The Basics of Custom Framing Materials
When you walk into a house, you may see historical pictures or beautiful works of art. In a fan cave you may see jerseys and autographed photos on the wall. Each of these are framed to protect these special pieces of art, as well as to make them stand out and catch guest’s eyes. Each frame is chosen for that unique piece of art. That homeowner searched for “custom framing near me” to make this happen – and you should too!
Materials Needed for the Outside of the Frame
The outside can be made of a variety of material. Wood, metal or plastic are common choices.
Wood
• Natural wood has a rustic beauty to it. Natural wood is esthetically pleasing. Each piece is different, and the flaws are part of the beauty of the wooden frame. There are some downsides of having a wooden frame; they are more prone to damage in heat and cold. Natural wood for your frames can be more costly.
• Recycled wood (MDF) is made of compressed sawdust and then wrapped and sanded for a uniform look. MDF is cheaper than natural wood.
• Finger jointed wood frames are made by taking leftover wood and cutting it into pieces that can be used for a wood frame. This is a very creative way to have a unique frame for a unique piece of art. It will stand out. This can be a combination of real wood and MDF. This can be a cheaper way to create a frame due to using leftovers but there is a downside; If using a combination of woods making them stick together seamlessly can be problematic. Those that choose “custom framing near me” are choosing professionals that create beautiful finger jointed wood frames.
Metal
• Silver – although not very common, it is a beautiful finish on a frame. Silver makes items, like mirrors, look elegant. There is a drawback from using silver, it is expensive and will scratch easy.
• Bronze – the color of bronze can draw any eye to the frame. The downside is that it will oxidize after awhile and takes a lot of maintenance and care.
• Aluminum is the most common metal for frames as it is light, durable and inexpensive. Unlike other metals it does not oxidize or corrode.
Plastic
• Plastic is common due to the inexpensive cost.
• Plastic may not be the best option for expensive artworks or valuable items.
Mats
The mat is a thin piece of paper based material that is decorative and also functions to separate the art from the glass. There are different grades and styles of mats. There are economy priced mats and museum grade mats. Museum, also known as conservation, mats are thicker, better quality and offer the best protection.
Other Considerations When Searching for Custom Framing Near Me
When creating a custom frame there are factors that are not seen but need to be considered. One factor is how to attach the pieces of frame together. This could be through glue, staples or nails. There are pros and cons to each. For example, glue may not be visible like nails or staples, but it is not as strong. Other factors include the decision to use glass or acrylic glass on the front of the frame. Glass is deemed more professional and is less susceptible to scratches, but it is heavy and can make hanging large pieces of art difficult. Acrylic is stronger than glass and if it breaks, it does not shatter.
No one has the same items hanging on their wall and each home is decorated uniquely. Frames need to be unique as well. By choosing “custom framing near me,” a professional will walk you through every step of the process. The result? A perfectly framed piece that highlights the art, matches your home, comes with advice on where and how to hang it, and is preserved with UV resistant glass and acid free mats. Choose professional framing for all your art and treasured memories.
