Guidelines On Choosing Custom Printed Photo Frames

By Joseph Young


An elegant artwork needs to be prominently displayed. When the artwork is put in custom printed photo frames, it improves its look and extends its life as well. Mounting and framing photos in a well-designed combination of both the frame and mat forms part of the visual expression of the displayed image, separating it from the surrounding environment and increasing the weight of its visibility. Whenever you are buying a frame or mount of any said photo you should consider the discussed guidelines below.

Frames are made of two types. They are either wooden or metallic. You should ensure that you have chosen that improves the value of your photos. Wooden frames bring about traditional feel of the image and give the artwork a warm look. On the other hand, metallic frames make your artwork appear firm and industrious.

In addition, you have to select a mat board which is suitable. Mat board is a colored material placed between the artwork and the glass. It is important to have one in the frame because it puts air space between the glass and the picture to prevent them from sticking to each other. On the same breath, it creates a border between the frame and the picture, thereby, drawing the attention of the viewer towards the piece.

Furthermore, there are three decisions to take when it comes to matting. They include quality, layers and colors to use. Grade determines how well that mat material will preserve the artwork over a long period of time. Preservation is dictated by the acidity level in the mat. The more the acidity the quicker the mat material will deteriorate.

Layers are determined by how many mats you use in a particular frame. This exercise should be carried out by a professional who knows the quantity of layers to put and the amount of space to be left between glass and the frame. When enough space is not left, both glass and the photo stick together. Because of changing weather conditions, the value of the photo placed in such a way is compromised in the long run.

Moreover, mat boards come in various colors. They can either have silver, gold, rainbow, black or white look. It is unnecessary to use multicolored borders in the frame. This will make your artwork look ugly and of less value. This makes it important to use neutral colored borders.

On the same, mounting exercise should also be carried out professionally. Mounting prevents the printed image from warping and buckling. When an image is mounted it can be easily handled with no possibility of being damaged. Similarly, mounting protects the artwork from being damaged by severe weather thus preserving it for a longer period.

Moreover, you should choose the best glazing material. Glazing is the cover that protects everything in the frame. Failure to do glazing will expose your artwork to unpredictable and harsh temperature and humidity condition which can make the artwork deteriorate quickly than expected. There are four types of glazing, namely; standard, anti-glare, ultraviolet and a mixture of both anti-glare and ultraviolet.




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