Framing your Picture

Cape Town Picture Framing - Funky Frames

Use the right framer - A good framer will help you with all the decisions that go into properly framing your picture. Quality framers have years of experience with preservation framing and design using a variety of materials and methods. For outstanding customer service and the latest products, design theories, and techniques, you can rely on framers with good reference background and reputation .We believe that Funky Frames has just this and are known for their low pricing care to quality and quick turn around times.

Choose the best frame to enhance your art. - There are hundreds of different frame styles colours and sizes  that come in many different, stains, glazes, and finishes. Here we at Funky Frames can help you select the  frame that best suits your art work and then frame it to your  exact specifications. We use the highest quality frames for our Cape Town picture framing clientele, using both wood and synthetic that are available today using the latest designs and colours.

Preventing Damage. Valued art is often damaged prior to arriving at the frame shop because they have been   improperly handled or stored. If it's a rolled piece such as a poster, serious damage can be caused by rubber bands, tape, paperclips and even squeezing the rolled up  piece can cause distortion. It is best to make sure   that the artwork is placed flat in a folder or protective covering, or a tube if in rolled form.   When lifting a piece of paper art, including photographs, always use both hands.  Lifting paper with  one hand can cause "crescent" shaped creases in the paper. 

Board mounting can enhance your artwork. – Mount Boarding or Matting is the term used to describe the "window-cut" material placed around an image within a frame. These can be made of a variety of materials such as paper, or woven material in a different colors and textures.  Board mounts serve as a spacer from the glass and possible direct contact as well as allowing the artwork to expand and contract with changes in humidity.  Also this increase in extra area makes the overall size of the finished piece larger and provides a space for the eyes to rest between the art and the frame. This visual breathing space accentuates the art piece within the outer framework something like bracketing its presence there within its surroundings                                                                                                                                                                    .

It's all in the details. - Consider adding other details. Sometimes  multiple staggered mount board windows of two or three differing colours can give dramatic effect to a piece . If also these additional colour window openings harmonize with the pictures colour tones itself, then the effect can  be stunning.   Narrow fabric stripping say laid vertically along two opposite edges of the picture can add a distinctive flair to your artwork. The Chinese and Japanese were masters at using device this to add contrast  to the inner main work.  Some of  these options,  can help you raise the level of what works best with your item. Sometimes  it's the smallest element in framing your artwork that makes it stand out.

Mounting your artwork properly. -  The Block Mounting  process bonds artwork to a board to prevent artwork from bubbling and is appropriate for posters and photographs. Pieces of special value generally should not be mounted this way since this process is irreversible and can greatly affect any resale value. Museum mounting, commonly known as hinging, attaches the art with paper hinges to the board. The art hangs freely, allowing it to expand or contract with changes in humidity. Hinging or archival photo corners are recommended for original artwork, delicate work and other irreplaceable items. So make sure that the correct mounting is the one chosen.

Archival materials protect your art. -  Some common framing materials such as paper mats and cardboard contain acid that will gradually destroy your art piece We do not use such materials.   We use restoration mount boards and backing boards which are acid free will help protect art from the damaging effects of time and from other pollutants that cause deterioration and yellowing.   

    

Use of  conservation glass and -  All sunlight and artificial light contain an invisible light waves called ultraviolet (UV) light. These light waves are much shorter than visible light and contain higher energy. This higher energy has greater degrees of heat and causes more damage and deterioration of the molecular structure of the pigments used in artwork. Conservation glass should be used whenever you are framing special, valuable, limited edition or a one off artwork. This conservation glass is clear glass to which an ultraviolet inhibiting film has been applied. This glass blocks up to 99 percent of the UV rays, compared to 50 percent blocked by regular glass.

Glazing to protect your artwork. - Glazing refers to the clear glass or acrylic sheeting covering the artwork  as a means of protection. There are a few different types of glass which includes standard clear glass, anti-reflective which is surface treated or chemically coated, non-glare  and conservation glass which is formulated to help filter out UV light. Also this is acrylic sheeting products that come with the same protective treatments as mentioned before.  Acrylic is lighter in weight and is safer than glass needs special non abrasive cleaning agents. It is ideal for oversized pieces, frames that are used in children's rooms. Also this type of  glazing in good for items to be shipped.

Clean picture framing glass -Most commercial window cleaners are good for cleaning framing glass. Do not use cleaners that are industrial or have disinfectant, or that contains abrasives or waxes. Do not use anything that contains ammonia as some commercial glass cleaners do contain ammonia.  Homemade cleaners with vinegar work well, and tests say that they are safe for any glass. There are several new types of glass coatings coming on the market which may require special care. It is always best to spray the cleaner on the cloth, then wipe the glass with the dampened cloth. Otherwise, if you spray directly on the glass, the liquid is likely to run down between the frame and glass, and do damage to the artwork.

The Correct Frame Assembly - We are precise about quality and details in putting it all together regarding the components and techniques employed. Here below is shown a typical cross section of the selection and work going into the framing of a work