Why Should I Use Custom Framing?

The most traditional method of displaying artwork and photos is to frame them. There are many different framing options available but most fall into two categories: custom framing (as provided by Quirky Fox) or ready made frames available from big box stores.

Ready-made frames are the most budget friendly and convenient - you walk into a large store, grab the size and colour you want, go home and fit the artwork yourself.

Custom framing is a little more complicated - you go to the framer, have a discussion, leave your artwork and collect the piece in four to eight weeks time.

 

Why should you choose custom framing over a ready made frame?

Custom framing, as the name suggests, is customised to your piece of art - it is measured and cut to show your work to its full potential. Custom framing is more expensive than ready made frames for a number of reasons:

• Custom frames offer you significant more choices than ready made frames allowing you to get a frame that suits the art, your taste, your home and your budget
• The moulding (what we often consider the 'frame') is made from timber or aluminium instead of composite wood or MDF. This gives the frame significantly more strength,  your framer will advise you on the type of moulding suitable for the weight and size of your art so it has long term protection.
• The mat board and backing board are archival and acid free. This will protect your artwork and significantly reduce discolouration in the future.
• The glass (or glazing) is picked to best suit the artwork and its position in your home. Depending on your artwork you may require reflection control glass, conservation glass or even acrylic. Often ready made frames have low quality glass or light Perspex sheets that offer little to no protection and have no UV protection.
• The frame is sealed with a low acid tape to prevent dust or insects entering the frame.
• The hanging components (wire and d-rings) are selected to suit the size and weight of the frame instead of a one size fits all. These are fixed to the moulding allowing the work to sit squarely on the wall. Ready-made frames often have a sawtooth hanger on the backing board as the exterior frame lacks the strength to withhold the weight of hanging, sawtooth hangers can be more difficult to get level unless a sawtooth hook is used.
• The overall construction is significantly more robust.
• Custom framing allows you to have fun, a custom frame can be a simple or as ornate as you wish, you can stack frames, do multiple mats, add fillets, and create a frame unique to your taste.

 

If you would like to show your work or momentos to their full potential (and avoid the frustration of finding dust between your art and the glass) contact Quirky Fox and we will help you find a frame that suits your taste and budget while protecting and enhancing your artwork.