How To Avoid The Biggest Online Custom Framing Mistakes?

Picture framing is not something which we are not familiar with. We have been using picture frames since ages and they have always been a part of our life. Whether it is a diploma, a family portrait, or some valuable artwork which requires proper preservation, picture frames have always come handy. Though we are not alien to the concept of picture framing, we are still not intricate with the process. This is the reason why most of us shy away from purchasing a picture frame from an online store.

There is no denial to the fact that even the best of the online retailers of picture frames cannot replace the human guidance in providing the best frame for your artwork. Buying a picture frame definitely has some advantages over brick-and-mortar when it comes to less pricing and more options. There are some common mistakes which buyers commit while buying picture frames from any online store. Avoid these mistakes to get the best deal when it comes to choosing the right picture frame for your photo.

1. Choosing The Wrong Mat for Border

The basic function of mat is to protect the artwork from touching the glazing. With constant touch of the artwork and the glazing, the two might stick together and ruin the artwork. Besides giving protection, the mat also gives aesthetic appeal and attract more viewers. The biggest mistake what we do is by choosing a mat which is too narrow for the artwork. The mat border should be atleast two times the width of the frame. Always go for a larger mat border when you are in confusion.

2. Purchasing Too Many conservation grade materials

Since you are not aware about the right kind of conservation grade materials, you might end up buying too many of them. Since the materials comes at a price it might scale up the cost of the picture frame. There is every reason to buy these conservation materials but you should be careful about the selection of the material. Right glazing, matting and backing is required to preserve and maintain your artwork for long.

3. Giving less importance to Plexiglass than Real Glass

The most common misconception that is persistent in every human is the belief that whatever is expensive must be of a better quality. Plexiglass comes at a price dearer than actual glass but it is worth the amount spent on it. It is more durable and hard to break on being dropped, moreover it is clearer than glass. This is the reason why most of the museum artwork have plexiglass. The only disadvantage of plexiglass is that it has to be saved from scratching and chemicals.

4. Placing order without checking samples

Buying picture frames is not similar to purchasing clothes online. Since a lot of emotional value is attached, it is advisable to order sample before placing the order. Most of the online retailers will send you samples if you will insist. After looking at the sample, the customer will be in a better position to decide whether to go for the same or not. Ask as many questions as possible to satisfy yourself before finalizing your online picture framer.

If you will consider all these factors carefully you would be in a better position to choose the right picture framer who fits your requirements and budget. PaintBox Art & Framing can further help you on account of its years of expertise in choosing the best framing material for your frame. You can select from the various custom picture framing material like Plastic, Veneer, Metal, etc. All you have to do is to follow your gut feeling and choose the best material for your artwork. By choosing the most appropriate framing material to custom frame any piece of artwork, you will not only help in preserving it, but you will also ensure that your framed art is enhanced both in its look and life-span.

Why to go for Customized Picture Frames?

Picture frames with a personalized touch are known as customized picture frames. It is the art of making your picture frame all the more unique and stylish in every aspect. It gives your artwork a look which sets it apart from the crowd. You get the feeling that your artwork is being viewed and appreciated by maximum viewers.

Another advantage of going for customized picture frames is its ability to adapt according to the situation. You can choose a frame according to the occasion and take the maximum out of it. Select the best picture frame with a special message engraved on it for your mother on mother's day to show your respect and gratitude towards her. Choose a special picture frame for your wedding with the picture of couple to make your wedding day even more special. Personalize your picture frame with your favourite color, material and font options available.

With an ocean to choose from, you can give the look which you always aspire for your picture frame. You can go for picture frame according to the picture which you want to frame. For an old black and white photo, wooden frame with a traditional look will serve the purpose well. While for a colourful marriage photo, silver-plated picture frame will give the much needed contemporary look. You can also go for picture frames based on the hobbies like frames on the theme of sports or environment, etc.

If you are running a business, a properly selected customized picture frame can help you in enhancing your brand awareness. You can go for a picture frame with your business name and logo engraved on it. These frames are placed on shelves or desks within a office and attracts every person around. Every time someone sees it, brand awareness and brand reputation is increased.

Customized picture frames are available in all shapes and sizes. You can select the one which best suits your need. The various dimensional picture frames can accommodate any picture of any size and shape. This helps in going for framing your photos without cutting down their corners to make them fit in the photo frame. A customized picture frame can be used to frame and protect various digital art, certificates, paintings, photo and other important documents.

The next task in your hand is to search for an ideal framer who can give you right alternatives at an affordable price. Apart from choosing the right design, shape and size, proper value should be given towards material used for the frame. You can trust the framer's professional advice if you have chosen the right one. Paint Box Art& Framing, the one-stop-destination for all your picture framing needs offers you the best service in the industry.  You can choose one of the customized picture frame according to your need and budget. Just remember one thing that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy in frame picking. You have to keep in mind that framing is a form of visual communication. The better your communication would be, the better it would be for your artwork. A better "finish" in framing is well worth the extra time and investment in the long run.

Can your Artwork sustain the test of time without Picture Frame?

An artwork is the prized possession of you and it's your responsibility to take care of it. You should do everything to help it survive through the test of time. A picture frame is something on which you can rely as far as protecting your artwork from environmental hazards is concerned. A beautiful and quality picture frame can help your artwork both with looks and protection.

A beautifully designed and matted framed can protect and visually enhance your artwork. Beside this picture frame has a practical and economic consideration as well, a framed artwork attracts more viewers and can be sold more easily and quickly. A good picture frame selection is an art itself and requires both good taste and some basic knowledge of picture framing. The better educated you are about the protection and conservation of your artwork from environmental hazards, better it will be for your artwork. Some of the dangers to which your artwork is prone to is mentioned below:

Protecting against LIGHT

Though it may sound strange but light is perhaps the most common and greatest danger for artwork on papers. Ultraviolet radiation, the invisible short wave component of light is the most destructive element for your paper. The source of ultraviolet radiation is both natural and artificial in the form of natural daylight and fluorescent light. To avoid damage from light you should never hang your art directly in the sunlight or too close to a bright fluorescent light. Thus a good high quality picture frame can help your artwork survive the test of time.

Protecting against MOISTURE

The moisture which is present in the paper or in the environment can be the detrimental factor for your artwork. The moisture present can combine with sulphate ions in the presence of iron resulting in the formation of sulphuric acid. This acid destroys your paper and the artwork on it. Another danger that moisture can bring upon is the mould. Due to moisture, mould thrives and grows on the paper appearing as dull rust-coloured patches called “foxing”. So to avoid the impact of moisture on your artwork proper picture frame is required.

Protecting against INSECTS

Insects like silverfish, termite, cockroach, woodworm, etc can bring significant damage to your artwork. These insects thrives and grow with the passage of time and destroy your artwork. Though termites and woodworm usually grows on wood but they are enemies of anything which is made of cellulose, including paper. These insects will slowly and steadily get into your artwork and devour the flour paste and glue sizing. The damage these insects will bring is irreparable and you can only stop them by a quality picture frame.

Protecting against HEAT

Heat falling directly on your artwork can also destroy it completely. Exposing your artwork to heat will lead to deterioration of paper because of the high temperature. Never hang your artwork near direct or even indirect heat as even the ashes containing sulphate can damage the artwork. Keep your artwork away and safe from getting too much heat. A well designed and high-quality picture frame can help you with protecting your artwork against heat.

The next task in your hand is to search for an ideal framer who can give you right alternatives at an affordable price. Apart from choosing the right the right design, shape and size, proper importance should be given towards material used for the frame. You can trust the framer's professional advice if you have chosen the right one. Professional framers like PaintboxArt& Framing can advice you to choose the right frame according to your need and budget. Just remember one thing that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy in frame picking. You have to keep in mind that framing is a form of visual communication. The better your communication would be, the better it would be for your artwork. A better "finish" in framing is well worth the extra time and investment in the long run.

Frame Sizes are Vital for Your Pictures – Learn More

If you take pictures, then understanding frame sizes are important. Picture frames help encapsulate your treasured memories and keep them alive for a long time. Using beautiful wooden or metal frames gives your photos an exquisite look and makes them wonderful pieces of art for your home. Pictures require perfect framing to get the best beauty out of them. With countless companies manufacturing hundreds of different picture frames regularly, the variety of picture frames are stupendous.

Frame sizes come in a huge selection of sizes, but they are generally categorized into standard and non-standard sizes. Standard means the sizes are more common and are typical photo sizes. Frame sizes are measured in inches in US and in centimeters in most other parts of the world. The frame size is intended to represent the size of the picture not the exterior size of the frame. The frame will always be a little smaller than your actual image.

Before you buy a frame always pay attention to whether the frame can be used vertically or horizontally. Often times you will find that the frame can only be used in one direction. One of the reasons is due to its frame size. For example a heart shaped frame can't be turned it on its side, otherwise it would be a sideways heart.

You may think that picture frame sizes are not vital for research, however photography enthusiasts are excessively careful to buy the right picture frame with the perfect size. A frame with correct dimensions and proportions help highlight the beauty of a picture to great effect.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind while choosing the perfect sized picture frame:

1. Overall Size:

The overall size of the picture frame is directly related to the picture involved. The pictures that are meant to be hung on the wall look splendid in enormous picture frames. Smaller frames are best for pictures that are to be placed on a shelf or table.

2. Picture Dimensions:

Picture frames are available in different dimensions. You need to choose the picture frame according to the dimension of the picture. Frames with dimensions of 6 x 4 or 7 x 5 allow pictures to be placed horizontally as well as vertically. An 18 x 24 frame is a popular frame size choice among photography fanatics. These are used for posters, large family portraits or exclusive pictures.

3. Outside Frame Size:

This is the dimension of the outermost part of the frame. It is important when you need to  place the frame in a limited space.

What to do if your frame is of wrong size?

• If your frame is the wrong size for your art, don't toss it just yet. There could be a way to solve your problem without wasting the whole frame!
• If the frame is too large, add a mat. If you already have a mat and that is also too large, you can either add a mat reveal underneath or buy a new mat that is wider. Replacing the mat is more affordable than replacing the frame.
• You can also choose to float mount your artwork. This involves mounting the art on a backing board which will be visible between the edges of the art and the frame.
• If the frame is too small, your options get limited. If it's possible, you can crop the image but, this isn't recommended.

Photo framing is an art all of its own. Framing a photo or a poster requires an eye for aesthetics. Understanding the standard photo frame sizes, is a good start because these frames are most  common and affordable. Custom framing is usually expensive, so customers are well-advised to stick to standard frame sizes. Matting is a solution when irregularly sized photos or artwork need to be framed. It also makes photo look professional. There are special techniques for mounting and framing posters and other valuable collector items. Those framing posters often use special materials like plexiglass and handcrafted materials. There are a lot of custom framing shop that provide you with the best frames with all sizes. Some of them are Framebridge, Chemould Frames,  Framehouse, Paintbox Art and Framing, Paintbox Soho.

Whether you're looking for a cheap picture frame to display your child's drawing, or a fine museum quality frame, you can make your pictures look beautiful using perfect frame sizes.

Get Your Picture Framed for Better Value

“The right framing is the final exclamation point on the finished artwork.”

Framing can make or break a work of art. It really does make a difference. Even a not-so-good painting seems to improve in proper framing. The chief reasons to frame your art is to enhance your work, compliment it, to protect it from damage from elements like moisture and dust and from physical damage from handling, touching and transporting. Often, a client will see piece of artwork, fall in love with it, and then say, “but that frame …...” Is there anything more discouraging than having to re-frame a piece when you put so much time and investment into framing it in the first place? Wouldn’t it be great if you could find exactly the right frame every time? And, of course, framing is also a matter of taste. What works for one painting may not work for another. And what one artist likes may not be appreciated by another as it is with clients purchasing artwork. There is so much to choose from in frames.

Its really a great job of accentuating your artwork. Some key issues that will help you choose a perfect frame-

Custom Framing...Is it really that important!- Whether you are framing a poster, your kid's hand-prints, or a fine work of art, custom framing will reflect your personal taste and protect your piece for years to come.

Surroundings to be kept in mind- While you should certainly consider the room's decor, you shouldn't match the frame to the room at the expense of what looks good with the picture. Keep in mind that the room decor may change in the future.

Perfect frame to enhances your art- Thousands of different frame styles are available along with sizes, stains, glazes, and finishes.

Preserve and Protect with Archivals- Some common framing materials such as paper mats and cardboard contain acid that will gradually destroy your art. Using archival mats and backing boards will help protect art from the damaging effects of time and from common pollutants that cause yellowing, fading and deterioration of artwork.

Choose glazing to protect your artwork- Glazing refers to the glass or acrylic material covering the artwork as a means of protection.

There are many variations including regular clear glass, anti-reflective (chemically coated), non-glare (acid etched) and conservation glass (specially formulated to help filter UV light). Acrylic glazing products that come in the non-glare and UV filtering varieties are making a mark in market. It is lighter in weight and safer than glass but requires a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleanser. It is ideal for oversized pieces, frames hanging in children's rooms, or items to be shipped. Market is overwhelmed with techniques that can be applied to your art work, such as hand crafted picture frames, fine art- Giclee printing, floating frames, picture enlargement, wet/dry mounting, face mounting photos, plexiglass box frames.

Everyone should aim for consistency. Sure, not all of your work can be framed in exactly the same way, but if you can keep your framing as consistent as possible, you will simplify the decision making process and your framing will become a part of your brand. Employ your artistic eye to find the perfect match for your work, or find a framer who also has an artistic eye and have them help you find the right frame.

PaintBoxNolita, PaintBoxArt Framing, PaintBox Soho have years of experience in custom designing Frames, hand-crafted frames, floating frames. They are a helping hand in providing perfect frames that will enhance your artwork and also protect it from external elements and with all the decisions that go into properly framing your picture.

Why are Picture Frames Costly

Custom Frames can be a costly affair and especially intimidating for those who are getting it done for the first time. The frame, matting, glazing, etc. all adds up to an amount which is more than what the customer has in mind. It is not uncommon for customers to feel cheated or go for a much cheaper ready-made option after knowing the cost involved. Hence, it is important to understand the frame value chain, in order to fully appreciate the cost involved in framing.

Value Chain

To understand the framing value chain, it is important to understand how a wooden boards are turned into a molding and quality that is desired for custom picture framing.

Wooden board needs to be cut into shape on turning bit at a high speed. This way we get the desired shape and size of the frame. The benefit of this process is customized, intricate design which is as per customer exact specification. The uniqueness of this process and workmanship, therefore make it expensive to produce. There would be a visual difference between a hand cut frame and a mass produced frame. This is the primary reason hand cut frames are costlier than other kind of frames.

Post this process, the molding is providers a high quality finish by coating it with quality paint such as lacquer, gesso etc. The extra material and labor adds up to the cost, and the end product is an sophisticated looking frame with great aesthetics.

Journey from Manufacturer to Wholesaler

Once the molding is ready to be shipped, next in value chain lays the wholesaler. The packaging required for the molding depends on the size of the mold and brings an extra cost of packaging, transport with it. A framing wholesaler’s mark-up will be anywhere between 10% and 50% and often they sell their inventory in a very small area, thus charging premium for this facility.

Journey from Wholesaler to Retailer

This is where most significant mark-up happens in the whole value chain. i.e. between shopkeeper and consumer . On an average a store can mark-up the price to as high as 400% . So the question arises is Why?

We need to understand the economics of running a shop. In case of a molding manufacturer, they have the option to sell to the whole country from one place, but for a frame shop next door, who has a target consumer base of a neighborhood it is quite difficult to generate high volumes. Generating volume is a problem for these retailers, hence to earn profit and pay of their bills the prices are marked-up. This is especially applicable on a Mom and Pop shops who sell considerably less frames when compared to a huge retail chain, hence a Mom and Pop store sells frame for more money than a popular chain store.

In today’s day and age, there are other avenues to buy frame. Buying frames online can be a cheaper option but customization offered online is minimal. There is also very less assistance and guidance available online. These online stores may provide video or tutorials, but nothing beats a face to face interaction with an experienced framer. But then as we discussed this comes with a price tag.

Eventually a decision to buy frame should be made based on your requirement and budget. If customer does not have an idea about the custom picture frame, then buying online can be a bad idea. In that case, face to face sale is best form of option. Online option is only best when you want a reasonable frame, with no customization at a cheaper budget.

Breakdown of a Picture Frame

In today’s day and age, digital picture has made taking, processing and viewing pictures easy. Along with the times, Picture frame has also seen some evolution. Digital picture frame can show multiple images like a screen saver. Classic picture frame seems like old age technology today. Indeed picture frame history dates back many years and have seen lot of evolution. However, there are some basic fundamentals of picture frame that has not changed ever since frame came into existence.

The Actual Frame

Picture frames essentially do the job of enhancing your image. Frames are generally made of wood, metal or plastic. The most common materials of which frames are wood and metal.

Wood Frames: Wood frame varies greatly from costly oak molding to bamboo molding. There are varied types of wood frame available in as many types of wood present in market. Wooden frames can bring old age feeling and sophistication to your photograph.

Metal Frames: Metallic frames are much simple to design when compared to wooden frames. Specialty designs can be obtained in Metal framing - such as brushed rounded corners (by using chemicals) and baded designs.

Glazing

Glazing can be made of Standard Glass or Plexiglas. Standard Glass is the most common glazing used and is inexpensive and readily available. Standard glass is the best option for reproduction prints, posters and artwork.

Plexiglas is lighter than glass, and less dangerous to handle. Plexiglas, in its most advanced form, provides most of the benefit of museum glass and has the ability to filter 50-75% of UV rays along with being anti-static and scratch resistant. Plexiglas is a great alternative and preferred choice of framers around the world.

Matting

Mats can be made of cardboard or other materials and serves as a frame within a frame. Mat separates picture from direct contact with the glass and creates a small air space between photographs. Glass also prevents moisture build up. A mat can be decorated as per photograph’s specification- colored, decorated or pure white. The more acidic the mat material quicker the artwork is bound to deteriorate. Normally mats made of cotton are great for preserving art work.

Mounting Board

This holds the picture against the mat. This is often the first step in framing process. Normally cardboards are used as mounting board material but framers normally advice against using them. Cardboards are acidic in nature, and this may be detrimental for the artwork over the years. Mounting board with polystyrene core are generally good as they are acid free, have smooth surface , warps less and can be cut smoothly

So these are the 5 major components of a frame. While selecting suitable frame, all the guidance should be taken into consideration. However, nothing beats the beauty of an experience framer. It is recommended to try various options before finalizing a frame. As this happens so often, even if thing do not look good, might just look great and provide valuable experience to user about choosing correct picture frame.