1   What and why to custom frame.

Whether you are framing a poster, your child's hand-prints, or a fine work of art, custom framing will reflect your personal taste and protect your piece for years to come. In most cases you keep a well framed piece of art will last longer than most of your furniture.

2.  Where are you going to display your artwork--

”Consider the surroundings”. While you should certainly consider the room's decor, you shouldn't match the frame to the room at the expense of what looks good with the picture. Keep in mind that the room decor may change in the future.

3.  The best starting point is the artwork its self.

What is the artist telling you and what colors did he use. When starting look at the artwork and see what mat or liner colors will enhance, but not complement with the work of art.

This is where we can help guide you in selection the right pallet of colors that will go with the artwork and your home. Being that mats can be made of a variety of materials such as paper, fabric or other natural materials – in a wide range of colors.

You must remember that the mat serves another very important job in your frame

                                                                                                                               (  it serves as a spacer between the artwork and the glazing. )

Matting serves one more important job---it provides a space for the eyes to rest between the art and the frame. This visual breathing space enables the artwork to have presence within it's surroundings. This space allows the artwork to expand and contract with changes in humility.

 This might be a good time to talk about glazing. Glazing refers to the glass or acrylic material covering the artwork as a means of protection.

 There are many types of glass including regular clear picture glass, anti-reflective (chemically coated), non-glare (acid etched) and conservation glass (specially formulated to help filter UV light).

Within each group there is special glass designed to offer addition filtering for Museum or near museum quality artwork.

 But why are we interested in protection from light?

Yes!, without light you would not see your artwork.

But all sunlight and artificial light contain an invisible electromagnetic component called ultraviolet (UV) light.

These light waves are much shorter than visible light and contain more energy (the same energy that causes you to sunburn). This higher energy creates a greater degree of heat and causes more rapid deterioration of the molecular structure of the pigments used in artwork.

 Conservation glass should be used whenever you are framing sentimental, valuable, limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork.

 Conservation glass is normally clear (so can have a non-reflective coating for special hanging problems) to which an ultraviolet (UV) inhibiting film has been applied.

Conservation glass blocks up to 98 percent of the UV rays, compared to 46 to 50 percent blockage with regular picture glass.

The next question we are always ask is --”how do I care for the glass?

The answer can be as simple as saying use a good commercial window cleaner to applying a very good cleaner designed for conservation glass.

 In all cases you should avoid all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, or any cleaner that contains pumice, waxes, or harsh detergents You should avoid using anything with ammonia (note that some commercial glass cleaners do contain ammonia).

Window cleaners with vinegar work great.

As I said earlier, several of the protected glass require special care and your framer can tell you which type of cleaner to use. The most important thing to remember when cleaning glass on a picture is--”ALWAYS spray the cleaner on the cloth and not directly on the face of the frame”.

 If you spray the frame the liquid is likely to run down between the frame and the glass, and could eventually wick up the framing package to the artwork.

 In addition to glass there is another category of glazing that you can use.

This group is acrylic glazing products that come in clear, non-glare, scratch resistant and UV filtering varieties. Acrylic is lighter in weight and is safer than glass but may require a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner.

 It is ideal for oversize pieces, frames handing in children's rooms, area of high traffic, or items to be shipped

4.  Sometimes its important to take a step back and examine the artwork.

  This might be called an ounce of prevention. Many times cherished art is damaged prior to arriving at the frame shop because it is improperly stored or transported. If it's a rolled piece such as a poster, serious damage can be caused by rubber bands, tape, paperclips and even a gentile squeeze. Proper handling is the real secret. Make sure that the artwork is placed in a folder, protective covering, or a tube. When lifting a piece of paper art, including photographs, always use two hands. Lifting paper with one hand can cause “half moon” shaped creases in the paper.

5.  At this point lets talk about the little details that make the framing pop.

Adding another element to your framing like a fillet, creative window openings, cut art design in the mat or writing on the mat, or fabric mats can add a distinctive flair to your artwork. We are familiar with these options, and can help you decide what works best with your item. Sometimes it's the smallest element in framing your artwork that makes it stand out.

6.  Now we are ready to choose what will surround your artwork.

Choosing the best frame to enhance your artwork may seam like a impossible task. If you have taken the steps presented already this task will be easier. There are thousands of different frame styles and a variety of stains, glazes, and finishes to choose from in our store, but we will walk you through the selection. We will help you pick a group of frames that meet you requirements and help you select the one which presents the artwork best for your home.

7.  Now that you have selected the matting and frame 

it is time to complete the framing package.

Most artwork should be protected with archival materials.

You must remember you are framing something that may live for many years and what might be inexpensive today may have extreme value tomorrow, either in dollars or reliving memories.

 You must remember that all framing material are not created equal, many paper mats and cardboard contain acid that will destroy your art.

These materials are NOT used by The Starving Artist and have not been used for fifty years.

Archival mats and backing boards will help protect your artwork from the damaging effects of time and from common pollutants that cause yellowing and deterioration.

 This process starts from the top.

The frames must be designed not to containment the materials it comes in contact .

 If glazing is required it must have the u/v properties that restrict the rays getting to the artwork.

The mats and other materials that come in contact with the artwork must not contaminate.

You must check the artwork for contaminates that may be attached from being handled.

The next item to check is hinging or mounting materials use to be sure they will not harm the artwork.

 And finial the backing and dust cover must not have any materials that can damage the framing package (art envelope).

8.  Stepping back to the art package. It is very important to make sure the methods used to attach the artwork are proper.

If the artwork is to be permittivity mounted it is important to cover two things before you decide on the method to be used.

 First is this item replaceable and will mounting it damage the artwork.

9.  Now that we have covered what you should look for in framing your artwork it is time to put it all together. We are best person to help you is your.  For over fifty years we have been helping our “friends”--customers create attractive framing. Our years of experience with preservation framing and design using a variety of materials and methods allows us to help guide you in your selections.  In 1986 The Professional Picture Framers Association , the largest international trade association for the framing industry started a program of testing individuals' knowledge of framing technology and we were certify the first year the program was offered at our international trade show.  The PPFA helps to maintain the highest industry standards by conducting classes and workshops in all phases of custom picture framing covering all aspects of conservation framing techniques and methods. In 1987 both Jean & William Ross, owners of The Starving Artist successfully passed a four hour examination of practical applications and technical knowledge. We are one of the 3000 framers worldwide to be awarded this prestigious designation — Certified Picture Framer (CPF).

Why is this so important?

First anytime you mount something it loses it financial value and the mounting process can go wrong because some of the new material used by printers are not stable when subjected to heat or moister.

Drymount and wetmount process bond artwork to a board to prevent artwork from bubbling or cocking and are most appropriate for posters and photographs.

Pieces of any value generally should not be dry or wet mounted since these processes are irreversible and can greatly affect any resale value.

Museum mounting, commonly known as hinging, attaches the art with Japanese paper hinges (or other archival materials) to the board.

The art hangs freely, allowing it to expand or contract with changes in humidity.

Hinging or archival photo corners are recommended for original artwork, delicate photographs and other irreplaceable items.

10.  Review the nine steps listed above. Ask questions and give your requirements for your artwork up front so there will be no misunderstanding. As I've stated before--”Artwork has a life of it's own and that it will provide many years of enjoyment .” You must not rush this design process. We will present many chooses, unlike the ready-made and volume framers who only present the items on-hand. We can create a picture framing package just for you and your artwork, this might mean we will have carve a special frame, finish it to your requirements and create a mat from cloth, wood or some other material that will be unique just for you.

That is what a Custom Picture Framer does.