Step by step guide to custom picture framing

Are you ready to design your dream frame? Custom picture framing is a process that requires a bit of time and effort, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With this guide, you'll learn the steps involved in the custom picture framing process, as well as why conservation framing is important and why the price points are higher than standard framing. By the end of this post, you'll be well on your way to designing your dream frame!

1. Choose your frame:

Once you have selected your artwork, the next step is to choose a frame that complements and enhances the piece. There are many different types and styles of frames to choose from, ranging from sleek and modern to traditional and ornate, with each one coming in a variety of colours. When choosing what route to take with your frame, consider if you want to use a frame that blends in with your house or if you want to pick something that makes the artwork stand out.

2. Choose your matting:

Matting or “mount”, is the material that surrounds the artwork inside the frame. It serves a practical purpose by creating a space between the artwork and the glass, but it also adds a decorative element to the overall presentation. Choosing a matting colour that complements the artwork and the frame can be a fine line to walk but your picture framer will help you find the right one.

3. Choose your glass or acrylic:

The next step is to choose the type of glass or acrylic that will be used to protect the artwork. Options include regular glass, non-glare glass, UV-protective glass, and acrylic. The choice depends on the artwork and the environment where it will be displayed. To read more about choosing the right glass click here.

4. Choose your extras:

Sometimes the right frame isn’t found on the sample board, what do you do next? You can take the custom framing process one step further and add a fillet or a second frame to create the perfect custom piece. A fillet is. a thin strip of wood used to enhance the matting or the frame. It can be placed inside the rebate of a frame or in between two matt boards to create a unique look.