Photographs are the eternal memories of the beautiful and heartwarming moments of life. People love to protect their loving memories in photographs. These photographs might get damaged with the passage of time. So, to make sure that the photographs remain in the best of their condition, picture frames were invented. Artworks, photographs, and paintings can be easily protected within these frames. Frames add aesthetic sense and beauty to the pictures. The finesse and the touch of fineness are increased via the use of frames. All Custom Framing at Wholesale is a local picture framing shop in Vancouver WA and Portland OR serving residents since 1990s. We can help you in preserving your memories and art work.
What is Picture Framing and Art Framing?
This technique involves the use of a wooden frame or a metal edging for the photographs, pictures, and paintings to enhance their beauty and display. It is used to protect them as well.
Shapes and Styles of the Frames
Wooden frames are a work of art as well. The carpenters and wood carvers have to work for days on them. The carving of designs and crafting add more appeal to them. The most common shapes in which they are available are the square and rectangular ones. Although oval and circular shapes are also available but they need more care and work to be made. Only the expert carpenters make these shaped frames. Star shaped or heart shaped frames are also made on demand.

Image taken from randallsartandframelasvegas.com
Choice of the Glass and other things while Framing an Artwork
Most galleries and individuals choose the glass making sure that it withstands the effects of UV light. Anti-reflecting coatings are also done on the picture frame glass. This makes the pictures more appealing and the viewer has more detailed insight into the artwork’s details. Here are a few things to consider while you are buying a glass for your frame:
- The item that you are going to frame using the glass
- The place where you will hang the frame
- The value of the artwork matters. You will want to have long-term protection for your artwork and pictures so using a much finer and stronger frame is advised.
A simple print will fade away in a matter of years while a painting will remain there for years. So, you have to estimate the cost of the framing as well according to the value of the artworks. One more thing to consider is that you have to add some anti-deteriorating agents to prevent the fading of the photographs.
Types of the frames
Frames can be used for various purposes depending upon their types. Here is a list of the types:
- Swept frames are for modern and traditional artworks
- Certificate frames are for your certificates
- Multiple opening are the frames that can hold multiple pictures at a time
- Photo frames are for single photos
Framing a picture
You have to make four important decisions while framing a picture or an artwork. Here is a detailed insight into them.
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Selection of the frame
You have to select the frame beforehand. The choice of the frame could be tricky. A metal or a wooden frame are generally opted by the people. Wooden frames are more elegant and give a warm and traditional effect to the picture. A metal frame is mostly used for bold and industrial images since it has sharp edges and design.
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Selection of mat board
It is the second most important thing related to the framing. The choice of the mat board is also critical. Mat is the material that provides the space between the artwork and the glass. It has to be less acidic to prevent deterioration. Wood pulp and cotton are mostly used for the matting. Matting can be done in many colors increasing the appeal of the frame.
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Choice of the mounting board
The mounting board is used at the back of the artwork. It could be a cardboard but a polystyrene core cardboard is more recommended. There are three types of mounting boards. The size is 1/8 and wood pulp is used in the boards. Acidity determines their quality since acidity is bad for the photographs and artworks.
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Glazing
Glazing is the last step of the framing technique. It protects the pictures and the photographs from temperature and radiations. Anti-glazing glass, acrylic glazing and anti-UV glazing is available in the market.
Picture framing adds appeal to your picture and provides protection to it as well.