Careful, 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…
Proper 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…
The 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…
The 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…
By 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…
Matting 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…
When 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…
Physical structure is an important part of the right frame for each project, but it is the vast variety of available styles that makes the visual aspect of choosing frames so interesting and fun. A frame may be rustic, formal, ornate, playful, or contemporary. The finish might be rough, smooth, gilded, or shiny. By combining…
Picture framing is a time-honored profession, as well as a popular hobby. Decorating the walls with framed pictures is such an essential part of home decor that rooms usually look bare and deserted without some kind of art hanging in them. The inspiration for the first frames around pictures (decorative borders painted around wall paintings)…
Are you looking for a way to decorate your home and give it that personal touch? Displaying a group of photos in a collage picture frame is a great way to brighten up a room and keep those good memories alive. Instead of being hidden away in a scrapbook or photo album, your family snapshots…