Key Components of Custom Framing

You found a frame shop you feel comfortable in and are ready to bring in your piece to be custom framed. Before doing that, it is important to understand the parts of a custom framing job.

Matting

Matting is a compressed layer of paper available in a wide variety of colors used to enhance or protect a piece. There are various quality levels of matting available.

Ideally, matting used for custom framing is made from a 100% cotton core treated to be acid and lignin free. Any acidity or trace lignin in the mat can cause irreversible damage to your piece.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is paper matting. This unbuffered, untreated matting comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors, but due to acidity should not be used for any valuable piece in framing.

Matting is available in a wide variety of styles. Most matting will have a solid white core, visible when the mat is cut. Some matting will have a solid color core in black or a complimentary color. Mats can be smooth, textured, or covered in fabric. A quality frame shop will be able to offer even more decorative options than just how the mat comes from the manufacturer.

Matting should always be accompanied by an acid-free backing board.

Molding

Molding is the material used to make the frame. There are three basic kinds of molding: wood, metal, and plastic.

Wood molding is without a doubt the highest quality molding you can get. Solid wood molding is available in any number of natural stains, paint jobs, gold leafing, or profiles.

Metal molding is the smart budget choice for many kinds of pieces. The molding joins on the ends with metal brackets that securely hold the contents in place. Metal molding lacks the variety of traditional wood molding, but does offer bright colors otherwise not available.

Plastic molding is the least expensive option. The problem with plastic molding is the durability. Even when freshly made, the molding is likely to warp and break. It is best to avoid plastic molding at this time. Some companies are currently working to improve the quality of plastic molding so it can become a viable option for custom framing.

Glazing

Glazing is the technical term for glass in custom framing. It is used to protect the piece from light and outside contaminates. There are three basic styles of glazing: clear, non-glare, and museum/masterpiece.

Clear glazing is the least expensive choice for custom framing. It is available in both UV and non-UV protective styles. This is best used for pieces that will not be seen in direct sunlight because of the glare.

Non-glare glazing is the mid-level price choice for custom framing. This is also available in UV and non-UV protective styles. The glazing is treated with a chemical coating to actually etch a non-glare surface on the glazing. This style is not recommended for black and white or text based pieces. Non-glare glazing diffuses the light source, making it difficult to notice high contrast details. This style should also not be used for shadowboxes or deep molding. The non-glare glazing process is more noticeable the further away it is from the piece. This makes it more difficult to see the piece past the non-glare treatment.

Museum/masterpiece glazing is the most expensive choice for custom framing. It is only available as UV protective glazing. When used in custom framing, museum/masterpiece glazing looks like there is no glazing at all. It offers a higher level of clarity than clear glazing while also taking on non-glare properties. This is the ideal choice for custom framing, but the high cost can be a deterrent to some.

For oversize pieces, acrylic - available in clear and non-glare varieties - should be used. It is lighter and will help create a safer custom framing package. Acrylic should never be used on loose pigment art (pastels, charcoal, graphite) because of the static charge that will ruin the piece over time.

Other Important Parts

If you are framing a piece without matting, you need to use spacers. Spacers keep the glass off of the custom framed piece.

A dust cover should always be used to protect the back of the piece from environmental contaminates, including insects.

Ideally, wire hangers should be used in custom framing. If wire hangers are not used, two top loading hangers should be placed in the upper corners of the frame.

Plastic or felt bumpers should be placed in the lower corners of the completed custom frame. They help prevent damage to your walls and the frame job.

Finally, proper picture framing hooks should be used to hang the completed piece. It is the safest and easiest way to hang your custom framed piece.

Conclusion

It is important to understand just what parts are necessary for a custom framing project. With an understanding of the wide variety of matting, molding, glazing, and other necessary components, you can make an educated decision on what your piece needs. This will allow you to focus more on choosing the right framing design for you.