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.
