FRAMING 101

Your artwork isn't complete until it has been perfectly framed.  

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Below are the details and considerations that go into the framing process that recognizes your artwork is priceless.  You don't have to understand it all because, rest assured, its what separates Richmond Frame Shop from the rest.  We'll provide you with the details and options when you visit us.

FRAMES

The frame is the support that holds everything together. Today there is an enormous variety of design and quality offered in picture frame moulding. In choosing a frame (as well as mats, fillets, liners, enhancers or fabrics) we try to choose design elements that will bring out the inherent beauty of the work while being careful not to overpower the art. Properly designed, the frame is the "icing on the cake" complementing and enhancing the beauty of the art while harmonizing with all the other design elements to create a tasteful as well as a personal package of beauty for your home's walls. We have over 1,000 samples of frame mouldings including many variations of woods, metals, and even our new line of environmentally friendly 'Green' frames.

MATS

Quite often matting a work of art is considered to be only for aesthetics or an element of design. While this is true the primary function of a mat is to protect the art by keeping the glass from being in contact with it. No matter how clean, all of our homes have some level of indoor pollution, dust, airborne grease from cooking, humidity from baths, showers and cooking. Without a mat (or spacer) these will over time collect between the glass and the artwork potentially damaging the art and lowering its attractiveness as well as lowering its value.

GLASS OPTIONS

Glazing or Glass also plays an important role in protecting your art. Ultraviolet rays, invisible to the eye, will fade most printed images over time and can discolor many papers and make the paper brittle. Direct sunlight is not necessary for a harmful level of UV waves to be present. A bright room with indirect light can cause fading over time (think about light's effects upon spines of books and upholstery). "Regular" glass absorbs about 40% of UV light waves. Conservation and Museum Glass filters 98% of the UV rays. Reflection control may also be a consideration. Regular and Conservation Glass are available with a non-reflective finish. Museum Glass is non-reflective due to its optical clarity as well as a coating on the inside of the glass