By Paul Dunwell, writing for EasyFrame
© Copyright EasyFrame 2019
What this article is about
The eleven earlier 'Frame Academy' pieces covered terminology, making a frame, gilding, choosing a type of frame, reusing old frames, choosing colours, hanging heavy artwork, hanging height, stairs, picture rails and the unspoken rules that make a frame work. To round off the series, 'Frame Academy XII' looks at the main options that should be open to you at a leading framer like EasyFrame.
Narrowing down your choice
A picture may be worth a thousand words. EasyFrame needs about a thousand words simply to list, at one word per item, the mouldings it stocks to meet every imaginable demand, from wee tabletop frames to whopping solutions that fill entire walls. We can narrow the search by putting frames into broad categories, though these are not exhaustive.
Types of frame
You can choose from floating frames, standard frames, swept (or 'close corner') frames, decorative frames, shadow box frames and multi-aperture frames. Box frames have an internal depth that is ideal for three-dimensional objects. Most are snap-on or slide-in solutions. If you spot something different, show it to EasyFrame and ask if they can do it. The answer will usually be 'yes', because they won't want to be outdone. It's a pride thing!
Frame shapes
You name it and EasyFrame can pretty certainly make it: square and rectangular frames, and circular and oval ones. Anything regular, where angles can be calculated and cut precisely, is easy for a company with all the kit. Novelty shapes such as hearts, or something more complex, are also possible in expert hands.
Frame materials
You can have canvas, plastics, wood (new, reclaimed or composite) and various metals. Ceramic frames are also available. Gilding can be arranged too, in gold leaf or other metals.
Frame sizes
Standard sizes, in inches, are 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 5x10, 8x8, 8x10, 10x12, 11x14, 12x15, 16x20 and 20x24. For approximate metric equivalents in centimetres, multiply by 2.5.
Frame colours
The obvious colours for frames are black, white, ivory, silver, gold and walnut, along with a range of paler and darker woods. Other colours are certainly available. The mat, or mounting board, used around the artwork inside the frame can be almost any colour imaginable. You can use more than one board, in contrasting colours that work with both the frame and what it holds.
Frame textures
Most people choose frames with bevelled, plain or beaded edges. You can ask for a range of finishes, including 'distressed', which is very trendy: the equivalent of having holes in your jeans!
Preview your moulding before you order
With a framer that owns the technology, you can now see what your frame will look like before you order. EasyFrame has invested in the kit. Wherever you see the symbol below on their site, click it for a revolving, 360-degree view of the moulding.
Conclusion
Hanging artwork in great frames is important. If you are framing something precious, it's always worth going straight to a professional framer like EasyFrame for advice. They can do the whole job or help with the part that has left you racked by self-doubt.
EasyFrame can also supply much of what you need to do the job yourself, from a single frame to a whole collection: hooks, hangers, mounts and frames, along with plenty of paraphernalia you'd probably not recognise even though they use it every day of the week!
You can always have EasyFrame send you samples of mouldings or mount colours. Order them online for a small charge towards postage.
EasyFrame is on 01234 856 501 and sales@EasyFrame.co.uk.