Custom Picture Framing ~ Helpful Hints

Some things to consider before getting your picture framed:

v Is it important that your picture fit into a room’s décor? What are the colors in the room? How much space do you have for the picture? The answer to these questions will help determine the frame color and style, mat color and width.

v Do you want to frame the piece so that it looks its best without consideration for where it will hang? This decision will lead to choices that may be different from those above.

v What is the value of the picture to you? This will determine what types of materials are used in framing the piece and the final cost.

v How much do you want to spend? Custom picture framing can be expensive. It takes up to 20 different materials, 15 tools and the framer’s time to put it all together. The cost of the actual frame varies significantly and every picture has a unique combination of pieces customized to your needs.

v Some decisions are easy, others are hard. You should feel comfortable with all of the decisions you make. Remember, you and not the framer, will be looking at your picture for years to come.

v If you have an existing framed piece that no longer fits, does it need a completely new treatment or will a new mat color do just as well? Sometimes taking a picture apart to clean the glass inside and out and replacing the mat can achieve dramatic results. Often replacing the material behind the picture with an acid-free material can stop the paper from developing “age spots.”

Here are some of the decisions you will need to make:

v Frame selection

v Mat selection: single mat, double mat or more, colors, width of all mats

v Glass selection: regular glass, non-glare glass, conservation glass to reduce UV fading, plexiglass

v Special handling of picture: dry mounting, fabric mounting, other needs

v Do you need moisture resistant framing for a full bath, boat or other damp location