Many people wonder if there is a difference between framing custom pictures and buying a “standard” size frame from a department or craft store. A frame is a frame, glass is glass, mat is mat, what does it matter? Why should you pay a little more money when there is really no need? There is a difference, it can be very important, especially if the art or item you want to put in that frame has some sort of value or is of a specific dimension, and the extra cost of doing so is well worth it. Not everything requires a custom frame, but for certain types of art or items there really is no other option. Also, it pays to be smart about choosing a custom framer. Not all facilities that advertise themselves as offering custom frames actually provide that service. The following information and guidelines should help you in your decision-making process.
The benefits of having your art custom framed:
• No forced fit – the size of the art determines the final size of the mat and frame – perfect symmetry (ie if your art is 6″ x 17″ in dimension, you are not required to purchase a mat and frame in 16 ” x 20″ resulting in “strange” borders)
• Unlimited options in moldings and mattes
• High-quality, acid-free materials to protect your art and keep it in pristine condition
• It’s more affordable than you think (call and compare prices)
• Preservation of value: poorly treated works of art will quickly deteriorate and lose their value
• Confidence in knowing the work was done professionally – different types of art require their own special treatment – a canvas should not be framed in the same way as a charcoal sketch, needlework, etc.
The drawbacks of buying a store-bought “standard” size frame and making it yourself:
• The frame (often plastic or resin)
• Glass (probably not UV, or worse yet, an acetate sheet)
• The mat (usually made from a wood pulp product)
• The support (generally cardboard)
• All of these materials will damage any type of art because they contain high levels of acidity, which is extremely damaging to art.
• Glass won’t help much either because it lets in ultraviolet light, another “art killer.”
• Size limitations – you won’t be able to find a 6″ x 17″ frame if that’s what you need
• You don’t have to struggle trying to crop a photo, cut a rug, “glue” art, or force art into a space that is too small or too large
• You may have to pay to have the work done again, especially if you or someone unprofessional did the damage.
Any professional framer should use UV and acid free materials or museum glass to protect the art or item from environmental conditions such as sunlight, acid, air pollutants, etc. It’s always a shame to see a beautiful and original piece of art that has been stuffed into a store-bought frame with the intention of having it done by a professional later. When removed from the unprotected environment, the damage is clear: discoloration of color and inks (which can be clearly seen when viewed next to the area that was under the edge of the frame), yellowing (obvious when the mat is lifted). edges), evidence of cropping or cut edges on the art because it had to be forced into an inappropriately sized frame (sure to decrease the value of the art, if any), and so on. Once something has been mishandled, there is often little that can be done to repair it (at least as far as value is concerned).
There are all kinds of ready-to-buy photo frames available. You can find them almost anywhere you shop, from retail and home stores, to craft stores and the local “dollar” store. They’re perfectly fine if you have a photo of the family dog or a greeting card you want to display. However, these types of frameworks are not acceptable for much more than that. Do some research, make a few calls to custom frame shops in your area, and of course don’t be afraid to ask these questions:
• Does your facility use acid-free materials and offer ultraviolet or museum glass?
• Is framing work done on-site or “hired”?
• Do you have the resources to cut your own frames to size, or are you ordering “standard” size frames from the factory and then fitting the art to the frame?
• Are you familiar with handling different types of art? (For example, canvas, sewing, pastels, three-dimensional objects, textiles, etc.)
• Are you familiar with the proper treatment, mounting and framing of fine or valuable works of art?
• Is secured?
By taking the time to assess the importance of the artwork you’re interested in framing, doing some research, and asking a few relevant questions, you’ll be fully equipped to make the right decisions. Again, not every small photo needs a professional frame, but in the long run you’ll thank yourself that you made the right choice for the art that it should be.
