At Artistic Framing – Our Goal Is – “Taking Your Art from Ordinary…To the Extraordinary”

It is always worth the time it takes to work with a client – to question and Truly Listen in order to bring about the best design possible for the client and the art. We know that good design has the ability to last a long time, perhaps several lifetimes. When Art is framed to the standards we follow it can make the piece an heirloom to be cherished and planned for. The power of presentation and good design will almost always stand the test of time.

There are 5 levels of detailed specifications defined that clearly set out what you can expect from your picture framer.

1. Minimum
2. Budget
3. Commended
4. Conservation
5. Museum

It must be noted that even the lowest Levels 1 & 2 exceed the quality standards of most mass-produced “supermarket” frames.

At Artistic Framing we operate 3 Levels for simplicity and clarity,
Standard (Commended)
Conservation
Museum

We have found that our customers bring pictures to us because they have value to them, in sentimental or monetary terms, or both. Therefore, it seemed logical to adopt a system that, at the “Standard” level, a customer may expect a minimum standard of quality and expertise that will enhance the quality, value and security of their picture, now and for the future. If you require a more enhanced level of preservation then you have a choice. For temporary displays, lesser quality materials can be used, but then this is reflected in the price. The quality of the the workmanship involved remains the same.

The first rule of picture framing is that the frame package which you create should look good to you!

The best quality frames are made of either metal or wood.  Wooden frames usually have a warmer, more inviting and traditional look. In contrast, metal frames, with their straight edges and sharp corners, tend to portray a bolder and more contemporary, even industrial look.

At Artistic Framing, we use a supplier for both the metal and wood that is delivered in “stick” lengths; it allows us to custom cut each frame to the exacting measurements your project requires. There are many frame sizes that are considered “standard” and sold at Big Box Stores, but they can’t compare to having “hand-built” frames to the exact size, quality, and finish required to protect your works of art for generations.

For starters, nowhere is it written that a frame must have matting.  It is quite acceptable to not use any matting at all.   The only consideration is that some kind of spacer will be needed so that the artwork does not touch the glass. Over time, any contact will result in the two sides sticking to one another when natural moisture and temperature changes occur. There are 3 distinct decisions to make with regards to matting. These are deciding upon a quality grade, the number of layers and which color(s) to use. Grade refers to how well the mat materials will preserve the artwork over time. Preservation is measured by the acidity level (pH-value) in the mat.  The more acidic the material the quicker the mat and the artwork will deteriorate over time.

Once you have selected the matting, the decisions become much more straightforward.  Mounting board, also called foam board, is the back of the frame and it is what the artwork is attached to. Sometimes cardboard is used as a mounting board, but at Artistic Framing we recommend against this because cardboard is very acidic and will quickly yellow the artwork. Our high-quality mounting boards are all low or acid-free and used in consideration for the protection of your project.

The last step is to choose what kind of glass, or glazing, you would like on your frame.  Glazing is the cover that protects everything in a frame. As with matting, glazing is optional and certainly not required. Of course, without glazing the artwork will be readily exposed to any temperature and humidity changes, but this is more important for some pieces than others.

At the Artistic Framing we sell all types of glazing and will be happy to share with you all the differences between glazing and the protection levels each offer for your project.

For additional answers to questions regarding Standard, Conservation and Preservation framing please click on the “Common Question” link on this page, call or e-mail us with your questions we are happy to be at your service!