Frames

When I choose not to offer frames for our prints, I do so for good reason.

The world of picture frames provides a surprisingly wide variety of options, with the number of possible frame variations numbering in the thousands. To offer just a few of these on our website would be insufficient and lack sophistication. Since we cannot provide an adequately broad selection for our high-quality printed images, we leave the choice of the perfect frame to our customers.

While I don't deal in frames directly, I still think it's important for our website visitors to be familiar with the essential technical aspects of picture framing. This knowledge will enable you to make the best choice for your unique situation and preferences.

Understanding the different types of frames is crucial in choosing the right one for your artwork. Frames not only enhance the appearance of a piece but also protect it from environmental elements.

Frames come in various materials, each offering its unique aesthetic and protective qualities. Popular options include wood, metal, and synthetic materials, each suitable for different styles and preferences.

Framing solutions for paper prints

Mounting

What is Mounting?

Mounting is a framing technique used to support, enhance, and preserve artworks and photographs. It involves affixing the artwork to a stable backing or mat board, providing a protective layer between the art and the frame. This process not only helps to keep the artwork flat and secure within the frame but also adds an aesthetic dimension by creating a visual buffer or border around the image.

Importance of Mounting

Preservation: Mounting protects the artwork from potential damage caused by direct contact with the glass or acrylic cover of the frame. It prevents the artwork from buckling or wrinkling under varying environmental conditions, such as humidity changes.
Aesthetic Appeal: By adding a mat or mount around the artwork, you can enhance its visual appeal. The mount can be selected to complement both the artwork and the frame, adding depth, contrast, or a harmonious transition between the art and its surroundings.
Focus and Isolation: A well-chosen mount can isolate the artwork from its environment, focusing the viewer's attention squarely on the piece. It can also serve to visually separate the artwork from the frame, preventing the frame from overpowering the image.

Choosing the Right Mount

Material: The choice of mount material is crucial. Acid-free and archival-quality mats are preferred to ensure long-term preservation of the artwork without discoloration or damage.
Color and Texture: The color and texture of the mount should complement the artwork. While white or off-white mats are universally flattering, colored mats can be used to highlight specific elements within the artwork.
Size and Proportion: The size of the mount should be proportional to the artwork and the frame. A larger mount can make a small artwork appear more significant and vice versa. The proportion of the mount can also affect the artwork's perceived dimensions and impact.

Mounting Techniques

Different techniques can be employed depending on the artwork type and the desired aesthetic effect. Some common methods include:

Dry Mounting: Affixing the artwork to the mount board using a heat-sensitive adhesive, ideal for photographs and posters.
Hinge Mounting: Attaching the artwork to the mount board with hinged tape or corners, allowing the art to expand and contract with changes in humidity. This method is preferred for valuable or delicate artworks.

Mounting is an integral part of the framing process, offering both protective and aesthetic benefits. Whether you're framing a cherished photograph or a prized artwork, the right mount can significantly enhance the overall presentation and longevity of your piece.

Mounting: Size Considerations and Cutting Methods

Size Considerations

Border Width: The width of the mount border around the artwork should be chosen to complement the size of the artwork itself. Larger pieces may benefit from wider borders to create a sense of space and focus, while smaller pieces might need thinner borders to avoid overwhelming the artwork.
Aspect Ratio: Maintaining the correct aspect ratio between the mount and the artwork is essential to preserve the visual balance. The mount should accentuate the artwork without distorting its intended presentation.
Overlap: Typically, the mount overlaps the artwork by a small margin to ensure it is securely held in place. This overlap is usually minimal, around 1/8 to 1/4 inch, and should be uniform on all sides to maintain symmetry.

Cutting Methods

Straight Cut: The most common and straightforward method, where the mount is cut with clean, straight edges. This technique is versatile and suitable for a wide range of artworks, offering a classic and timeless look.
Beveled Cut: In this method, the edges of the mount are cut at an angle (usually 45 degrees) to the face, revealing the core of the mounting board. This creates a more dimensional and decorative edge around the artwork. Beveled cuts are particularly effective in drawing the viewer's eye towards the center of the piece and adding a touch of elegance.

Advanced Cutting Techniques

For more bespoke framing solutions, advanced cutting techniques can be employed to create unique mount shapes and designs. These might include:

V-Grooves: A thin, V-shaped channel cut into the top layer of the mount, adding an additional decorative element around the artwork.
Multiple Openings: Creating multiple openings in a single mount can accommodate a series of related artworks or photographs, allowing for a cohesive display within a single frame.
Custom Shapes: For a truly unique presentation, mounts can be cut into specific shapes to match or highlight elements within the artwork. This requires precision and is typically done with the aid of computerized cutting technology.

Choosing the right mount size and cutting method is as much an art as it is a science, requiring a balance between the artwork's requirements, the frame's style, and the overall desired aesthetic. Whether opting for a simple, straight cut or exploring more intricate techniques, the correct mounting approach can significantly enhance the visual appeal and preservation of your framed artwork.

Protection for Paper Images

Acrylic vs. Glass:

When it comes to protecting and displaying paper images, the choice between acrylic and glass involves balancing clarity, weight, and safety. With advancements in materials technology, shatter-proof options are now available for both, enhancing the safety and durability of your framed artworks.

Acrylic (Plexiglas or Lucite):

Durability: Highly resistant to impact, making it ideal for areas where safety is a concern.
Lightweight: Easier to handle and hang, especially for large artworks.
Clarity: Provides clear visibility, though it requires careful cleaning to avoid scratches.

Shatter-proof acrylic options further ensure that, even under stress, the material won't break into dangerous shards, making it a safe choice for households and public spaces.

Glass:

Laminated Glass: This consists of two or more glass layers bonded with an interlayer, which holds the glass together if it breaks, reducing the risk of injury.
Tempered Glass: Treated to be stronger than standard glass; it shatters into small, granular pieces instead of sharp shards upon impact.

Both shatter-proof glass options provide enhanced safety without compromising the aesthetic qualities of traditional glass. They are particularly recommended for valuable artworks, public spaces, or homes with children and pets.

UV Protection:

Whether choosing acrylic or glass, consider UV-protective treatments to safeguard your artwork from fading and degradation caused by sunlight exposure. Both materials can be treated to offer this protection, combining safety with preservation.

Choosing the Right Material:

The decision between acrylic and glass, including shatter-proof versions, depends on the artwork's placement, the frame's size, and personal preferences regarding safety, maintenance, and appearance. Shatter-proof options offer peace of mind, especially in environments where safety is paramount, without sacrificing the visual appeal of your framed artwork.

Framing solutions for canvas prints

Canvas prints offer a timeless and versatile way to display art, blending well with both traditional and contemporary interiors. When it comes to framing, canvas prints provide a unique set of options to enhance their appearance and preservation. Below are the framing solutions available for canvas prints:

Stretched Canvas

The most common way to display canvas prints, stretching involves pulling the canvas over a wooden frame (stretcher bars) and securing it in place. This method presents the artwork with a three-dimensional aspect, ready to hang without additional framing. There are two main stretching options:

Gallery Wrap: The image extends around the sides of the stretcher frame, creating a continuous look that doesn't require additional framing.
Museum Wrap: The sides of the stretcher frame are left white or black, focusing attention on the front of the artwork. This is often chosen when all the details are central, or the edges are not meant to be displayed.

Floating Frame

A floating frame adds a sleek, modern touch to stretched canvas prints. This frame type leaves a small gap between the canvas and the frame, creating the illusion that the canvas is floating. It’s an elegant way to frame canvas prints, offering a sophisticated edge without covering any part of the artwork. Floating frames are available in various materials and finishes, allowing for customization to match any decor.

Traditional Frame

Canvas prints can also be placed in traditional frames, a choice that adds a classic or rustic touch depending on the frame style. Unlike floating frames, traditional frames might cover the edges of the canvas, which should be considered when choosing this framing option. Traditional framing is ideal for prints that seek to complement the interior design elements of a room or to evoke a sense of historical richness.

Shadow Box Frame

Shadow box frames provide depth to the displayed artwork, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display. These frames are designed to encase the stretched canvas, offering protection and a unique visual appeal. The shadow box effect highlights the texture and depth of canvas prints, making them stand out.

No Frame (Unstretched Canvas)

Some choose to display canvas prints without any frame, embracing the raw, unadorned aesthetic. Unstretched canvas can be mounted directly to the wall with a mounting system or displayed in a less traditional manner, offering a minimalist and industrial vibe. This option requires careful handling to preserve the integrity of the print.

Considerations for Choosing a Frame

Artwork Style: The frame should complement the artwork's style. A modern print might suit a sleek, minimal floating frame, while a classical painting could be enhanced by a more ornate traditional frame.
Interior Decor: Consider the decor of the room where the artwork will be displayed. The frame should integrate well with the overall aesthetic.
Protection Needs: If the artwork will be placed in an area exposed to sunlight or handling, consider frames that offer additional protection, like UV-protective glass or acrylic for traditional frames.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of frame is a personal decision that reflects the collector's taste and the desired impact of the artwork.

Framing is a complex and personal choice, influenced by numerous factors from material to style. Due to this complexity, we've chosen not to offer frames directly. This decision allows you to find the perfect frame that matches your individual taste and the specific needs of the artwork, ensuring it's displayed and preserved exactly as you envision. We encourage exploring framing options with the knowledge we've shared, empowering you to make the best choice for your unique piece.