use detergents - or plain water - to wash moulding. The liquids might damage the finish or run down inside the frame, damaging the artwork.

If the glass needs cleaning, very lightly dampen a lint free cloth with a mild glass cleaning solution. Carefully wipe the glass with the cloth. Never spray the cleaner directly onto the glass as the liquid might run inside the frame and damage the artwork.