How Can You Bring Down Custom Framing Costs?

So, you have finally decided to frame that stunning photo you happen to buy at the flea market for a cheap price. However, there is no way that you will spend a few hundred bucks so that you can frame the piece. You don’t have to worry because when it comes to picture frames, you can now bring down the costs. Yes, you can still get innovative picture frames that will not break the bank and achieve the results you want for your special piece. 

Probably one of the biggest mistakes of most artists is that they often go for framing as a mere afterthought. Many of them even assume that going to a picture framing store in NYC will only make them shell out more money than what they could afford. What they don’t realize is that their choice of frame can either make or break a photo or work of art. The right frame can make even the cheapest piece look expensive or a wrong frame can make a pricey piece look dull and drab.

Custom framing is exactly what its name suggests. It is custom and it must be equivalent to buying fine furniture pieces. The hardwood and quality moulding used for frames of fine art & Giclee printing in SoHo, NYC is usually imported and in general, only the higher end framers carry a selection of hand carved and real gold leaf frames.

Frames could be made of soft woods, hard woods, polystyrene or MDF or medium density fiberboard. Colors and profiles may look the same when you go for ready made or store bought frames but expect that you will only be getting what you pay for.

If you want to save money, you can go for a smaller or narrower profile but try to avoid MDF or plastic. You can also use a single mat instead of a triple mat complete with spacers. However, you should not skimp on the preservation mounting or choose mat boards which are not of conservation quality. A regular glass is more affordable compared to museum glass but try not to forgo UV or ultraviolet protection.

Avid collectors will expect that the suitable frame styles are used according to the specific art period of the particular framed piece. For instance, the western oil paintings in style of Taos Society of Artists must have a frame appropriate to the period which is a gold leaf and closed corner one. On the other hand, for a modern cowboy painting, you can go for rustic barn wood frame for a lesser price.

If you will frame a series of paintings that will be put up in an exhibition, everything must be consistent. As they assume that the frame is not important at all, many artists tend to bargain shop at this aspect. However, as they do so, little do they know that they may actually be unintentionally reducing their work’s sales potential. As mentioned earlier, a cheap frame might make even the most expensive arts look cheap. The proper and suitable frame can further increase your work’s value.

As far as framing is concerned, you must not just think of your pocket alone. If you plan to display your work for sale or you want it to be the center of attention in your home, always consider your audience and invest in quality workmanship and materials.

Ways To Get Rid of Reflections On Picture Frames

Many people are a bit annoyed or frustrated every time they see reflections when taking photos of picture frames. Although others can easily resolve this issue through the use of some editing tools, it is still a great idea to know the ways to get rid of reflections on picture frames.

The different options for you to get rid of picture frame’s reflections are:

• An affordable option to eliminate the annoying reflections is not using a glazing in your picture frame. The main benefit of this is reduced cost as you don’t have to think about glazing. However, this has some serious disadvantages as that artwork will not have protection from the atmospheric pollutants and curious fingers. This could also result to less protection from the UV radiation. If the artwork is glossy, you’ll still have reflections with bad lighting.
• If you can’t control the lighting, the best option is considering non-glare acrylic or glass. This kind of glazing has an etched surface on the side, which helps lessen the reflection. The disadvantage of this option is losing a bit of sharpness and increased cost. The loss of the sharpness is proportional to the distance between the glazing and artwork. This just means that this option won’t work for the shadow box framing.

          

• If you wish to use glazing, you might want to combine the typical glazing. It means glazing without built-in reflection control with correct lighting. The gallery lighting is accomplished through placing the lighting above the artwork directly and fairly close to this. It results in the light hitting your artwork at a particular angle so that you will only see reflections if you’re below the artwork.
• The most expensive option to consider is using anti-reflection glazing. There are numerous brands of anti-reflection glazing nowadays. These kinds of glazing have an exceptional coating, which helps lessen the reflection without causing loss of sharpness. This option provides your artwork full protection with the look that has a typical glazing.

Getting rid of the reflections on the picture frames may be a simple thing to do, yet it can also be expensive and has some disadvantages. Nevertheless, if you have really decided to eliminate the annoying reflections, considering those options above can be of great help.

If you don’t know anything about the process of framing and want to ensure that the reflections will be eliminated without causing any damage to your artwork, then it might be a good idea to ask for help from professional framers. With the help of professional framers, you will be able to eliminate the reflections on your innovative picture frames effectively. They are trained and will surely make your artwork or masterpiece much beautiful without causing any possible damage on its surface.

At present, there are several picture framers offering picture framing services. But, not all of them are reliable. So, settle with the one that is known for its reputation.

Best Ways to Protect and Preserve Your Picture Frames

Photography has developed and advanced a lot over the years. Displaying those taken pictures is common and adding amazing and beautiful frames around it are a must. But the difficult part about all of this is how to protect those picture frames, as to avoid damaging these memories from different reasons. These pictures frames can fade, tear up, scratched or get cracks on the picture.

There are many mistakes that people usually make, which harm/damage the picture frames while moving or displaying. There are many stores in US and especially in New York, which provide a wide range of frame designs which makes your pictures beautiful as well protect and preserve you pictures.

It is a must for people to protect their picture frames from any kind of damage, whether it’s the weather effect or saving it from breaking. Some tips for Protecting and preserving your Picture frames are as:

• Using the acrylic instead of the glass is good for the pictures, as it keeps the air flowing through. The air will reduce any effect of the acid that can be produced in the pictures or artwork over the time. The UV acrylic or Plexiglas is normally made for this purpose.
• Protecting your work with the UV spray on is also very common and easily available in the framing stores. It is also affordable and easy way.
• Your pictures can damage in any weather or environment, whether it’s moist/humid or its direct sun.  The images can fade or get yellow in the direct light of the sun. For this you can use the UV protection.
• If the picture frame is damaged through water or moist weather, it can be difficult to restore it. If the artwork or picture is soaked, it is difficult or impossible to dry it, resulting in damaging the picture.
• It is also possible for the pictures or artwork to be damaged by the bookworms or book lice. It can be detected by the holes in the paper. This problem can be solved with the regular cleaning of the picture frames.

Besides this, there are stores in SoHo and New York that expertise in the fine arts and the Giclée printing, which will use the ink which is fade-resistant. These stores also provide the wide range of innovative frames and UV glass for the picture/artwork frames. These frames are important for the safety of the artwork/photos.

What is the importance of a Matboard in Picture Framing

Picture framing has been around for centuries and will never go out of style for years to come. It is the one of the most reliable methods for protecting your artwork while enhancing its look as well. Framing a piece of art requires lot more than mere design and color selection. You need to take care of a set of things including the type of mounting or foam board to be used, glazing of the front layer of frame, width of the edges, and many other things.

One of the important components of picture framing is a matboard. Matboard is nothing but a flat piece of paper-based material that surrounds your artwork in a frame separating it from the glazing while complementing overall look of the frame. Other than that, it also provides some room between the frame and artwork. Matting(the process of using matboard) influences the overall view of your interiors as it can highlight the room decor or a particular shade in your frame. There are several reasons why you should apply matting in framing your cherished piece of work and the major ones are highlighted below.

• Matting facilitates air circulation
  Circulation of air between your picture and the glazing material (probably plastic or acrylic) is vital. This is because in the absence of an air gap, the condensed moisture trapped between the two layers will lead to formation of uneven molds and mildews, ultimately ruining the artwork. Moreover, if your artwork is glossy, chances are it might stick to the glazing material due to tight pressure.
• It enriches the overall appearance of your interiors
  You might be thinking how can matting affect the visual presentation at that level. Believe it or not but it does. Right matting can reflect the color of your artwork or the room it is placed in. When properly proportioned it can also visually augment the size of a smaller picture, or diminish a larger one to synchronize with the surrounding space.
• Matboard acts as a support system for your frame
  Matting protects both framed and unframed artworks. In case of unframed artwork, it facilitates easy handling for artists and collectors by providing additional surface area to view or carry the item.
  For framed artwork, the matboard protects the support base (hinges) which holds the art in place. Artwork is usually attached to a backing board - preferable method for professional framers.

Matboards are classified into two basic types: acidic and acid free. Traditionally, acid-free material was not widely available. It has come to light only recently and is popularly used by picture framers. When it comes to choosing a matboard, you should go for a framer whom you can trust on account of his years of experience and expertise. Experience should be the deciding factor and it is your responsibility to go for a true professional who can cater to your needs. A good picture framer will help you with all the small details that goes into custom picture framing. Picture framers at Paintbox Nolita offers you the latest techniques, designs and products in the picture framing industry. Select the best custom picture frame not on the basis of price but on the basis of the effect it will produce on your artwork. Custom picture framing can be expensive but it is definitely worth every single penny spent on it. 

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Frame Your Photos

Nothing mesmerises you more than photos of your family and loved ones. You want to relive those beautiful moments again and again through your pictures. There will be so many special moments in your life which you want to memorise. Once in a lifetime events like wedding, graduation day, baby first step and many more are something which have a special place in your heart. You just want to save these moments permanently by framing your photos in the most beautiful picture frame.

Since your moments are captured by the pictures, it should be saved for years. Picture frames can help you preserve and protect your pictures for years. Listed below are the top 4 reasons why you should consider framing your pictures.

1. Protecting your Artwork:- Do you want your upcoming generation to see your wedding photos? There are many moments in your life which you want to pass on to your forthcoming generation. Picture frame can preserve and protect your photo so that you can cherish it for many years. If you have a special artwork which is very valuable for you, you can frame it with acid-free mats and UV protection glass so that it can never be damaged. Choose the right picture frame made up of right kind of material so that you can live with your memories forever.

2. Adding beauty to your walls:- A beautiful picture frame can add beauty to your home. Select a frame color and design which goes well with the ambience of your room. Do not go for a picture frame which looks completely out of sync with the surrounding. Selecting a perfect picture frame will not only protect your artwork but will also make a statement on your walls. Your walls will appear more appealing and attractive to your guests.

3. Making it Special:- Though a photo itself is unique and expresses many emotions, picture frame makes it even more special. By choosing the perfect color, texture, style and design, you can attract more viewers towards your photo. Photo frame can add to the feel and expression which your picture is displaying. Go for the most appropriate photo frame which not only protect your artwork but also adds beauty to it.

4. Gifting it to others:- You can gift a beautiful picture frame to your loved ones which has some of the best moments of their life. Nothing makes a better gift than a perfect picture frame having a picture which says a lot about the receiver. You can be creative and put your thoughts and emotions in the frame. Your gift will surely stand out among the others because it has something which cannot be expressed in words.

Paintbox Nolita offers you the latest techniques, designs and products in the picture framing industry. Select the best picture frame not on the basis of price but on the basis of the effect it will produce on your artwork. It has a wide range of designs and materials to choose from to fit any occasion. Your decision to select a picture frame from here for your artwork will always be cherished by you. Go for it and give yourself one more reason to smile.

Maintaining Your Pictures – Certain Tricks and Tips

Few data types are more dear to us – and that are our memories, and everyone wants to safeguard them. The picture frames in your home do more than just keep old photographs. The images preserved in them reflects the happier times from many different phases of our life. They can be with friends, family, travel or even your professional accomplishments. Hanging up these pictures up on the wall can ensure that memories never fade away.

 

Now, let's dive into the exciting world of filling and maintaining your pictures.

Preserving Paper Photographs

• The photos should be stored at 68°F and in 30-50% relative humidity.
• It would be good if you keep your photos in a cool place in your house, like a closet in the dark.
• Pick archival quality boxes for storing them.
• Keep the negatives separate from the printed photographs.

Preserving Printed Photographs

• Keep at a constant moderate or cool temperatures like 65 – 70°F and in moderate 30-50% relative humidities.
• At home, you should store your photographs in the coolest and dry spot in your home.
• Dampness should be avoided as it causes photos to stick together, and promotes mold growth

Preserving using right photo albums

• You can use Plastic Pocket pages which  need no adhesive to secure the photo.
• Paper Pages is another option  which can secure your pictures with photo corners or adhesives.
• Use paper pages with plastic covers as it offers more protection – from fingerprints, accidental spills, and by preventing the photos from sticking in damp conditions.

Picture Frames – The reservoir of your memorable moments

As we discussed earlier, every picture frame enchants a story from within. Then how can we avoid the master points to keep in mind while using them.

• Dusty frames might end up looking dull out of place and quite detracting.
• Do not dust the picture frame while it is on the wall.
• Remove the picture from the wall, put it on a table, clean it with a feather duster or linen cloth. Be careful with the edges though.
• Dusting the frames once in a week is recommended to keep it last long.
• Use a Q tip to thoroughly clean the frame to a much better degree. Since the Q-tip is most likely to dig out hard to reach dust, it could be the best simple tool in getting a frame look sharp and sparkling.
• Polish the frames with quality glass cleaner.
• Before hanging your frames back to the wall, make sure the surrounding area is cleaned and away from dust.

Once it is placed, it is safe and secure until the next time you clean your frames. Follow these tips and maintain your memories life long. With a little bit of knowledge, you will be on your way to preserve your pictures.

Metal Frame Assembly Instructions

Picture frames essentially do the job of enhancing your image, bring focus to your favorite photograph, protect it and bring a professional feel to it. Custom made frames are best used to preserve family heirloom or irreplaceable artwork and provides the flexibility to choose high quality acid free materials that can preserve the artwork for decades. Custom frames can be made of Metal Frames. Benefit that metal frames enjoy over wooden frame is that they are more durable and will not warp with time. Metal frame are easy to make when compared to wood and are also less costly than wooden frames. Given below is the assembly instruction of Metal Frame who plan to do themselves:

Tools required: Screw Driver, flat, hard and clean working surface.

Step 1: Remove any dirt from the surface and place it on a Kitchen counter-tops or dining room tables, as they make for a suitable work surfaces.

Step 2: Thing to notice in Metal Frame is that artwork is loaded from the side into the molding once the three sides are assembled. Place the frame face down on the work area and select the section that will form the bottom of the frame

Step 3: Once this is done the two angled plates are attached to each side of the bottom section.

Step 4: Now angled plates are tightened by placing the plates on top of each other. Insert the plates them into the frame’s groove and tighten the screw. Smooth plate should lie below the plate that has screws.

Step 5: Now fix the sides to the bottom section by sliding each side molding into the bottom section. Now tighten the screws, this will lead to a U-shaped frame without a top section.

Step 6: Now insert the image into the frame from the top along with matting, glazing, mounting board, etc.

Step 7: Leave the frame down and secure the artwork by installing spring clips with pressure enough to fit in between the backing board and the metal frame.

Step 8: Fix the hanging clips about 1/3 from the top of the frame by tightening the small screw in each of the hanging clips

Step 9: Hanging wire should be attached with two hanging clips and two adhesive bumpers to the bottom corners to the frame. This completes the Metal Frame Assembly