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Framing Tips and Tricks
Below is a list of Tips and Tricks that either you have submitted to us, or that we have discovered during our work in the framing business.
Tip #1 | Beyond measuring twice and cutting once
Although the old cliché is quite relevant, we recommend taking it even further. After you have measured you artwork size, mat offset and matting board borders, consider asking someone else to repeat the same steps without showing them your original measurements. If they come up with the same results as you, most likely your numbers are correct. If not, you will want to investigate where the discrepancy lies.
Tip #2 | Use compressed air from a can instead of a brush
While horsehair brushes are commonly used to clean and prepare artwork for framing, consider including the compressed air from a can as an alternative. The benefit is that since nothing ever touches the artwork, the potential for damage is minimized. Also, remember that acrylic scratches very easily. The less it is touched, the better.
Tip #3 | Don't forget to subtract for a mat offset
A mat offset is simply ensuring that the mat window is cut slightly smaller than the artwork being framed. This ensures that the mat will fit over the artwork without showing any edges. Typically most framers use 1/4" or 1/8" on each side fro a mat offset. If you do not have a ruler handy, no problem. Find a penny: the first pillars on either side of the Lincoln Memorial are 1/4" inch.
When assembling a frame (especially a metal frame with sharp corners) on a counter or table top, place a bath towel onto the surface first. This readily available household item will protect both the frame and the furniture from accidental scratches.
Tip #5 | Find the center of a frame before hanging it
To find the center of a frame before attaching the hanging hardware, pivot the top of the frame on a pencil. Find the frames center on this pencil. Finding the frame's center ahead of time will greatly aid in hanging the frame.
Tip #6 | Removing the acrylic protective sheet
Acrylic is shipped with a protective (usually blue) sheet on it. To easily remove it, find a round cylindrical object and roll it off. Useful items suitable for this task include a rolling pin, a poster frame wrapping or the cardboard center of a paper towel roll.
Tip #7 | Write it out
When purchasing frames through the internet, write down your artwork measurements on a piece of paper before going on-line. This extra step will definitely reduce mistakes. Also, remember to double-check for typos in the computer screen before completing the purchase.
Since there are always slight differences in how computer monitors display colors, if you are very specific about getting the mat color just right, we would recommend ordering sample swatches. This way you see the exact mat color you are purchasing. We sell swatches at a very reasonable price on our accessories page.
Tip #9 | Call if you have any questions
Tip #10 | Use the right tape
When adhering artwork to a mounting board, never use masking tape or some other type of normal household tape. Over time it will loose its adhesiveness, become brittle, and worse, the acid from the glue will damage the artwork. Professional framers will recommend a frame-quality tape such as Filmoplast. In addition to being made with acid -free materials, these tapes are made to be easier to tear than paper. This is important because if the artwork is accidentally pulled on or otherwise stressed, the tape will tear before the artwork. This reduces the chances of damage to the artwork.
Tip #11 | Measure with a dollar bill
A dollar bill is pretty much exactly 6 inches long. So if you fold it in thirds and then fold this into half, each of the creases will be one inch wide. Try it. You will be surprised how accurate it is.
It is often useful to hold things down onto a table or other flat work surface by placing a weight upon them. Professional frame stores have special weights that fulfill this task. You can accomplish the same thing by filling a few socks with some loose change. About 4 -5 handfuls will do. These weights will likely be welcomed little helpers.
Tip #13 | Install hanging molding when redecorating
If you are every redecorating a home by installing crown molding, consider using stock which is specially made to accept hanging hooks. This way no damage will be made made to the wall when frames are hung. Rearranging the frames becomes a simple task. Also, if you ever move, there will be no annoying holes to fill. Great for rental properties.
Tip #14 | Do not use Windex to clean acrylic
while it has many advantages over glass, acrylic, or Plexiglas as it is often called, scratches very easily. Make sure to use a terry cloth or one made with synthetic fibers when cleaning Plexiglas. Also, instead of spending a lot of money special cleaners, simply use warm water with a dash of dish liquid. It will do the trick just fine.
Tip #15 | Keep the matting simple
A common mistake that even the seasoned framer makes is to over-complicate the project by getting too fancy. It is important not to overburden the artwork. This can be avoided by using a simple wood or metal frame and a neutral off-white mat. In addition to saving a lot of money, keeping things simple will also ensure that they do not go out of style. After all, white matting has been around for decades and will probably not go out of fashion anytime soon.
When approaching a conservation-type framing project, remember that anything done to the artwork in terms of treatment or cleaning should be able to be "undone" in case something goes amiss. This is a rule that professional archivists follow.
Tip #17 | Spice up a room with "temporary" artwork
Can a frame outlast the artwork which it presents? Why not. Think of buying a simple wood frame and updating it from time to time with new pictures or posters. This is the perfect thing to do with a child's artwork. As they grow up, you can periodically replace the artwork. Beyond being a lot of fun, once the basic frame is purchased, replacing the artwork is not hard on the budget. And it will sure make an interesting conversation piece.
Tip #18 | Give a frame as a wedding present
Why not offer a frame or two the newlyweds? Such a unique gift will be remembered forever. And given the fact that so many photos are taken at a wedding, a frame might be a real winner gift.
Tip #19 | Take it to the office
Who says we can't take a smart looking frame to the office? Instead of using a standard store-bought frame, consider purchasing a custom-made frame. You will be able to choose a custom mat color and size at a relatively low cost, thereby adding a personal touch to a cubicle or hard-walled office.
Wire comes in many thicknesses. Be sure to read the label to determine maximum load before hanging. Also, remember that by using two wires instead of one, the total load per wire is cut in half. For example,e an 18 lbs frame can be hung with two 10lbs wires since each wire will hold 9 lbs. of weight.
Tip #21 | Buy art when on vacation
During your next vacation, seek out a quality piece of local artwork that captures the local culture or history. Artwork is convenient because it can be rolled up for easy transport and framed once back at home. The artwork is sure to be a conversation piece and will provide years of memories.
Tip #22 | When decorating remember that opposites can attract
At the risk of making your home look like a catalog or a franchise store where everything matches a little too perfectly, remember to mix and match a little. Sometimes the most oddly placed object can look just right. Did you know for example that when the Eiffel Tower was built, it was so disliked by Parisians that there were plans to tear it down. Today who could imagine Paris without the this wonderful landmark?
Tip #23 | Take your frame to the store when choosing fabrics, curtains, colors, etc...
Although most of us think of this the other way around, when decorating a room, you may find it helpful to take a frame that fits the decor your room to the store. This will enable you to see how various fabrics and furniture match with it.
When hanging pictures, remember that the average persons eye level is about 4.5 feet from the ground. Most of us hang pictures well above this mark.
Tip #25 | Avoid direct sunlight
Even the highest level of conservation framing will not last generations if it is regularly exposed to direct sunlight. Artwork, matting and even the frame itself is organic material which inevitably decomposes over time. The objective of framing is to slow this process as much as possible by controlling how elements such as UV rays, temperature and moisture interact. Now you know why museums do not have any window.
Tip #26 | Paint walls a neutral white color and instead decorate with artwork.
Consider decorating your home not by painting the walls a unique color, but rather by decorating with artwork. White or off-white walls will give you more options with regards to using artwork in creating a unique style. And when it comes to selling your home, your real estate agent will be thrilled to have white walls. Not only does the neutral color have the lowest risk of being unattractive to a potential buyer, but it also makes rooms look bigger.
Tip #27 | Put your posters in a frame and "wow!" things look a whole lot better.
Consider purchasing an inexpensive, yet attractive metal frame for your posters. We specifically recommend the Nielsen Profile #15. The frame and backing will cost about $32, and you can add glazing for an additional $22. As your tastes change, you can replace a poster for under $10. Yet a quality frame will last for decades and give your home an sharp look.
When moving into a new home, instead of buying expensive cardboard, consider individually wraping frames in bed sheets, bath towels, or even newspaper to prevent small scratches and dents.
Tip #29 | Shadow Boxing 3-Dimentional Items
There are so many things that can be framed in addition to 2 dimensional art. Everything from needlework to a coin collection can be put in a frame. This so-called shadowbox framing can be a fun project.
Tip #30 | Discover the fun of drawing.
If you do not have anything to frame, consider enrolling in a drawing class. You might be surprised how little practice is necessary to begin expressing yourself through drawing. This is something that the whole family can enjoy togeather. Like playing an instrument, drawing is a skill that any child will carry with them for the rest of their life.
Tip #31 | Use a piece of cellulose or blue tape when nailing into drywall.
Placing a piece of tape over the area where a nail will be inserted into drywall will considerably reduce the risk of chipping. This will make it much easier to fill any unsightly holes if you decide to move the picture somewhere else.
Tip #32 | Hanging pivot points as close to the top of a frame as possible
To keep a picture flat against the wall, make sure that the framing wire is placed as near the top of the frame as possible. By raising the pivot point, the frame's center of gravity will also be raised thereby ensuring that it will hang flush with the wall. Of course, this trick works the other way around if one wishes for the frame to tilt towards the floor; a common method used when trying to reduce glare from the glass.
Tip #33 | Keep the coorogated corners
When you purchase a frame, either online or from a retail store, it will most likely be wrapped in protective hinges. Do not throw these away. They can be reused with either the frame you purchased or with another frame when storing or moving.
Tip #34 | Hinge artwork from the top only
When you hinge artwork onto the backing board, it is recommended to only use tape at the top of the piece. As the frame hangs on the wall, gravity will pull it down. And since the artwork will not be 'stuck' between two points, the chances of buckling will be reduced when inevitable temperature and humidity changes occur.
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