How Can I Tell If a Piece is Worth Framing?
If you like it, it’s worth framing. It really is that simple.
How Do I Choose a Frame?
With literally thousands of options to choose from, finding the perfect frame for your art can be a bit overwhelming. You can probably narrow down the options considerably based on your own tastes, and you can always ask one of our experienced frame artists for advice if you get stuck.
Should All My Frames Match?
Unless you have a designer house and all of your art fits the same mold I would probably recommend some variety in your framing. Some people do all black frames but the style may vary depending on the art. The problem with this might come when you have a piece that doesn’t look good in a black frame. Keep in mind that you can have consistency without having an exact match.
Do I Need to Use Glass?
Any type of artwork on paper should be framed with glass or plexiglass to keep bugs and other damaging elements away from it. Art on canvas or wood is typically framed without glass.
What’s the Difference Between Glass and Plexiglass?
Glass is the familiar and less expensive option. It is easy to clean, but it has a slight olive tint and it is more fragile than plexiglass. If the glass in your frame breaks, you will probably end up with damaged art. Plexiglass is a little more costly, but it is also lighter, stronger, clearer (no color tint), and provides about 85 percent UV protection to your art. Plexiglass needs to be cleaned with a soft cloth and a non-ammonia cleaner. It is not suitable for pastel or charcoal drawings unless there is significant spacing between the art and the plexi. If you require more UV protection, both glass and plexiglass are available with 98 percent UV protection, though this does add a slight yellowish tint to both materials.
What’s the Purpose of a Mat?
A mat serves two functions. First, it is a decorative element that provides a visual space between the art and the frame and prevents the finished piece from feeling crowded. This can be especially helpful if you have a carved frame that might look too busy if it were placed immediately next to the art. Secondly, a mat creates air space between the art and the glass. In most cases you never want glass directly against your art because it can condense moisture and damage your art. (Using plexiglass can get around this difficulty.)
How Wide Should the Mat Be?
There is no single answer or formula to calculate the right size mat for a given piece of art and a given frame. However, there are a few guidelines. For example, in most cases you don’t want the mat and the frame to be the same width, as this can cause a striping effect that draws the eye away from the art. Also it is often the case that a narrow frame will look better with a wide mat and a wide frame will look better with a narrow mat. Of course, none of this is set in stone, and each piece presents different considerations and different solutions. Our framing artists will work with you to select the right size mat for your project.
What Is a Floating Mount? When Should I Use It?
In a floating mount, a piece of art is placed on top of a solid mat board so that the edges of the art are exposed. This type of mount is ideal for situations where you want to show off a deckled or torn edge on a piece or for when important bits of the image extend all the way to the edge of the art and you do not wish to cover them with a mat or frame. Floating mounts often include a spacer or shadowboxing to create air space between the art and the glass. We can also raise the art off the backing to create a little extra shadow. This is called a pedestal mount. One final type of floating mount is a glass float, where we mount the art between two pieces of plexiglass so that the wall behind the art will show through when it is hung.
Do You Do Archival Framing?
Yes. We offer archival framing using museum- quality materials including acid-free 100 percent cotton mats and UV protected, non-glare glass and plexiglass.
Can You Help Me Create a Photo Wall?
Certainly. Here is where a little planning can go a long way. To keep a wall from looking too frantic, it’s a good idea to choose two compatible tones to use for all your frames. Some good combinations are black/silver, mahogany/gold, black/gold or walnut/gold. Within these combinations you might determine whether you want to stay with a modern or traditional feel. This can also translate into older pictures having vintage frames and more recent pictures having modern frames.
Can I Get a Quote on a Framing Project?
Of course. The more specific you can be about your needs the more accurate we can make your quote. Do you need top-quality archival framing or just a basic frame? Do you want glass or plexi? Wood or metal frame? Matted or not? Call us for help understanding your options and we’ll be happy to give you a quote.
What’s the Benefit of Using Allan Jeffries Framing Over a Hobby Shop?
Although many hobby shops have framing departments, they simply cannot compete with the quality of craftsmanship and customer service you receive at Allan Jeffries Framing. And they certainly cannot match our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Our custom frames are built by professionals with years and years of experience. If any detail of our work on your frames is ever flawed, we will do whatever it takes to make it right, even if it means remaking the entire frame.