Picture framing is a learned skill, a craft handed down at

U Frame It & The Poster Annex from generation to generation.

As our industry and our shop have evolved from the mid 70's to the present, so has our experience in dealing with any framing situation.

 

Together our staff has over  80 years experience.

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 Frame

­ Typically made of wood or metal, the frame provides the architectural ­ as well as decorative ­ support for a work of art. Frames can be built in all sizes and shapes and come in a variety of styles and colors to enhance your artwork.

 

Glazing­

A sheet of glass or acrylic that helps to protect the work of art from the surrounding environment. Glazing should never come into contact with the art. There are several types of glazing including UV (ultraviolet), non-glare, and anti-reflective. Ultraviolet filtering glazing is a standard element of preservation framing. It helps to protect the art from light damage.

 

Window Mat­

A border of mat board, placed over a print, photograph, etc., to serve not only as a design element but as a spacer between the art and the glazing. Mat board, commonly in 4-ply thickness, comes in different colors, and textures. The quality can vary greatly. For preservation framing the mat board should be 100 percent cotton (rag) or alpha cellulose (lignin-free) and buffered.

 

Art  In The Eye of the Beholder

 

Hinge­

They are made from Japanese paper and, generally, used with wheat or rice starch paste.   . They are used to hold the art to the back mat while allowing it to expand and contract with minor changes in temperature and humidity. Masking Tape, linen tape, or other kinds of solvent based adhesives are unacceptable methods of attaching artwork to the backing board because they can leave residue in the paper.   Also corner pockets (or photo corners) are not recommended for preservation framing because the corners are the weakest part of the paper and do not support the whole piece well. (Think about it, if you were being held up off of the ground would you rather be held up by your hands (corner pocket) or under your arms (japanese hinge). 

 

Backing  Board­

A preservation quality mat board on which the art is attached. Usually is made of cotton or purified wood pulp.

 

Filler Board

A board, generally  acid-free foamboard, used in the back of a frame assembly to occupy a vacant space or provide rigidity.

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