Key Components of Custom Framing

You found a frame shop you feel comfortable in and are ready to bring in your piece to be custom framed. Before doing that, it is important to understand the parts of a custom framing job.

Matting

Matting is a compressed layer of paper available in a wide variety of colors used to enhance or protect a piece. There are various quality levels of matting available.

Ideally, matting used for custom framing is made from a 100% cotton core treated to be acid and lignin free. Any acidity or trace lignin in the mat can cause irreversible damage to your piece.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is paper matting. This unbuffered, untreated matting comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors, but due to acidity should not be used for any valuable piece in framing.

Matting is available in a wide variety of styles. Most matting will have a solid white core, visible when the mat is cut. Some matting will have a solid color core in black or a complimentary color. Mats can be smooth, textured, or covered in fabric. A quality frame shop will be able to offer even more decorative options than just how the mat comes from the manufacturer.

Matting should always be accompanied by an acid-free backing board.

Molding

Molding is the material used to make the frame. There are three basic kinds of molding: wood, metal, and plastic.

Wood molding is without a doubt the highest quality molding you can get. Solid wood molding is available in any number of natural stains, paint jobs, gold leafing, or profiles.

Metal molding is the smart budget choice for many kinds of pieces. The molding joins on the ends with metal brackets that securely hold the contents in place. Metal molding lacks the variety of traditional wood molding, but does offer bright colors otherwise not available.

Plastic molding is the least expensive option. The problem with plastic molding is the durability. Even when freshly made, the molding is likely to warp and break. It is best to avoid plastic molding at this time. Some companies are currently working to improve the quality of plastic molding so it can become a viable option for custom framing.

Glazing