Author: Adam Gerlach

How important is your choice of glazing during a framing project? Let’s put it this way, every aspect of your project will be affected by it: cost, weight of the finished piece, amount of protection provided, how the art or keepsake looks after framing, even maintenance. So how do you make the best decisions? A great custom framer and a little knowledge go a long way when you are deciding:

Glass or Acrylic?

Glass is very scratch resistant and does not bow or produce as much static as acrylic. Consider glass when framing:

• Smaller projects that will not become too heavy
• “Loose media” artwork, such as pastels or charcoals which can be damaged by static build-up from acrylic
• Items that may not receive appropriate cleaning techniques required by acrylic

Acrylic is lighter and more shatter-resistant than glass and as optically pure as Museum Glass®, which makes it the right choice if:

• Framing large or heavy items where weight of the finished piece is an issue
• You need to ship the framed artwork or memorabilia
• The art will hang in high traffic areas or children’s rooms where broken glass presents a significant hazard to people or the artwork itself
• You are willing to use special cleaning and maintenance methods to avoid scratching or fogging the glazing

Clear or Anti-Reflective?

Anti-reflective glazing is useful any time glare may prevent you from enjoying your framed pictures or memorabilia. Use anti-reflective glass when:

• Your framed piece will hang in a bright room or opposite windows or lamps
• You are framing an image that is enhanced by a slightly softer focus, such as an impressionist painting

Avoid cheap, low-tech non-glare glass. It will cause your framed items to look fuzzy and distorted.

Clear glazing, which looks like regular glass, works well for:

• Projects that do not require reflection-free viewing
• When you need to balance cost and viewing clarity

Level of Protection?

If you’ve ever worked with a professional framer, you probably know ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the biggest enemies of your pictures and keepsakes. Over time, UV rays break down organic materials, causing your precious treasures to fade, yellow and become brittle. Professional framers use specialty glazing to slow this process.

Museum Grade gives the highest level of protection and offers outstanding clarity. It minimizes glare without affecting the visible light spectrum so the finish is practically invisible. It is also the most expensive option. Use Museum Glass® or Optimum Museum Acrylic® whenever:

• Framing extremely valuable or priceless items or items with a lot of detail
• You want the best presentation possible

Conservation Grade must block at least 97% of UV energy and is available in clear or reflection control finishes. It is an excellent choice if:

• You are framing precious art, keepsakes, or valuable posters, but Museum Glass® is not within your budget

Non-Conservation Grade offers much lower UV protection than higher grades of glazing. Village Frame & Gallery does not carry or recommend this type of glass, but when you are framing items that can be easily replaced, such as inexpensive posters or digital snapshots, non-conservation glass or acrylic is a money-saving option.

Before You Decide, Gaze at Glazing

Bring your artwork or keepsakes to Village Frame & Gallery to see for yourself how the various types of glazing will affect their appearance. Viewing the items behind glass and acrylic samples can reveal subtle, sometimes surprising, enhancements or distractions you will want to consider before making your final choice.

In addition, we can help you make decisions about design, frame styles, matting, backing and mounting materials to create a spectacular finished product you are proud to display in your home or office.

Stop in during our regular business hours or call 503-245-8001 for an appointment or in-home consultation.

There are occasions when a craft store frame will work just fine. If you want to print and display a digital snapshot of the family pet, there’s no need to spend the money for a high-quality frame. But, if you have invested in fine art, want to exhibit priceless objects, or have unique needs, there is no substitute for a skilled professional framer. Here are 3 times to insist on professional framing:

When You Want to Preserve Your Artwork or Heirlooms

Artwork, handicrafts and cherished memorabilia all deteriorate when exposed to light, moisture, temperature changes, and environmental contaminants such as air pollution or the oil from your fingers. Simply slapping your treasured pieces into ready-made frames will not protect them from the ravages of time. Off-the-shelf framing materials are typically made of damaging acidic materials that actually accelerate deterioration.

A professional framer who is familiar with art conservation techniques will take steps to protect your framed items. Methods vary depending on what is being framed, but some of the most common techniques include:

• Museum quality glass that blocks UV rays and light reflection
• Acid-free, archival matting, backing and moulding materials
• Preservation mounting techniques

When You Want to Create an Striking Display Piece

The right framing complements what it surrounds and draws the eye to the focal point of your exhibition—your artwork or heirlooms. This doesn’t happen by accident. Expert framing design unites the artwork, mat, and molding, creating a harmonious presentation enhances and serves the picture or object framed.

In order to accomplish top-notch results, professional framers must be experts in design, color theory, and layout. They also need to consider where the picture or keepsakes will be exhibited and your personal tastes or preferences.

In the end, you will have a unique showpiece you can be proud to display in your home or office.

When Ready-Made Frames Don’t fit Your Needs

Mass-produced frames are available in a small range of pre-defined sizes and materials. If you want to frame something that doesn’t fit into a standard size or you want rarer materials, you are out of luck. Custom frame shops are not confined by these limitations. They can offer:

• Frames cut to any size you need
• Mats in a vast array of colors, textures and patterns
• Special decorative effects, such as die-cut mats
• Moulding to suit any design

If it is time to insist on professional framing, it is also time to insist on a frame shop that will guide you through the maze of preservation and design choices and execute your project flawlessly. If you have a framing project in mind, contact Village Frame and Gallery. We have over 28 years combined experience protecting and enhancing pictures, needlework, and keepsakes.