Is there a difference between custom picture framing and the frames you see in big box stores? Aren’t they all the same? The answer is a definite “no”. There are several differences, especially if what you are framing is of value or sentiment.
Standard picture frames are made in standard photograph sizes. Often artwork does not fit into these standard dimensions. That means either cutting your artwork (please don’t!) or putting it into a frame that is too large, with the cardboard backing showing in the extra space. Not only is this not visually pleasing, but that cardboard backing will slowly destroy whatever it touches as acid leaches out from it.
The materials used in most standard frames are inexpensive cardboard with chip board mats that will discolor over time and cause damage to the artwork or photos they touch. Have you ever seen a brown mark around a framed piece of artwork that seems to be seeping in from the mat border? That is the acid in the matting and/or backing that is causing an acid burn to the artwork.
Another important factor in picture framing is glazing (glass or acrylic). Standard frames usually come with a clear glass or thin plastic to cover the artwork. While this may protect the artwork from dust and dirt, it does nothing to protect the artwork from fading. Over the years I have seen hundreds of pieces come in the shop for reframing that have completely faded from hanging on the wall for years with only regular glass. Often these are valuable pieces. Once this happens there is nothing that can be done, and any value the piece had has faded along with the image.
Art House Custom Framing offers true custom picture framing, done onsite by professional picture framers. Instead of settling for whatever size and finish a standard frame comes in, we will advise you on colors and textures for your piece and proper methods and techniques for long term preservation of your artwork or other treasures. Our goal is to not only beautifully and creatively present your artwork and memories, but to help them last a lifetime by using conservation grade materials, non-destructive mounting techniques and glazing with ultraviolet light protection.
After the design consultation, we will set about framing your work, right onsite. Our workshop features state-of-the-art picture framing equipment including a computerized mat cutter with the ability to execute complicated designs and shapes, pneumatic double miter saw for clean cuts and a French Cassese joiner for precision corners. Unlike “big box” stores, your artwork and memorabilia never leave our shop. Other shops may call their work custom, but few offer the full design-to-build process onsite like Art House Custom Framing.
We invite you to visit us for a no-obligation design consultation, where we will help you select from a range of choices to suit both your artwork and your décor.