If you have a beautiful piece of artwork or something sentimental that you want to frame, then you may want to consider a custom frame. Custom frames are a way to ensure your piece is preserved properly and given the attention it deserves to make it stand out, yet many people choose instead to use pre-made frames to fit the things they hang with pride on their walls. What they should be doing is searching “picture framer near me” and taking their pieces to the professionals.
Today, we look at the main reasons why people are choosing to use custom framers and a few helpful tips to find the picture framer near me that can make sure your object gets the attention it deserves.
Why choose a professional picture framer?
For many people, they believe that grabbing a picture frame on its own and doing it themselves is the best path forward. While this is almost certainly the most cost-effective method, it can also be the worst way to display anything for a few reasons.
The first reason is fit. While there are lots of standard sizes of pictures and posters, and frames to match them, it can be very difficult to match perfectly. This can result in pieces not looking their best because they simply don’t fit the frame properly. It’s the picture equivalent of wearing pants that are too long or too short.
The second reasons to choose a professional framer is to protect the actual piece. Whether it’s a degree, a piece of fine art or even a sentimental photograph, a professional framer will take the time to carefully encase the object, so it looks its absolute best. They can also use materials that can protect the item from UV damage and other forms of wear-and-tear so that it stays looking its best for years to come.
The final reason to choose a professional framer is the superior look. Custom framers craft beautiful, high-quality frames that match what’s being framed, not just in size but in color, finish and more. From bold, bright frames to more subtle looks, they can walk you through your many options to find the right frame for your piece. If you want something to look its absolute best, then a custom frame is the only choice.
Tips for finding the right picture framer near me
Now that we’ve looked at why you need a custom framer, let’s look at a few tips to help you find the right one for what you’re framing.
Tip #1: Choose a company with the right experience
Experience is an absolute must for your next framing job. Not just any experience, though. Experience in the type of framing you want done. You can frame any number of things, from paintings to posters to actual objects in shadow boxes. Be sure to choose a framer that has shown experience in framing what you want framed. Many picture framers have portfolios online with some of their work. Take a look at what they have done in the past to get a sense of the work that they can do for you.
Tip #2: Ask about the materials that they use
The difference between a great custom framer and a not-so-great framer can come down to two key things: experience and materials. The best custom framers will ensure that their work uses the right materials on top of the skills they have. Materials like Tyvek or neutral pH paper for dust covers. There should also be materials or items that they avoid, like screw eyes or saw-toothed hangers.
Tip #3: Have a conversation
One of the best parts of getting custom framing is that you get to find the perfect frame with the framer. Every custom framing job should start with a conversation between you, the client, and the framer. They can talk through some options and ideas that they have for your piece. If you like what they have to offer, then you know that you are on the right path. Never hesitate to talk ideas out with a potential framer. It’s the easiest way to see if the product will be something that you love.
When having these conversations, remember that they are the professional, so don’t expect someone who will say yes to everything. Framing is complicated work that takes the integrity of the original piece extremely seriously. That means some options or ideas may be impractical. A great custom framer will tell you this upfront and offer alternatives that can meet your vision.
The importance of custom framers
Whether it’s a degree, a painting or something else, custom framing can turn the things we hang on our walls into creatively preserved pieces that pop. Remember, the first step to finding the right framer, besides typing “picture framer near me” into a search engine, is to look for one with the right type of experience. When you talk to them, you can also ask them about their process.