The Essentials Of Picture Framing

By Author: Bob Ko
Total Articles: 1
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Picture framing a piece of art may seem like a simple task, but it is actually an involved process. There are different components to take into consideration to ensure that the artwork is presented in the best way possible. The first thing to consider is the myriad types of picture frames which can be used. Next, one will want to consider matting the artwork and whether they will be using one, two or three mattes. Lastly there is the transparent covering that will go over the artwork commonly called glazing. This can be either acrylic, glass or museum quality glass. Choosing all three of the right components will result in a finished piece of artwork that will be both visually and aesthetically pleasing.

Custom picture frames bring out the beauty in a piece of artwork especially when chosen well. The first thing to consider when selecting picture frames is the overall tonality of the piece of artwork. If the piece predominantly has lighter shades it may be best to choose a light wood grain that will compliment that. Similarly if the piece tends towards darker hues, one can look into a dark cherry wood or even a burnished ...
... metal with a dark, rustic finish. The most important consideration is to compliment the tones found within the artwork and go from there. Picture frames come in a variety of materials which include metal, wood, and acrylic.

Once the custom picture frames have been chosen, the next step will be the selection of a mat board. Selecting the appropriate mat board is an integral part of the process. It is first necessary to decide how many mats will be included and what colors will be used. Again, it is important to look at the tones of the artwork and select the colors to compliment this. The first mat color will be the complimenting color while the second and third mats will be used as highlighting elements to bring out the secondary and tertiary colors found in the piece. Along with the color, one will also want to consider the material of the mat board to be used. If the piece is to be preserved for a long period of time, then an acid mat board will be an essential choice as it traps the pollutants that can prematurely degrade the piece of art. If preservation is not a concern, one can simply use a regular, inexpensive mat to enhance the picture framing.

The process is not complete without a protective covering for the artwork. This is known as glazing. The material used for glazing can include UV acrylic, glass and museum quality glass. A UV acrylic glaze is actually more optically pure than a regular piece of glass. The only glass that supersedes this is museum quality glass which is reduced iron glass and is the most expensive option. Acrylic can be a good option in that it is shatter resistant and very light weight, however it tends towards being a bit expensive. In addition, it also lacks scratch resistance and has a tendency towards bowing. Glass however is very scratch resistant and is less expensive. It does tend to be much heavier than acrylic and is very easily broken. The most expensive and also the highest quality glazing option is museum quality glass. The iron in this glass has been reduced, thus giving it an optical purity that supersedes that of untreated glass.

Bringing all three components together effectively, custom picture frames, mattes and glazing will provide you with an end result that is a work of art in itself. As a rule always consider the tonalities found within the piece of artwork. One will want to choose complimentary hues. In addition consider the preservation of the piece and look for materials which work towards this end. Picture framing although involved does not have to be a difficult process and when done well, can work to enhance the artwork in the best way possible.

About the Author:

Quick Art Frame is an online Picture Framing store. We offer a wide selection of Custom Picture Frames. Additionally, we produce the highest quality Picture Frames at the lowest prices. Visit QuickArtFrame.com to learn more.