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Whether you enjoy painting or taking fine photographs, or work in another two-dimensional medium, you know that if you want to display your artwork, you will need to use picture frames for that purpose. You will not be disappointed when you look for the perfect frame for your art. There are a plethora of ready-made picture frames, or you could select a custom-made wood picture frame or metal picture frame, depending on the artwork and your preferences.
Ready made picture frames come in both wood and metal varieties. Metal ready made frames are typically used to frame photographs. Black slender metal is used in these ready made picture frames in order to have a consistent look in a gallery setting where several different styles of photographs are displayed. Ready made frames of the same size can also be purchased in bulk for greater savings, a benefit for galleries and museums that have a high turnover of artwork.
The home is also a great place to utilize a wood picture frame. In galleries you might have noticed that fine art photographs are often framed with slender black metal frames and wide white mat board. This a professional and sleek look that works well to not distract the eye in a gallery setting, but in many homes with more casual interior decor it can be a little too stark looking. A wood picture frame, on the other hand, offers a bit of color and warmth that is not apparent with the metal frames, and can be easier to blend in with your home furnishings.
Wood frames are often used as the framing material of choice when the artwork you wish to frame is a painting. It offers a depth and warmth not to be found in a metal frame, and adds to the overall effect of the piece of artwork that you wish to display on your wall. Wood frames can be narrow or wide in width, and can be ornately carved, gilded, painted or stained in any shade or tone you desire. Because of this flexibility, it works well with colorful paintings.
Wood picture frames come in a wide variety of rich and lustrous ready made styles as well. Wooden frames can be used to enhance the look of your canvas art, pastels, or water colors by using stains to color the wood in hues that appropriately match, contrast or complement the colors used in the piece of art. The wood can also be polished but left unstained in order for the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Wooden frames are also often carved and ornate, which can also enhance the splendor of the artwork held within its boundaries.
Along with custom picture frames, you will also want to consider photo framing supplies such as glazing. While glass is resistant to scratches, acrylic removes the glare and any color variations that are common with glass. Art framing using custom picture frames and other quality supplies will show a professional touch that others will appreciate.
Picture framing kits are one easy way to provide a home for your photographic or other two dimensional artworks.
Artists of all media spend nearly as much time selecting an appropriate picture frame as they do in creating their artwork. Picture frames are used to set off the art inside the frame, and can blend in with it or provide a stark contrast to it. For painters, a wood picture frame is often the best choice, and there are several different factors that will come into play when you are going about the process of selecting a picture frame made of wood.
In general, ready made picture framing supplies are less expensive than custom made. They are usually in stock and readily available, so that you should face no delays in getting your artwork framed when the mood strikes. Digital photography enthusiasts will be happy to learn that ready made frames come in digital sizes, including the popular 12 x 18 picture frame.
The type of picture frame material you choose may also depend on where the art will be located. Galleries often choose metal frames for a clean, uncluttered look shared by the wealth of pictures displayed around the room. It can be appropriate in modern-style homes as well, but could be a bit stark in other home decor stylings. Wooden frames are used in both art galleries and in residential applications, depending on the look you wish to achieve.
Photography itself may be art, but framing such art properly is a science. Even with the best photo framing supplies, if this isn’t done correctly, the best photographic print will look cheap and tawdry – and may even suffer an early demise from acids, humidity, or ultraviolet light.
Further, a wide range of matting supplies and materials are used in these frames, making it possible to create a unique framing effect for any photo or print. In addition to interesting textures and cuts, single and double matted pre-made frames are available. The creative possibilities really have no limit.
The framing and matting supplies you’ll need in addition to picture frames themselves include a good supply of mat board. Mount board is what your photo of painting is actually attached to, preferable using photo corners or adhesive hinging tissue. The matting separates your picture from the glazing – the clear glass or acrylic that is placed over the picture itself – keeping the surface of the picture from coming in contact with it. Otherwise, there would be the risk of moisture condensation and substantial damage to the framed artifact would result.
Also keep in mind that framing a photograph is a process that needs to be taken as seriously as the art of photography itself. If the framing process itself is not carried out with a certain amount of care and precision, the result can make even an award-winning photographic image look like a cheap department store poster. A serious investment in quality supplies for custom picture frames will go a long way toward making sure your phots look as good as possible.
Without going into the subject of questionable quality of products made in China (which Texas pundit Jim Hightower says should be a warning label), the fact is that your choices of ready made frames are likely to be quite limited at the local “big-box supercenter.” The problem is that your finished product is going to look like everyone else's. You are better off shopping for a ready made picture frame online or at your local art specialty store, though the latter option will most likely cost you more.
Using mount board will help your photography. Mounting your artwork will have an impact not only on the appearance of the piece, but also on the unblemished longevity of the artwork held within the frame.
What better way to enhance these beautiful pictures than in pretty picture frames. These are perfect for exhibiting your most beloved photos and artworks.
The picture is placed on the mount board and is adhered to it in some manner. Although adhesive can be used, it can often damage the artwork if you want to change out the picture frames. Photo corners or hinging tape can be used instead, and these often come in acid-free formulas so that no damage will come to the artwork, which can be removed from the corners easily. Alternatively, the mount board can be taped to the mat board using the hinging tape, with the artwork sandwiched in between.
Additionally, custom frames can literally be built component by component to create the perfect effect. Unlike a ready-made set, it is possible to match your ideal moulding and matting supplies to the image you wish to frame. Whether you need a frame to compliment your décor or set off a unique print, custom picture frames provide greater creativity in these choices.
It is important that all matting materials be acid-free if you don’t want your photographs to become discolored and brittle. Most good quality mat board is impregnated with an alkaline barrier that neutralizes any acidic compounds. These are more expensive, but well worth the extra cost when it comes to the preservation of your photos.
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