Custom Picture Framing Services
I will take time to discuss details such as your taste, décor and the mood that you wish to create so that I can advise you on the most appropriate framing approach and offer unusual and innovative ideas. Once I have discussed options with you, I will provide quotes to suit your budget so that you can make a fully informed decision.
Mount cutting
Artwork on paper – posters, photographs, watercolours or pastels etc. – is usually mounted using acid-free materials. The mount separates the picture from the glass. If the picture is pressed against the glass, humidity changes in the atmosphere are allowed to become trapped, damaging the pigment. Heat from sunlight can cause photographs to bond with the glass.
The mount should enhance the image and draw the eye into the picture. I offer a comprehensive range of mount decorations such as coloured bevels, lines and washes. Stepped mounts, using various colours, can help create a greater impression of perspective. If a mount is not used a spacer can be placed in the rebate to separate the glass from the picture.
Moulding choice
Customers usually find the choice of frame the most difficult decision to make. To assist you in this process I provide corner samples from an extensive range of factory-finished mouldings. The moulding colour, size, decoration and texture are there to enhance your item. Sometimes ‘less is more’ and therefore a plain frame will suit and on other occasions it’s right to go bold.
My workshop is equipped to handle most framing jobs and I can frame images as large as is reasonably possible.
Glass choice
Work on paper needs to be glazed and 2mm clear glass is sufficient for most framing jobs. Light-sensitive works, such as watercolours and photographs, should be glazed with conservation or museum glass. This has a UV filter to help reduce the sun’s damaging rays reaching the paper. Large works should be framed with Perspex, available in various forms: styrene, cast acrylic or UV filtering acrylic. This makes it safer to handle and reduces weight. Please note that Perspex should not be used with pastels because the static electricity can draw pigment from the paper onto the glazing material.
Oils and Acrylics are usually close-framed without a mount. A slip is used to produce the same effect as the mount, i.e. to give perspective, enhance colour and to create a break between painting and frame.