Custom Framing

Custom framing is not for everybody.  It is perfectly fine to use ready made frames for standard sized items and ordinary applications, but what if you wanted to frame something unique and non-standard? What if you wanted to frame that beautiful shell you found lying on the beach in one of the Hawaiian islands from your last holiday? What if you want to preserve that hard earned diploma and give it a better presentation? Or, how about that racing cap autographed by Schumacher? The list goes on and as you can see, there is more than one reason for custom framing. 

Various works of art such as, oil on canvas, watercolour on paper, or cross stitched needlework are all very good candidates for custom framing with each one requiring different methods of framing. To ensure professional quality results, guidelines published by FACTS and PPFA defines practices that every custom picture framer should adhere to.

Anatomy of a custom frame

The following illustration shows the composition of a typical framing job for a watercolour on paper arwork.

The frame typically made of wood material is the prime foundation wherein all other parts will anchor and its versatility in design makes it excellent for showcasing any artwork. The addition of a glass is to keep external elements out of the frame package whilst the mat board keeps the artwork from sticking to the glazing. The mounting board is an acid-free mat board that is used as a base for the artwork. (Original artworks will be hinged so it wont be permanently fixed on the mounting board.) This filler board is just used (as its name suggests) to fill in the gap before being fastened to the frame using framer's points. Lastly, a dustcover is added to keep dust and insects out as well as to make the package presentable. Finally,  hanging hardware, company labels and felt bump-ons are added to complete the custom framing package.

Light and your artwork

Without light there would be no art, as light is what allows us to see and appreciate colour. It is one of the great ironies that the very thing that lets us enjoy colour also works to destroy it.

Have you ever seen a faded gum wrapper lying in the sun, bleached to a mere fragment of its original colour? Perhaps the paper had become brittle as well — ready to break apart at the touch of a finger. The damage you saw was caused by the sun.  Specifically, the sun’s damaging UV, or ultraviolet light rays.

  This UV image was taken by a satellite named SOHO and it shows what the Sun looked like on April 24, 2000. The eerie blue halo around the sun is the UV light radiating from it. The intensity of the UV matches the intensity of the  blue colour. Looks pretty but quite damaging.

Ultraviolet light rays are the same villains that your doctor warns you about. They cause breakdown whenever they come in contact with organic materials, burning noses, bleaching gum wrappers and ruining your son’s first finger painting. The damaging effects of UV light on artwork are cumulative and irreversible.

All this talk about invisible UV light rays would seem to spell certain doom for artwork, but thankfully that is not the case. Simply specify the use of UV protection glazing and your artwork will be spared the damage caused by these harmful UV rays.

Hanging artwork

All frames should be hung with special picture hooks with the exception of those with sawtooth hangers or ones hung from ceiling mouldings. Hanging a frame from a single nail allows the frame to easily shift away from level and thereby increasing the danger of being knocked off the wall. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to hang a frame from two hooks.

In cases of very heavy frames or when mounting frames on brick or masonry walls, the use of molly screws or masonry hangers is necessary. Hooks are available to be used with these types of hardware also.

Where to Hang It?

Picture frames should be displayed at eye level, but consideration must be given to individual needs. Pictures that are planned to be hung very high or low may require special designs of the matting to prevent an optical illusion.

It is not recommended to hang artworks on paper in high humidity locations such as bathrooms. It is also not smart to hang it in areas of high airborne pollution such as kitchens, with their grease and cooking pollutants.

Avoid direct sunlight. Heat and ultraviolet light will damage artwork fast. Although fireplaces are a popular place to hang art over, consider that heat and soot can contaminate or damage artwork.

Grouping Frames

Frame groupings can be formal or informal. While a formal grouping may look neater and tidier, an informal grouping may be used to generate more interest and provide a flow from frame to frame, or just be more aesthetically pleasing.

Cleaning Frames

Always remember that the pictures on your walls are what a visitor will see first. Consider your framed item as a piece of furniture. It will be around as long or longer than a couch or table. Make sure the quality and durability of your frame will stand up to the test of time.

Wood finish frames may be cleaned with a gentle furniture dusting product and a soft cloth. Gold or silver leafed frames should be dusted with a dry soft cloth. Metal frames may be cleaned with a glass cleaner applied to a soft cloth. Glass may be cleaned with glass cleaner and either cloth or paper. Plexiglas should be cleaned only with a soft cloth and Plexiglas cleaner. When you spray cleaners, be careful the rundown doesn't stain the mat or artwork.

The inside of the frame glass should be cleaned and checked at least every 3-5 years. Yes, the frame must be disassembled. This procedure allows you to also check the condition of the hinging of the artwork, mats, the tightness of the corners of the frame, etc.  Seek the aid of a professional picture framer to avoid damaging the artwork.