Framing | Professional v High Street

I've been meaning to share about the difference between professional, custom framing v high street, off the shelf frames for a while now, and I've finally got round to it - I hope you find it useful! 

One of the main differences is that with professional framing you will get the benefit of FSC certified wood and the use of archival, acid free and conservation grade materials to prevent discolouration and deterioration or damage caused by chemicals often used in high street/standard frames.

Other benefits of professional framing:
- Sealed properly to avoid foxing (brown spots and staining) from moisture and mould.

- UV protection and anti-reflective glazing options are available to further protect the artwork from fading and showcase it in the best light.

- Personalise custom frames - you can tailor the size to the artwork, change up the spacer or mount colour and have the moulding colour matched to your preferred colour and interior design.

- Customise the display of artworks - from float mounting to showcase the deckled edges, choosing an elevated float mount where the artwork is secured to foam board and creates a shadow around the edge, or a deep set box frame using spacers to create depth so that the artwork is sat away from the glass, to mounting/matting or a full bleed frame where the artwork is framed right to the edges.

Above, prints are professionally framed in custom made sizes, one float mounted in oak stained wood, and the other in natural obeche wood with a custom cut circular mount.

Below, high street frames (group image) are used with custom cut mounts to get an idea of framing options. Miniature Mountains IIII is framed with a larger mount, back right in a walnut frame. Also pictured is the same print in a smaller, custom made oak frame with the print float mounted.

Off the shelf frames are fine as a temporary solution if perhaps you want to test out the colour etc. of a frame or try hanging the artwork in different rooms before committing to a final decision on which type of moulding and mounting you’d like to decide upon before investing in a professional frame. However, they don’t tend to be made from acid free or high quality materials, so should only be used short term. If you’ve invested in an artwork, although they are more expensive (for a reason: high quality, archival materials and craftsmanship), it’s worth the benefit of protecting the artwork properly.

It’s also worth noting that even if you have opted for UV glass, always avoid hanging your frame in direct sunlight, away from heat or in a damp space. 

I’m always happy to help with framing or offer advice on framing options. If you have any questions do get in touch and you can see my current professionally framed and ready to hang prints here.

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