Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the most commonly asked framing questions:
Do I need to have my image printed out before coming in to get a quote for framing?
Yes. Please have your images/prints that you wish to get framed printed out BEFORE coming into the store to pick out framing. It is important that you bring whatever you wish to get framed into the store with you, already printed out, so that our experts can be sure we have a proper measurement of the image. We do not provide printing services on site, but can provide recommendations on where to obtain printing services.
I have a painting that is rolled up and I would like to hang it, what are my options?
A canvas that is rolled, will need to be "stretched" in order to display. Stretching entails building a wood "frame" out of stretcher/strainer bar material and wrapping the canvas around the sides. Staples are typically used at the back to secure the painting. Once stretched, a painting may be framed with a decorative frame around the image, or it may be hung without a frame so that the canvas sides would show. We have considerable experience with stretching very large canvases as well as original works and materials such as linen, cotton or burlap.
What is a Gallery Wrapped canvas?
A gallery wrapped canvas is stretched onto strainer bars that have a larger depth (1.5"-2") on the sides where the canvas wraps around to the back of the stretcher bar frame. Typically, gallery wrapped canvases are meant to hang without a frame, and most times the image is painted or printed on the edges to be seen as part of the design. Staples will be on the back of the art so that the sides are clean and undamaged. A canvas that is already on deep gallery style bars can be framed, however, the depth of the frame is a consideration.
Can you explain the different types of Glass?
Basic Glass - This type of picture frame glazing is the most common in ready made frames that you find in retail stores or online. Basic glass protects your art from dust and scratches only. It does NOT protect your artwork from harmful UV rays or contain anti-reflective properties.
Conservation Glass - offers the highest level of UV protection available in the industry. Over time, exposure to indoor and outdoor UV light rays can contribute to fading and deterioration of art, photographs and other artwork. Conservation glass blocks up to 99% of UV rays to protect against fading and help keep framed pieces brighter, longer.
Museum Glass - Anti Reflection picture framing glass with Conservation Grade UV protection is the best glazing option for art, photographs and other keepsakes. Along with a nearly invisible finish, it effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful UV light.
Acrylic (plexiglass) - Acrylic is ideal for large pieces due to it's weight compared to glass. Picture frame grade acrylic is about 1/8' thick, and will not yellow over time. While extremely durable and suitable for items to shipped or moved frequently, acrylic is more fragile than glass in that it scratches easily and should be cleaned only with a soft cloth. Acrylic can be purchased with UV protection, anti-glare and reduced static, but it should be noted that acrylic for framing is more expensive than glass.
What is Acid Free matboard, and do I need it?
The problem with acid is that it migrates. Once it seeps out of an acid bearing material it can contaminate anything it comes in contact with, especially the art contained within the frame. Matboard should act as a barrier and hindrance to acid migration. Most all matboard in production today has been through an acid neutralization process and is safe for a variety of framing needs. For museum grade protection, we recommend a conservation archival grade quality mat made of 100% acid free, lignin free cotton or alpha cellulose fibers. These boards will never become acidic over time.
How do you handle framing stitchery?
Whether you are framing cross stitch, needlepoint, or other fine craftwork, we treat it with the utmost care. As with any fabric, we will use pins or AttachEZ to smooth the fabric and attach to backing board. This process is fully reversible and will leave no adhesive residue. We also use the lacing technique as required. Stitchery can be framed with or without mats or glass. All cotton batting can be added underneath stitchery to create more dimension as preferred. We do ask that you wash and iron any pieces that are brought in for framing.
Can you frame mirrors or cut a mirror?
A custom framed mirror is a great addition to any home! We have over a thousand frame samples to find what works for you! We can also cut mirrors to fit frames that may have broken in moving. Mirrors are extremely heavy and require proper framing and hardware to have hang safely in your home. We can special order beveled mirrors to size as well.
Do you repair frames?
We do perform frame repairs on wood frames. Many frames purchased at retail stores are made of poly styrene, which, unfortunately, we are unable to repair. We typically prefer that you bring in the frame for us to see what needs to be done before committing to any repair work. Repair work is charged at an hourly rate. We are more than happy to come out to your car and take a look to reduce the times you have to transport your frame.
Do I need to have my image printed out before coming in to get a quote for framing?
Yes. Please have your images/prints that you wish to get framed printed out BEFORE coming into the store to pick out framing. It is important that you bring whatever you wish to get framed into the store with you, already printed out, so that our experts can be sure we have a proper measurement of the image. We do not provide printing services on site, but can provide recommendations on where to obtain printing services.
I have a painting that is rolled up and I would like to hang it, what are my options?
A canvas that is rolled, will need to be "stretched" in order to display. Stretching entails building a wood "frame" out of stretcher/strainer bar material and wrapping the canvas around the sides. Staples are typically used at the back to secure the painting. Once stretched, a painting may be framed with a decorative frame around the image, or it may be hung without a frame so that the canvas sides would show. We have considerable experience with stretching very large canvases as well as original works and materials such as linen, cotton or burlap.
What is a Gallery Wrapped canvas?
A gallery wrapped canvas is stretched onto strainer bars that have a larger depth (1.5"-2") on the sides where the canvas wraps around to the back of the stretcher bar frame. Typically, gallery wrapped canvases are meant to hang without a frame, and most times the image is painted or printed on the edges to be seen as part of the design. Staples will be on the back of the art so that the sides are clean and undamaged. A canvas that is already on deep gallery style bars can be framed, however, the depth of the frame is a consideration.
Can you explain the different types of Glass?
Basic Glass - This type of picture frame glazing is the most common in ready made frames that you find in retail stores or online. Basic glass protects your art from dust and scratches only. It does NOT protect your artwork from harmful UV rays or contain anti-reflective properties.
Conservation Glass - offers the highest level of UV protection available in the industry. Over time, exposure to indoor and outdoor UV light rays can contribute to fading and deterioration of art, photographs and other artwork. Conservation glass blocks up to 99% of UV rays to protect against fading and help keep framed pieces brighter, longer.
Museum Glass - Anti Reflection picture framing glass with Conservation Grade UV protection is the best glazing option for art, photographs and other keepsakes. Along with a nearly invisible finish, it effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful UV light.
Acrylic (plexiglass) - Acrylic is ideal for large pieces due to it's weight compared to glass. Picture frame grade acrylic is about 1/8' thick, and will not yellow over time. While extremely durable and suitable for items to shipped or moved frequently, acrylic is more fragile than glass in that it scratches easily and should be cleaned only with a soft cloth. Acrylic can be purchased with UV protection, anti-glare and reduced static, but it should be noted that acrylic for framing is more expensive than glass.
What is Acid Free matboard, and do I need it?
The problem with acid is that it migrates. Once it seeps out of an acid bearing material it can contaminate anything it comes in contact with, especially the art contained within the frame. Matboard should act as a barrier and hindrance to acid migration. Most all matboard in production today has been through an acid neutralization process and is safe for a variety of framing needs. For museum grade protection, we recommend a conservation archival grade quality mat made of 100% acid free, lignin free cotton or alpha cellulose fibers. These boards will never become acidic over time.
How do you handle framing stitchery?
Whether you are framing cross stitch, needlepoint, or other fine craftwork, we treat it with the utmost care. As with any fabric, we will use pins or AttachEZ to smooth the fabric and attach to backing board. This process is fully reversible and will leave no adhesive residue. We also use the lacing technique as required. Stitchery can be framed with or without mats or glass. All cotton batting can be added underneath stitchery to create more dimension as preferred. We do ask that you wash and iron any pieces that are brought in for framing.
Can you frame mirrors or cut a mirror?
A custom framed mirror is a great addition to any home! We have over a thousand frame samples to find what works for you! We can also cut mirrors to fit frames that may have broken in moving. Mirrors are extremely heavy and require proper framing and hardware to have hang safely in your home. We can special order beveled mirrors to size as well.
Do you repair frames?
We do perform frame repairs on wood frames. Many frames purchased at retail stores are made of poly styrene, which, unfortunately, we are unable to repair. We typically prefer that you bring in the frame for us to see what needs to be done before committing to any repair work. Repair work is charged at an hourly rate. We are more than happy to come out to your car and take a look to reduce the times you have to transport your frame.