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Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely. We use a computerized ordering system to ensure fast, consistent quotes. Our computer system allows you to easily track the price of a piece as the design process evolves. That way you won't be surprised by the final price. Bring in the print or other item that you want framed and we will provide you a written estimate and keep it on-line. If you prefer, you may notify us later by phone, email, or in person if you decide to proceed with the job. Frames & Images offers value pricing (i.e., everyday low prices). There's no need to wait for a sale or to clip a coupon. We want our customers to know that they can receive the best value everyday. We have very few prospective customers who leave our store with an estimate not to return to complete the job. |
A sufficiently strong nail and hanger or a screw is needed to hold the piece. For drywall, a screw with plastic anchor insert works well. A simple nail and hanger will suffice for small, light weight pieces. Large, heavy pieces are best hung with two screws or best, with a heavy nail centered in a stud. Paneling, masonry, and other wall materials may require special hardware. Check with a contractor.
Every situation is different and personal taste varies, but the following tips may help:
We listen to your objectives and jointly design a piece through a consultative process. We are custom framing experts with 11 years of experience. We have designed thousands of pieces. Custom framing doesn’t have to be confusing. We’ve developed a Four Step process that helps you discover what you really want.
The selection process is as easy as 1-2-3-4.
1. Image: Select from 1000’s of images in our full color catalogs of open and limited edition prints, posters, etchings, and originals. We are connected to the leading print distributors. We also stock some of the more popular prints. Or, bring in your own print or other item for framing.
2. Mats: Select from hundreds of mats in a wide variety of colors and styles. We offer the complete line of Crescent and Bainbridge standard mats, plus linens, silkens, suedes, swirls, silkies, and other specialty mats. Color and style choices are critical in meeting your decorating needs and complementing the piece. Of course, we consult with you to choose the optimal colors, styles, arrangement, and spacing. Feel free to bring fabrics and other color samples for matching styles and colors with your overall decor.
3. Extras: Jazz-up your piece with options like marble paper, fillets, and special mat cuts. We can offer suggestions for innovative, creative effects that will make your piece one-of-a-kind.
4. Moulding: Select from among several hundred moulding patterns. Our mouldings span the gamut from huge ornate golds to simple metals. We stock many of our patterns and like the rest of your piece, the frame is constructed on the premises.
Note: We've framed golf clubs, homerun balls, hole-in-one balls, military decorations, scouting awards, dresses, keepsakes.....You name it, we frame it!
Permanent mounting is just that -- the irreversible mounting of your artwork onto another material. Permanent mounting is usually done to improve the appearance of your artwork by permanently holding it in position regardless of heat, humidity or physical mistreatment. While the appearance of your artwork may be improved, permanent mounting is not recommended in cases where the value (or potential value) of the artwork may be jeopardized by permanent alteration.
Many times, mounting of art can improve its appearance by removing wrinkles and providing a stable base to prevent new wrinkles caused by changes in humidity, sunlight, or vibration. Generally, photos and posters should always be mounted. Foam core or mat board generally are used as the mounting medium. Limited edition prints, originals, and other valuable artwork normally are not permanently mounted to avoid the risk of damage or devaluation.
There are two kinds of adhesive used for mounting. Heat activated drymounting and aerosol spray wetmounting.
1. Heat Activated Drymounting
This process uses a heat press to melt glue that is sandwiched in the form of tissue between the art and the mounting board. The combination of heat and pressure tends to remove wrinkles and provide a very permanent bond. It is not reversible. It is the preferred method in most situations. Exceptions include heat sensitive pieces such as delicate or old prints, some photocopies, and waxthermal prints.
2. Aerosol Spray Wetmounting
Spray glues are used to attach the art, photo, or poster to the mounting board. This process generally is used only if heat poses a risk or if quality and permanence are not a concern. Wet mounting is not as effective at removing wrinkles and risks improper positioning and overspray.
With the exception of oils and some posters, it generally is desirable to protect your artwork from dust, insects, humidity, and sunlight, with glass or Plexiglas. Frames & Images offers six options:
1. Regular Clear Glass
This is by far the most popular material. It allows a clear view of the artwork but it is prone to glare, shields about one half of the ultraviolet light, and like all glass, it can shatter.
2. Glare-free Glass
Glare-free glass uses an etching in the surface to reduce the level of reflected light. While cutting down on glare, it also distorts the viewing of the art. Whether or not this tradeoff is worth while depends on the light situation in the room and the level of detail in the artwork. Glare-free glass costs more than regular glass.
3. Plexiglas
Plexiglas really isn't glass, it's a high quality plastic. It is light weight and shatter proof but it is susceptible to scratching and in some cases, warping. It costs more than regular glass.
4. Conservation Glass
Ultraviolet light causes fading in artwork and matting. Conservation glass is coated with special materials that filter out most ultraviolet light. Conservation glass should be considered for particularly valuable artwork or areas exposed to sunlight. It costs considerably more than other materials.
5. Conservation Glare-free Glass
Glare-free version of conservation glass.
6. Lamination
Lamination is the application of a plastic film to mounted artwork. A heat press is used to attach the laminate. Lamination affords some protection to artwork, it is lightweight, and it may eliminate the need for glass and/or a frame.
7. Image Perfect
Image Perfect is a very high grade of glare-free glass. It is so good that it is nearly impossible to see. It is quite expensive but in many applications it is well worth the price. Unlike other types of glass, it is best cleaned using an alcohol-based cleanser, not ammonia-based. Special care must be taken not to scratch or finger mark the glass because of the fine texture on its surface.
Besides enhancing the beauty of a piece, mats are used to keep artwork from touching glass by creating a shallow cavity. Adhesion between artwork and glass can cause an unattractive smudge and lead to the formation of mold and damage to the art. Mats typically are not used in the absence of glass (e.g., oil paintings). Sometimes mats also are not used for lower value artwork such as posters. Mat board comes in thousands of colors, textures, and styles. Mats are cut with a beveled edge using a variety of cutting patterns. Mats often are are stacked in a grouping to increase the space between art and glass while magnifying the decorative effect.
Mat colors are an important decorative consideration. Generally, the inner mat is used to "pull" a color from the image and accentuate it. Sometimes a third and fourth mat can be used to pull other colors or to add additional drama to the piece. Mats can be used in conjunction with spacers, marble papers, fillets, title windows, hand carvings, multiple openings, and many other creative effects. Helping you to arrive at the optimal mix out of so many possibilities is a big part of the the Frames & Images design process.
Mat Types:
Mouldings are chopped and joined into a picture frame. The frame is used to hold the glass and artwork, to provide a strong medium for hanging the picture, and as an additional source of beauty. The frame is built exactly the size needed to fit the artwork.
The majority of mouldings sold at Frames & Images are solid wood. A much smaller fraction are metals. Woods come in every conceivable pattern, color, species, finish, and size. Gold leafs are the most popular. Metals are popular for posters and lightweight applications.
Moulding Types
Working from the inside-out to preserve and protect artwork at every step of the framing process.
Generally includes:
We stock many prints in our print bin display and flat files. We have dozens of catalogs on hand that you can relax and browse through at our counter.
Frames & Images is an authorized dealer for Somerset House, Applejack, Hadley House, and The Military Gallery. These publishers offer prints from G. Harvey, Charles Frace, Phillip Crowe, Michael Atkinson, Larry Dyke, L. Gordon, Tom duBois, Terri Redlin, Steve Hanks, Nancy Glazier, Judy Larsen, Lee Cable, Lindsey Scott, Sandra Kuck, and Paula Vaughan to name a few. War art selections by Robert Taylor and Nicolas Trudgian from The Military Gallery are popular. We also feature an assortment of the works of local artists such as Sheryl Jackson, Ron Williams, G. Webb, Nate Galka, and Robert Tino.
We can arrange to commission original portraits, decorative pieces, murals, or whatever you would like to have painted.
We have a database
for researching the availability of more obscure images.
Types of Productions:
Yes. Generally 50% or payment-in-full is requested before we begin working on your order.
Yes. Our front window, walls and display rack contain many pieces ready for immediate sale. These pieces are available on a cash-and-carry basis and fill immediate gift or decorating needs. Preview a sampling in our On-line gallery.
Yes. We have accounts with decorators and designers. If you are a decorator or designer, please call to discuss the availability of quantity discounts and special services.
We have experience framing commercial posters and promotions, merchandise, logos, maps, photo spreads, awards, and more.