What Are Picture Frame Spacers & What Is Their Relevance?

Everybody loves clicking pictures; they are the best form of visual representations of a captured moment and to cherish them lifelong, framing is practiced. They not only form a protective layer around your picture but also beautify it in the process. Picture framing is an intricate task that involves assembling of several components. If you've ever taken a closer look to a frame, you must have noticed there is a thin space between the picture and the glazing. That space is created with the help of a frame spacer. Talking about picture framing, most of the people have heard of terms like matboards and glazing. Frame spacer is something not many people are aware about even though they play an important role in the framing process. This blog focusses on the use and importance of the component.

As the name implies, frame spacers are used to create a definite space between the glazing material and your artwork. It is a tool you'll find in every picture framer's store. If you are going for custom picture framing, then frame spacer is something you should definitely know about. There are a variety of models available in the component, and the generic ones are described below.

Types of Frame spacers

S-Shaped

The spacer holds the artwork and glazing material together forming "S" shape. The closed curve is what holds the backing (art or picture) in its place. An important thing to consider while going for this spacer is thickness of the glass and depth of the rabbet.

Tube-Shaped

Tube-shaped spacer have shape of a rectangular hollow tube. These type of spacers have adhesive on one side which is stuck to either the glazed layer or backing board. The other side, that is the visible portion, can have glossy or matte finish depending on the frame and artwork chosen.

Custom shape

Custom shapes are preferred when any of the above mentioned spacer doesn't fit perfectly for a frame. The best application of a custom frame spacer is in deep shadow box. Popular material prefered for designing this spacer model is foam board.

Importance of Frame Spacers

Prevents wave formation across the paper

With continuous variation in the temperature and humidity of environment around the frame, the glass expands and contracts accordingly. However, there are other sections in the frame which stay unaffected. Due to this imbalance, buckling or waves are formed across the paper. Using a spacer ensures uniform distribution of heat in your picture frame, thus, avoiding creation of bucklings.

Protects artwork from moisture

Frame spacer makes sure the artwork doesn't come in contact with the moisture that is condensed on the glass. Normally, this condensation is observed under extreme temperature changes or when the ink of the artwork is not given sufficient time for drying.

You can design your memories in your own way with the online picture framer like PaintBox Soho. We have years of experience and expertise in the field of picture framing. This is a one-stop solution for all your needs pertaining to custom designed frames, hand-crafted frames, floating frames. Come add color to your artwork with utmost care and precision.

Preserve The Beauty Of Your Artworks: Professional Picture Framing

Everybody needs a little memory trip down the lane once in a while. When you come to think of it, pictures are the most effective way to time travel in a jiffy. Picture frames have been used by people since the ages to protect and preserve their memories. Innovative picture frames are used not only to protect your artwork but also to enhance their look and feel. These picture frames build a protective layer around your captured memories. Sometimes these frames cherish the master-piece you had created during your golden days, other times they just reflect your old-self caught up in a moment.

Professional picture framing has always held considerable importance in our lives, after all people never cease to perfecting their collectibles. Even in this era of digitization, people still prefer conventional wooden/metal frames for decorative purposes. There are countless picture framing stores available to get your work done. However, you must be familiar with the generic frame anatomy and picture framing process. Here are a few must-follow steps that you must implement when opting for professional picture framing.

 

Selecting right frame

The very first question that you must ask yourself is whether you want a wooden frame or a metal one. Wooden frames usually go with traditional looking background. They add warmer and natural touch to your pictures. On the other hand, metal frames reflect more of a contemporary look. They are usually preferred for artwork with a tinge of dullness (maybe even pictures with shades of black and white) in them.

Deciding about matboard

Whether to use a matboard or not is completely dependent on the look of your artwork which is to be framed. Matboard is the material which is to be kept amidst your frame and artwork to create space in between. However, you need to ensure that it enhances the overall look of your frame. While choosing a matboard, select the one with appropriate grade, that is, how well it can preserve the quality of your artwork in the picture frame. Also, select a mat color that enriches the overall look of your picture frame. Take care that the matboard doesn't outshine your picture.

Opting for durable foam board

Foam board is the support system of your picture frame. It forms the back-end of a frame; your picture is attached to it. An ideal foam board(or mounting board) should be impermeable to water, and must prevent yellowing of the artwork.

Quality glass protection

Glass or glazing is a process that consists of covering your picture frame. It is not mandatory to glaze your artwork; however, it protects your artwork from wearing off due to external factors. Picture framing stores provide a variety of glazes, inquire about each one of them and choose the appropriate one.

You can design your memories in your own way with the online picture framer like PaintBox Soho. We have years of experience and expertise in the field of picture framing. This is a one-stop solution for all your needs pertaining to custom designed frames, hand-crafted frames, floating frames. Come add color to your artwork with utmost care and precision.

When is the right time to change your picture frame?

If you have never been to a picture framers in nyc, built a picture yourself, or even looked at picture framers in nyc online then you need to understand that the frame materials can change a picture drastically. When you walk into a custom shop you will see hundreds if not thousands of frame materials on the wall made by many different manufacturers. The only way you are going to know whether you like a frame is by bringing in the actual picture itself. You can then hold each picture framing materials to the picture itself to see how it will look once framed.

Modern frames come in all shapes, different picture framing materials and sizes. In many cases the best looking modern frames come with sleek lines and occasionally additional add-ons to the frame itself. Things like mini-mirrors attached to the frame itself can be considered a contemporary style. There are so many different modern picture framing materials that it is difficult to classify them all, but typically you will be looking for a frame that will compliment your photograph or painting with a modern twist.

Traditional frames and picture framing materials

Traditional ones also come in many shapes and styles. When you go into a museum you are typically looking at the museum quality picture framing. Think of the typical museum quality gold and wood as what you would typically expect to get when looking at a museum quality picture framing. The one nice thing about picking a traditional style is that it will never go out of style because people have been using these frames for hundreds of years. But if you are looking to frame a photograph then avoid traditional frames.

Large frames are going to be essential for large pictures or photographs. For instance, if your picture starts going above 18" by 18" then you should consider a larger frame. A small frame will look very out of place with your large picture. A little stick next to a huge picture is really not the look you are going for.

Small frames can be perfect for small photographs and pictures. You can usually save quite a bit of money on the smaller frames and they will look perfect on smaller pictures. Just keep in mind that artwork may require a large frame so if you have a $5000 small Picasso then you should consider a large museum quality frame.

Just because you got a recommendation from a custom framing shop does not mean that you still cannot buy the picture frame online. You usually can pick out a nearly identical frame online or sometimes they will even have the exact same frame that you saw in the store. You might want to give online retailers a chance as well.

Picture Framing Trends For The Frame Making Industry In 2016

Like fashion trends, picture framing trends come and go. 2016 is an exciting year for many reasons and the picture framing trends for this year will definitely excite you. Below are the trends you may expect from picture framing services today:

• Snow White

Minimalist palette has been very popular during these days and it has been taking frame making industry by storm. For this reason, the most probable base in picture framing today is snow white, which is often paired with pastels in the world of fashion. Although fashion doesn’t have any connection with the changes of picture framing trends, it still plays a role for many consumers.

The best thing about snow white color is that this works well with majority of palettes. Too much may make rooms look stark, yet once used properly as an accent, it is inviting and crisp. Ty to pair it with a red, magenta, canary or turquoise mat to offset the artwork even more with the hot fashion color predictions this 2016. You may also make use of rosy lilac, minty green and baby blue.

• 3D Picture Frames

With today’s technology, there’s no doubt why many people would consider using 3D picture frames. 3D picture framing services will be very popular. It is different from other regular sculptures as it comes with an exceptional beauty that other picture frames can’t offer you.

• Simple But Not Ornate

When looking for various art shows and competitions, it is definitely clear that the pieces for 206 are futuristic and modernistic. Abstract art is also famous today. The general rule of thumb when framing this kind of artwork is to keep the frame much simple. While Renaissance and Baroque style paintings often work fine in much elaborate frames, abstract art may quickly overpower one’s eyes. It is essential to keep the picture frames classic and basic. Oftentimes, metal picture frames work well with the abstract art, provided that the usual primary color choices.

When you are purchasing picture frames in advance, you should remember about clean lines. Concentrate on the picture frames that do not have embellishments. It is better to use a picture frame with simpler cut. The best thing about this trend is that it’s perfect for any season of the year and will definitely blend well on your home décor. You can also reuse such picture frames for some projects you have in mind.

2016 will absolutely be a good year in frame making industry. If you are an art lover, you will love the picture framing trends this year. If you want to take advantage of such trends, it is always best to work with the best picture framers NYC. With their help, you can quickly choose which trend is much appropriate for your needs and what trends you should avoid. Just make sure to know what your needs are as these will help you make a better decision when choosing a picture framing trend this 2016.

Choosing the right picture framer can be a daunting task which calls for much calculative approach on your side. There are many available however there are only a few which are worth giving a try. You can design your memories in your own way with the online picture framers like PaintBoxNolita, PaintBoxArt Framing , PaintBox Soho. They have years of experience and expertise in the field of picture framing. This is a one-stop solution for all your needs pertaining to custom designed Frames, hand-crafted frames, floating frames. Come add colour to your artwork with utmost care and precision.

Learning The Right Way To Clean An Ornate Frame

An ornate frame is the most beautiful and attractive thing you can receive/purchase. The ornate frame along with its beauty brings a responsibility of cleaning it. Cleaning the ornate frame with all its embellishments intact, is a task in itself. Ornate picture frame has an intricate design which calls for extra care while cleaning the frame. 

 

There is no one-size-fits-all concept while cleaning the ornate picture frame. The method chosen for for cleaning the ornate frame depends on the style and design of the frame. The style and design of the ornate may vary from country to country. It's always better to take help from professional picture framer because your mistake may damage your artwork permanently.

The steps to be followed while cleaning an ornate wood frame is listed below. Follow them to bring out the best look without causing any damage to your prized artwork.

1. Frame should be removed from the towel.

2. Soft and clean cloth can be used to wipe off the dust and dirt.

3. Dry toothbrush should be used to scrub the frame and get into the crevices.

4. Use a fresh clean cloth to get rid of any debris loosened due to scrubbing.

5. There are crevices which cannot be reached by toothbrush, use cotton buds to reach there.

6. A patch test can be conducted with orange oil. The oil should be applied on a soft, dry cloth and its effect should be tested on the frame. This oil is safe for most types of wood picture frames.

7. The orange oil should be scrubbed throughout the entire frame's surface with cloth.

The steps to be followed while cleaning an ornate metal frame is listed below. Follow them to bring out the best look without causing any damage to your prized artwork.

1. Since metal ornate picture frames are more prone to scratch, pressure should be applied gently.

2. Go for a slightly damp, clean microfiber cloth to remove any unwanted tarnish or corrosion. Make sure that you use either water or an anti-tarnish product for this process. While using an anti-tarnish product, a test is advised on the small, inconspicuous patch before going for the front of the frame.

3. If you have intricate frames, use cotton buds for removing the tarnish or discoloration in crevices. If you are an admirer of the aged look of dark embellishments, you can wipe it with a cloth for cleaning the surface gently.

4. If your frame is exquisite, silver plated, you should use silver cleaner for best results.

There is a huge difference between polishing and cleaning. Polishing uses abrasives which can cause part of the original surface to be removed. Cleaning removes dust and dirt which has been accumulated over the period of time.

Choosing the right picture framer can be a daunting task which calls for much calculative approach on your side. There are many available however there are only a few which are worth giving a try.You can design your memories in your own way with the online picture framers like PaintBoxNolita, PaintBoxArt Framing , PaintBox Soho. They have years of experience and expertise in the field of picture framing. This is a one-stop solution for all your needs pertaining to custom designed Frames, hand-crafted frames, floating frames. Come add colour to your artwork with utmost care and precision.

Important components of a picture frame - Glass

A picture frame is a great way to preserve your art for long. Often when we go for custom made frames, there are many components that are needed to be chosen judicially. One of the main components that often gets neglected but is equally important, to create a visually appealing picture frame is Glass.

Picture frame glass helps to prevent your art from damaging UV rays. They also help in preventing the art from dirt and sudden temperature changes. A good glass glazing should have the property to prevent the art from these external damages and help preserve the art for long.

Framing glass is the most traditional way to frame your picture or artwork. Although there has been many advancement in glazing options and new product are there in the market which can replace glass; but glasses still reign supreme in framing market. Glass despite of its weight and fragile property is still widely used, as it is non – expensive, provides luster and sheen to the frame. Glass when compared to today’s modern method of glazing product, does not bow and is less prone to scratches. Glass also does not build up static charge like an acrylic glazing which attracts dust to the frame.

Glasses for picture frame come in many variants and provide flexibility of choice.

• Anti-Glare glasses- Reduces glare from bulbs or ambient light

• Glazing with ultra violet reduction- This stops UV light entering the glass and preserved your artwork

Given below are few properties of picture frame glass which makes them an important component to consider, when shopping for that perfect frame:

• Standard Glass is the most common glazing used and is inexpensive and readily available

• Painting with pastels or charcoals should use glass for framing as it does not hold static electric charge, which causes dust particles to stick to the surface and compromise clarity of image.

• Standard glass is the best option for reproduction prints, posters and artwork

• Standard glass can be best used for frame smaller than 32x40 inch.