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. 

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on custom picture framing

A personalized picture frames is mainly used for enhancing the beauty and attractiveness of a particular picture or photograph. One may think that the photographers only use the custom picture frame. But this sort of conception is totally wrong. If you have a passion of photographs in you, then you can easily understand what sort of importance a picture frame actually carries.

Well, there can be found a wide range of categories for frames in the market. Of those different types, the most popular is known as the custom picture frame. Custom picture frames basically give the full freedom to the customer for choosing each and every factor in case of a personalized picture frames. Elaborately it can be said that you can choose the raw material, size, shape, color, materials mats along with all other elements of the frame you want from the maker.

Know the importance of custom picture frame

Though the importance of custom picture frame cannot be bounded any sort of limitation, but a short description regarding that is described in the following:

The first and foremost reason for choosing a museum quality framing is to decorate and beautify your home. In this case, everyone tries to make his or her room distinguished from others. To make the design unique, one would like to place the museum quality framing that would be different from others. A custom frame assists greatly in this regard. You can order the maker about your requirement for the frame you need. The maker will note down and give you the output as you expect from them.

For the newly married couples the importance of picture framing knows no bounds. The couples may want to place their wedding moment's pictures in different shapes and sizes picture framing. For example, the couple pictures can be placed with the help of heart shaped custom art framing. This heart shape symbolizes the sign of love and bonding between the partners. The picture taken with all the family members can be placed with the square or rectangular shaped custom frame.

Use different frames to change the view

For different rooms, varieties of custom art framing should be used. For this the importance of custom frame is great because it allows the customers to choose the styles and sizes from a wide range of categories. For example, one can choose the round shaped, heart shaped, and square shaped custom frames for the pictures those are going to be placed in the drawing room. These types of frames will help to enhance the beauty of that particular room. For the living room or dining room pictures, the shapes and sizes would vary.

The main thing is that choices vary from person to person. This is why, that importance of custom frame is great for all types of people because this option allows everyone to order frames according to their individual needs and demands. With the advancement of modern science and technology, you can order for your desired custom frame sitting at your own home. You just need to visit the website for placing your order.

A good frame is your artwork's best friend

It is a known fact that picture frame is the presentation for your artwork. As we know that a good presentation can add more weight age to your subject while a bad one can ruin it completely. So this itself states the importance of right picture frame for your artwork. Selecting the right design for picture frame is not a rocket science but has to be done wisely.
 

A good picture frame can add more attraction and beauty to your already special artwork. The most intangible factor is the imagination and creativity which can be done with your picture frame. Though intangible, this can bring the differentiating  difference between a casual picture frame and a special one. Some of the factors that should be kept in mind before finalizing the picture frame are:

Pick your Color
The most common and important factor is choosing the right color-combination between your artwork and your picture frame. This is the biggest blunder which people commit and dampen the look of the artwork. You should never choose a color which will take away visual interest from the art itself. While good framing design can to the overall presentation, it should not outshine the artwork.
Selecting the right color for your picture frame whether it is tropical colors, black and white or any other color, will have an impact on your artwork. Mat selection is equally important as it provides the visual space in which your art will be displayed. The intensity of the mat color should be the dominant color of the artwork.

Go for the right Scale
Your artwork and your picture frame surrounding it should never be in out of proportion with one another. Proper scaling is very important to project your artwork in the best possible way. Artwork varies from each other with a lot of delicate details to the image portrayed in it. The scale and width of the picture frame and mat should match the visual space of the artwork. Different artwork should be scaled differently depending on their size, visual ability and art within it.

Maintain a decent Style
The factor which can really help bring out a different look and feel for your artwork is the stylish picture frame. Depending on the various aspects of the artwork like importance, kind or monetary value, proper styling can be done. The overall feel and style of your artwork helps in deciding the kind picture frame it will go along with. You can mix different styles in order to come with something which is both unique and attractive.
 

Choose the Textures and Patterns wisely
The texture of your picture frame and the kind of design pattern you have selected also helps improving the look of your artwork. Different mats with different texture and pattern can either make your artwork more beautiful or the otherwise. Patterns should be given importance so that it creates the effect it should. Right texture and pattern of your picture frame can attracts more viewers to your artwork, making it even more special.

After knowing everything about the kind of impact a good picture frame can create on your artwork, it's time to search for someone who can bring your imagination live. A good and professional picture framer will help you with all the small details that go into picture framing. They have years of experience and expertise to carry out their work. Picture framers at Paintbox Nolita  provide  you with latest techniques, designs and products in the picture framing industry. Come make your artwork even more special with us because it deserves it.

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.

Picture Mounting Techniques - Picture Framing

Mounting a picture frame can be one of the daunting tasks in the whole framing process. Picture mounting is a process to secure a photograph to a mount or display board, and there are various method to do it. Which type of mounting needs to be done depends upon the budget, ease of doing it, availability of tools and conservation technique.

For mounting, acid free materials should be used, and mounted photo should be easily removable from the mount board. Materials that are being used for mounting should not be items such as rubber cement, as they have high acidic property. For household purposes, there are various inexpensive alternatives for mounting products and are safe for artwork as well.

Custom Picture Framing

Artwork tends to buckle over time and one of the reason artwork or frame buckles, because as temperature changes image, mat, and mount board all expand and contract at different rates. This is why, it is advised to leave the frames ‘free’ inside the frame to prevent it from damage. This can be achieved by mounting it with photo corners & hinging tissue. In order to give breathing area to the picture and freely expand and contract, it is important that the picture is hinged at couple of points along the top edge of the photograph.

Hinging the photograph to mat

The picture can be directly hinged on to the mat by the use of acid free hinging tape or tissue such as Lineco Self Adhesive Hinging Tissue. The main advantage of this style of picture mounting is that, the picture will remain centred under the mat, hence there is no need to hinge the mat to the mount board. However, this comes with a disadvantage that changing the mat can be a problem, as artwork and mat in this process are stuck together. Thus, this method is not recommended for selling pictures which are matted but are not framed.

Hinging mat to mount board

This technique of hinging is used for the most of the time by the framers. In this process, mat board is hinged to the mount board in order to keep it centred over the mount board. A good acid free hinging tape shall be used while doing so. In this process mount board is laid face up, mat board face down. The tops of both mat and mount are aligned. If Mat board is thinner than the mount board, then mat board needs to be placed in order to make it even with the mount board. Now, a piece of Linen tape is cut and stuck along the seam between the two boards. Later mat board is folded over , in order to position the right side up on top of the mount board.

Picture mounting – using photo corners

Photo corners are a great for archiving photo, as they do not allow any chemicals to come in contact with the artwork. Make sure to not use the photo corners made of PVC plasticizers or acidic compounds. The most common picture corners are made of polyester film, more commonly known as Mylar (Dupont Mylar Type D) and polypropylene. Photo corners help in providing extra support and are more used in the picture which have borders around it

Hinging the image to the mount board

Two types of hinges available in the market are T-hinge and V-hinge.

The T-Hinge

The T-hinge is all-purpose hanging method and is simple to apply and provide sturdy support. In this process, one piece of tape is used at the back of the picture and the other crosses over the exposed tape at 90 degrees and gets attached to the mounting board. However this type of hinging can only be done when matting is available on the artwork.

The V-Hinge

The V-hinge is a little complex to apply. This can be used when the matting is not there on the picture. V-hinge is hidden behind the picture; hence it works great with glass frames as it allows edges of the artwork to show.

Shapes of picture frames available for your custom

Custom Framing is one the best way you can use to protect and display your picture. Custom Frames are generally made up of wood or metal base.

Custom Wood Frames
Wood frame varies greatly from costly oak moulding to bamboo moulding. There are varied types of wood frame available in as many types of wood present in market. Although the make of frame is seldom mentioned or demanded by the buyers but special attention is given to design and finish of the frame. Wooden frame can be designed and cut in various design and they have the option of built to buyers’ specification easily. Wooden frames can bring old age feeling and sophistication to your photograph

Wooden Frames

Custom Metal Frames
In case of metallic frames they are much simple to design when compared to wooden frames. Specialty designs can be obtained in Metal framing - such as brushed rounded corners (by using chemicals) and baded designs. Few benefits that metal frame enjoys over wooden frame are 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.

Metal Frame

Picture frames in general are square or rectangular, although circular and oval frames are not uncommon. Custom frames also has the flexibility to create some unusual shapes, such as heart shaped frames which are generally used during wedding photography . Frames sometimes can be shaped as a memorabilia, to be given out on special occasions. There are also picture frames designed to go around corners. A popular design is the scoop, an indent in the frame which adds depth.

As mentioned above main advantage of the Custom frame is that it gives you the flexibility to go for any type of frame shape. There are several schools of thought as to which shape of frame should go for which art, although no hard and fast rules prevail. The best way to choose shape of frame is to let the work of art dictate which frame to choose from. Here are some helpful tips to do just that:

• A period painting looks good in a timeless, traditional, elegant gold-leafed frame or a handsome walnut or mahogany wood frame.
• Abstract painting or ethereal paintings look better in sleek, less fussy frames.
• For paintings that are neither vintage nor abstract, there are frames which are hybrid of classical as well as contemporary. These are called transitional frames.
• Large painting generally looks great in wider moldings and require large wall to be displayed on, as a large frame can add as much as 7 to 12 inches to the overall dimensions. However if going large is not an option then floater frame may help. Floater frames usually add only 1 to 4 inches to the height and width of a large painting,
• Always remember to get a good consultation from a professional framer. There are times when framers can guide you to choose a multilateral frame composition i.e. one or more frame moldings used together to achieve a unique look, with or without linen liner, plus fillet.

Each work of art is unique in its own way and has a story to tell. Frame shapes should be chosen such that it benefits the art that is on display. A contemporary painting hung in traditional room not necessarily need to have a traditional frame; nor does a traditional painting in a contemporary room need a contemporary frame. Also falling into the trap of, matching frames with the other group of frames in the room is not a good idea. Some of the most stunning groupings of paintings are obtained by using variety of frame styles, sizes and finishes.
Quality framing, however, can be an expensive endeavor and getting opinion of professional is invaluable. Take time out to discuss in detail about your requirement with the framer in order to make the right selection and bring pleasure through your art for generations.