Picture Framing: Custom or Standard?
When it comes to preserving art, photos, precious keepsakes, and memorabilia, there are a number of options to choose from. Many box stores offer a wide range of standard frames and display cases, but are these always the right choice? Perhaps you are thinking of searching “custom picture framing near me” for your next project but what is the difference?
Why a Good Frame is Important
Choosing the best frame for each unique piece of art, print, photograph, or object is incredibly important. A frame does more than just look good with the piece on display, though that is also a factor to consider. When it comes to preserving important items and artwork, a good frame does a lot.
First, frames are designed to protect the items within them from the elements. They keep dust and debris from damaging the contents. Frames also provide an extra level of protection against curious fingers and possible accidental drops or falls. A good frame keeps the contents well-protected.
Frames also protect against sun damage. A good quality frame uses specialized glass that blocks damaging sun rays from fading the contents of the frame. Without this type of protection, important framed pieces eventually lose their vibrant color and end up irreparably damaged.
Types of Frames
Frames range from the cheapest discount store variety to highly-customized premium frames. The cheaper the frame, the less likely it is made from high-quality components that will properly protect the contents. Cheap frames do not protect from sun damage nor are they likely to be sturdy enough to protect from bumps or falls.
As for the style of the frame, there are endless options. Standard-sized frames generally follow standard-sized prints like 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, etc. These premade frames are designed to hold simple pieces like a photograph or a document.
Depending on the preferred aesthetic, a design may call for a floating frame, gallery frame, modern frame, or tabletop frame. If the item being framed is a three-dimensional object, an acrylic display box is probably the best choice.
Custom vs. Standard Frames
While pre-made standard frames serve a purpose, in general a custom frame is going to give better results. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether a custom or a standard frame is the right choice for a particular framing project:
• Size: If the item in need of a frame is not a standard size, then a custom frame will likely be required. Professional framers can create beautiful frames for almost any sized object. They use specialized tools to cut and piece together frames that perfectly fit non-standard sized items.
• Shape: Oddly shaped items like memorabilia or keepsakes can be enclosed in a custom-made acrylic box that protects from the elements and sticky fingers. Most professional framers are able to build the perfect enclosure for any item.
Some pieces of art require a custom frame, not because of the edge dimensions but because of the thickness of the artist’s medium. These pieces need to be framed by an experienced professional who will preserve the texture with a properly-built frame.
• Style: If a specific style is needed to complement the framed piece, a professional framer will be able to help. Framers have access to a huge variety of components, creating the perfect frame for any item.
• Value: The value of the frame should correspond with the value of its contents. Expensive pieces of art and priceless keepsakes need to be preserved with the highest quality frame.
How to Find Custom Picture Framing Near Me
When looking online for “custom picture framing near me,” it is important to sort through the results and find the best option. Narrow down the search results to custom framers that are actually offering what you are looking for: custom picture framing near me. Not all framers are do custom work. It is also important to find a framer that is conveniently located for easy drop offs and pickups.
Work with a custom framer who is highly recommended and has great online reviews. They should feature some of their work on the company’s website, so it is easy to see the quality of work they produce.
In the end, choosing the right type of frame matters. Standard frames are fine for temporary or purely functional framing for items of little value. For pieces of art, memorabilia, or important keepsakes, working with a professional framer to achieve your goals when searching “custom picture framing near me” creates a beautiful display that protects the piece for years to come.