Tag Archives: hanger

Why does custom framing cost more than ready-made picture frames?

picture framing

We work with our clients to carefully understand their artwork and project scope.

SF Framing receives this question often from clients who visit our Sunnyvale store and we are more than happy to help them determine the best framing method based on their personal needs. Ready-made frames are mass produced in standard sizes using low cost, often less durable materials, while custom framing is designed and crafted to meet each client’s unique specifications, using frame styles, colors and long lasting materials best suited to display, preserve and protect artwork for many years to come.

Carefully We Proceed!

When we begin to help our clients, we work with them to understand the artwork medium, carefully measure the artwork size and determine the overall level of conservation that is desired. Based on these factors, we help our clients determine if a ready-made or custom-made frame option is best for them.

picture framing materials

The framer carefully chooses each component of a custom picture frame individually.

Custom framing costs more than ready-made picture frames because the framer carefully chooses each component of a custom picture frame individually, and every aspect of the framing project can be customized in many ways. The choice begins with the frame molding, which can be wood, metal, metal clad wood, and extends to the matting, glazing, backing, and hardware. Glazing can be purchased in several varieties including conversation (ultra-violet light blocking), anti-glare, museum glass and acrylic. The backing materials, which are the materials that the artwork is mounted on, are available in acid-free foam core and Mountcore neutral pH mounting board. As for matting, not only are there hundreds of colors, acid free materials and conservation grades to choose from, but a custom framing project can use two or more mats to give a truly distinctive look.

You Get What You Pay For… And We Believe You Will Love It!

Since custom made frames are made to a client’s unique specifications, custom frames are more expensive than ready-made frames and often require a week or more to make. Also, since every component needs to be selected individually, the dedicated time required to design and build a custom picture frame package is unique to each project – it can easily take up to an hour or more to complete the whole process.

Exactly How To Hang Your Art After Framing!

Hanging Artwork by SF Framing Sunnyvale

Newly hung framed artwork by SF Framing.

After you receive your newly framed art from SF Framing, properly hanging the piece can be a challenge for many. If you are the type of person who wonders where you should hang your piece relative to furniture, what the proper position on the wall should be, and how to best secure your art to the wall… you are not alone!

The Eyes Have It!

As a general rule, framed art should be hung at eye level. But of course eye level varies from person to person. On top of that, you are probably wondering exactly what part of the picture is supposed to be eye level, the focal point of the art, the middle of the picture, or the top edge of the frame? If you are hanging your framed art in a public space in the United States, take into account the average height of the population is approximately 5 feet, 7 inches (170 cm). In this case, we recommend the focal point of the art (the part of the art that the viewer’s eye will discover first) should be approximately 5 feet (183 cm) above the floor.

Location, Location, Location!

Your next challenge will be to determine exactly where on a wall you might want to hang something. It isn’t difficult if you know you want to hang your art in the center of the wall; all you have to do is measure the width of the wall and divide it in half. However, if you want to hang your art in an open space between two existing pictures or between wall elements, you will have a choice of how you could approach it. Either measure the space between elements and divide it in half, or set the frame on the floor against the wall below where you’re considering hanging it and step back to get a feel for the positioning, and then measure up from the floor at that point to 5 feet and make a vertical mark in pencil on the wall.
When you are hanging art relative to furniture or to an architectural element like a fireplace mantle or a sofa, you will want to have the bottom edge of the framed art approximately 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) above a mantle or sofa regardless of ceiling height.

Picture Hangers

Picture Framing Hangers come in many shapes and sizes.

Hanging Around

Now that you know where you want your art to be positioned, your next task will be to determine where the hangers will go. Most framed art from SF Framing come with secure hanging wires in back of them. To hang these most efficiently, we recommend you ask a trusted friend to hold the framed art against the wall with the focal point at eye level. While they are doing this, make a very light pencil line on the wall at the bottom of the frame. Then set the framed art down and measure the distance from the bottom of the frame to the hanging wire. If, for example, it’s 18 inches (46 cm) from the bottom of the frame to the hanging wire, you will want to measure up 18 inches (46 cm) from the mark on the wall that indicates the bottom of the frame – that’s where the hanger will go! Of course, many people prefer to hang art using two hangers – specifically to help keep the frame level and very secure. To place two hangers, measure the width of the frame and divide it by four to get the distance from the center point to where the hangers will go. For example, if the frame is 40 inches (102 cm) wide, each hanger should be about 10 inches (25 cm) from the center point. To locate the position of each hanger you’ll need a carpenter’s level and a yardstick (or a center finding ruler often found at many local hardware stores). Place the yardstick at the hanger mark and place the level on top of it. Measure out from the center point, staying level, and make cross-hair marks on the wall. The distance from the bottom of the hangers (where the wire will actually attach) and the top of the hangers (where the nail will be driven) is typically one inch (2.54 cm). You can measure up one inch (2.54 cm) and make another mark above the crosshair mark, or you can simply place the bottom of the hook at the crosshair mark and drive the nail through the hole at the top of each hook. Lift the framed art and arrange the wire over the hooks. Then place the carpenter’s level on top of the frame and adjust it until its level.

Well Rewarded

When you have completed hanging your newly framed art, it is time to stand back and take a look at what you have accomplished. We are confident that you will like what you see, and will find many years of enjoyment from the work you have completed. When you choose to work with the professionals at SF Framing, you can be assured we will strive to provide you with the very best mounting, framing and hanging experience available today.