Custom framing is when your artwork is measured and each component of the frame is made specifically to fit your art. You can have stylistic variation in the type of frame, the color/finish of mat, the type of glass, and a wide variety of materials and frame accessories that are specific to your art that together yield a one of a kind finished project.
As a trained artist, I had no idea what exactly custom framing was until I started working in the framing department at Michael’s. Everyone is familiar with picture frames that can be bought from any craft or department store. These are called ready-made frames and they come in standard sizes and colors and aren’t made specific to the art. Below are 3 more important things to know about custom framing. From simple prints to fine art, custom framing is the way to make sure your art is displayed perfectly and lasts a life time.
1. Custom Framing Better Preserves Your Artwork.
Perhaps the most important part…keeping your artwork as safe as possible. Standard ready-made frames that can be easily disassembled and assembled are not the best at keeping artwork safe over time. When you invest in custom framing you are also investing in high-quality materials that won’t deteriorate your art over time. The use of all acid-free tape/adhesives and archival quality materials ensure that securing the art won’t later damage it when the adhesives start to get older. Additionally, acid-free materials, like mats or foam core are also used to not stain artwork over time. Discoloration comes from regular adhesives that melt over time.
Note: There are even framing options that allow artwork to be framed with no adhesive at all. This is a preservation mount and photo corners are used to hold the art in place with no tape or glue ever touching the art. Museum glass and other types of glass can also be used to protect your art from harmful uv rays and reduce glare. These options make it easy to keep artwork as safe as possible for as long as possible. In conclusion, a generic frame can get the job done, but a custom picture frame can better ensure the safety of your art.
2. A customized frame can really bring your art to life.
I can’t talk enough about the difference between framed concert posters and posters that are thumbtacked to the wall. One of the many benefits of custom framing is it simply makes art look better. There’s something so visually appealing about perfectly framed artwork. Artwork that starts conversations because its space in the room is solidified and made just to bring it attention. The right frame can make someone stop to stare at a family photo or a piece of art done by a child. Getting the expert advice of a framer can help with choosing different designs. With so many customization options it can get overwhelming, but skilled framers walk you through the design process and use visual aids to help you imagine the finished product. Beyond just the aesthetic of one piece of artwork, custom picture framing makes it easier to hang artwork together. Custom framing makes a gallery wall cohesive, yet intriguing.
3. Custom Framing is often suggested for artwork that is odd sized.
No matter the size of the piece it can be custom framed. More often than not, a nice readymade frame is a great option for your work of art. However, when it comes to framing memorabilia, three-dimensional objects, or items that aren’t typical sizes the best option is to solicit a framing expert. Beautiful designs can be created to fit art with the most odd dimensions. The custom framer starts by getting precise measurements of your artwork to cut a frame down to that exact size. Then, you’ll work together to pick the perfect frame style to accentuate the art and make the finished product as you like. Other frame accessories include liners for a frame, which add extra border to canvases. A fillet, an added border to the frame, is likewise a nice touch. Custom framing ensures a perfect fit for your art pieces.
To conclude, while custom framing can have a hefty price tag, it is definitely worth investing in if you are able. The level of customization and the ability to make your artwork really pop are enough reason for most. The ultimate goal is to be able to display the artwork for many years as well. Keepsake valuable artwork and make it stunning to look at, win-win. Hopefully, I’ve encouraged you to explore the world.
Need help on a custom framing project, but don’t quite want to pay the custom framing cost? Get in touch! I love taking on projects with the use of secondhand and found materials. Bring your unframed pieces to me. Stay tuned as I continue to explore framing with less environmental factors, custom pre-made frames, and framing as an art form. Happy decorating!