Category Archives: Tips

Choosing your Custom Picture Framing Material is Important!

NOT All Custom Picture Frames Are Created Equal… Choose Carefully!

Throughout history, frames have been made with varying techniques and inconsistent materials. As surprising as this might seem, this inconsistency has lead to the unintended deterioration or unanticipated destruction of many a collectible or family heirloom. Of the many elements to consider in determining how to best frame art, the one that is often most overlooked is the actual framing material chosen – yet the framing material is the most important element to consider carefully. With the confusing array of picture framing materials available to you at the ‘big box’ stores, you might ask yourself, “What picture framing material should I choose?” Before considering the framing material you would like to use, be sure to understand the various factors that are most important to you by answering these questions:

1. Preservation: Is the art piece you wish to frame, something that you would like to preserve for a long time?
2. Structural Integrity: Do you wish the frame to maintain its structural integrity over time (e.g. keep corners tight, etc.) despite frequent moves, sunlight exposure, etc.
3. Visual Aesthetics: What image do you wish your frame to portray? Is the color and/or texture of the frame appropriate for the environment where it will be displayed?
4. Environment: Are you interested in ensuring your frame is produced with environmentally friendly materials?
5. Health: Do you wish the frame to be free of potentially harmful chemicals which could potentially affect your household’s health?

SF Framing picture framing sunnyvale

Picture frame materials can vary – choose carefully to get the best results!

By carefully considering these factors, you will help yourself get a better idea of the picture framing material that will be perfect for you. SF Framing can then provide you with the added guidance to help you determine the best frame material to use from those available to you by showing you these options:

1. Plastic
2. MDF (Medium Density Fiber / Composite)
3. Photographic (soft wood backer with a thin photographic skin)
4. Veneer (soft wood backer with a thin layer of a premium wood finish)
5. Metal (aluminum, steel, etc.)
6. Solid hardwood

By choosing the most appropriate material to custom frame any piece of art, you will not only help preserve it, but you will ensure your framed art is greatly enhanced by the perfect framing material you have chosen.

custom picture framing acrylic glass museum conservation SF Framing Sunnyvale

When should I choose glass or acrylic to cover my artwork?

Most people are familiar with the use of moulding and matting when it comes to custom framing, however, many are unaware of the importance of glazing when it comes to the protection and beauty of their framed piece. This is understandable as you might even ask yourself, what is “glazing”? Glazing is the protective covering used in picture framing – it refers to either acrylic or glass. It’s understandable when people wonder if they should cover their artwork with glass, acrylic or nothing at all.

The glazing you choose can be extremely important as glazing will help protect your cherished artwork, family photos, or any object you wish to have framed. We know that when you come to SF Framing to custom frame, it is because the piece you are framing is important to you, and the project you bring to us is something you want to enjoy for a long time to come. The following are our recommendations for you:

We generally do not recommend glazing over oils, acrylic and giclee paintings.

Acrylic is preferable for the majority of artwork. It is both lighter than glass and shatterproof – important factors to consider in regions plagued with earthquakes and for pieces larger than 36 inches x 48 inches. An exception is pastels, since acrylic’s static charge can attract fine chalk particles from the artwork. In this case, glass is often substituted.

Whether you choose glass or acrylic glazing, when you have something that you want to preserve from the effects of damaging ultraviolet (UV) light, we recommend the glazing material chosen be treated with a special coating to keep out damaging UV light. This is often called “Museum” acrylic or glass – which is more expensive than standard acrylic or glass. A new economical anti-reflective, UV protective glass is now available from SF Framing to help reduce the cost of preserving your piece.

Always ask your SF Framing design consultant about the best glazing choices available for your treasured artwork.

Acid or Acid-Free Matting?

There are two types of mat material: acidic, and “acid-free” (neutral pH). Most old mats are typically acidic, because acid-free paper was not widely available until very recently. While most newer mats are acid-free, there are some that are not neutral pH and may still contain acid.

The difference between acidic and acid-free matting is important for the long term protection of your piece because acidic mats can cause what is called “mat burn”, brown or yellow marks on the beveled edge of the mat and the displayed piece itself. While mat burn is sometimes reversible through cleaning the piece, cleaning may not be feasible. Always ask your SF Framing design consultant about the acid content of any mat if the desired life of the piece being framed is more than 75 years.