Building frames is called ‘joining’ in the picture framing industry. There are several methods for joining frames, depending on the frame material and the equipment available. Most frames require four straight pieces of moulding cut with a 45-degree miter at each end. Each piece of cut moulding is called a rail. Assembling Sectional Frames Sectional…
DetailsThis traditional mat decoration method uses ink lines and pale washes of watercolor to surround the opening of the mat. French matting usually seems dignified or elegant depending on the colors and configuration of lines and washes. Traditionally used to frame engravings, handcolored prints, and watercolor paintings, French matting has become a popular decoration for…
DetailsThe surface of a mat can be decorated to enhance the visual presentation of the art. The main objective is to add something that improves the presentation, however it should be kept in mind that the decoration should not overcome the art. As a general rule of proportion, the decoration should be within the first…
DetailsCareful, accurate measuring is one of the most important parts of successful picture framing. When it comes to measuring art and determining mat and frame sizes, working with fractions is an important part of the process. Lots of people, including picture framers, find working with fractions a bit aggravating, but with a little practice it…
DetailsProper construction is essential to the durability and longevity of picture framing. But framing is made to be looked at, and decisions about color and design determine the success of the visual presentation. Every framed item begins with design. Designing attractive framing does not require great expertise, but it is very helpful to have a…
DetailsThe transparent sheet of glass or plastic (acrylic) that is placed in the face of a picture frame is called glazing. Glazing provides a protective cover for the artwork in a frame, protecting the art from airborne dust, grease, household cleaning chemicals and fingerprints. A few kinds of art can be framed without glazing such…
DetailsThe terms “archival,” “preservation,” and “conservation” are used interchangeably in picture framing to refer to framing that gives artwork the highest level of protection possible. In professional framing, this type of framing is recommended for all valued artwork, whether the value is monetary, historical, or emotional. Criteria for Conservation Framing All of the materials used…
DetailsBy today’s standards a room is not completely decorated until at least one picture is hung on the wall. The tremendous increase in the number of people studying art, the sale of prints and originals – even the popularity of the do-it-yourself picture kits – all confirm the fact that people today want pictures to…
DetailsMatting is a border that surrounds and supports artwork. It is sometimes called a “window mat” because the border is created by cutting an opening in a piece of board. This opening may be a circle, oval, octagon, or other shape, but most often it is a rectangle. A mat may be made from various…
DetailsWhen picture framers use the word “board,” they are usually referring to various types of paper board sheets. Matboard is a type of paper board made specifically for picture framing. There are two main types of construction. The most common is made of layers of paper, with a color sheet attached to the top and…
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