About Framing
Moulding
The moulding is the frame. Most moulding comes in 9 or 10 foot lengths and the picture framer cuts it down to size and joins it in a vice. If a moulding is highly decorative or carved, the picture framer will need extra moulding so that he or she can cut at particular points along the moulding to match the design at the corners of your frame. That is why mouldings that are more elaborate are more expensive. When choosing a moulding for your artwork be careful not to choose something that will draw attention away from your artwork. You can put a traditional, ornate frame on a modern piece of art or a simple, contemporary frame on an older piece as long as it doesn't overcome the artwork.
Fillets
Fillets are small pieces of moulding that are used either inside the mat or inside the frame as an enhancer. Fillets are a nice alternative to having a colored submat and can give a picture a very polished look.
Matting
Preservation:
The mat is used when framing an original piece of art on paper to separate the glass from the artwork. It is necessary to use a pH neutral or acid free mat for this will prevent the artwork from becoming discolored and brittle. The best mats are cotton rag, lignin free with added buffers.
Proportions:
The
matting is also used to give the artwork some "breathing space". You never want the artwork to appear cramped within the confinements of the frame and therefore reduce its visibility and importance. The classic proportions of 4" on the top and sides and 5" on the bottom give the artwork breadth, depth and elevate its stature.
Color:
The key to selecting a mat for your artwork is to choose a color that will not be so contrasting that it will detract you eye from the artwork. It is safest to go with a neutral mat color or a color that is dominant throughout your art so that it will be most compatible.
Glass
There are many different types of glass but we've broken it down into 3 simple categories;
Regular: Good for most art but can be quite reflective if there is direct sunlight or overhead fluorescent lighting. It does filter ultra violet rays up to 45% and is suitable for most works except highly sensitive works such as watercolors or pen and ink drawings.
Reflection Control: Reflection Control or Non-glare glass is good if you know your artwork is dark and/or if it will be in glaring light. This glass also filters out ultra violet rays up to 45% but remember, if it is an important piece do not expose it to direct sunlight.
UV Glass (Reflection Control
or Clear): This glass is recommended for valuable, fragile, and older pieces. It will filter up to 97% of the harmful UV rays out of the light. It is more expensive but think of it as extra insurance on your favorite piece of art.
Hinging
When you ask for conservation framing, your framer will most likely use conservation corners to hinge your artwork inside the frame. Conservation corners are small pieces of pH neutral plastic that hug the corner of your artwork and are sticky to adhere to the backing. This enables you to take the artwork out of the frame without damaging it. Conservation hinging means that it can be undone. You never want your original artwork framed so that you can never get if out or off the framing materials.
If you have designed the framing of your artwork to float (which means that it lies on top of the mat instead of having the mat open on top of the art), the framer will use pH neutral plastic framer's tape or Japanese Hinging. While the framer's tape is releasable, it will not be strong enough to hold a heavy piece of paper for a long time. Japanese Hinging uses rice starch, which is pH neutral, to attach the artwork to its
matboard.
Backing
When you ask for conservation framing, your framer will use an acid free mat, paper or buffer. This will enclose your artwork into a pH neutral envelope within the frame and therefore preserve it.
Last Words
Just remember:
- When framing an original piece of art to ask for conservation framing. It will insure you artwork from damage and maintain its value.
- Do not choose a mat color that will distract your eye from the artwork
- Bigger is better when it comes to mat size.
- Framing can make a piece look like a million bucks or like you bought it at a
flea market.