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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Learning About Picture Framing Terms

By Anne Harvester


Artwork, pictures and certificates can be well protected with picture framing and they are easier to display. Wood, plastic and metal are the most popular materials used but they are others available. Some people will use a store bought frame but others will opt for professional picture framing. In order to make the best selection it is helpful to know about picture framing terms.

For many years the artwork and the pictures remain in their frames. Acidic chemicals may be contained in some supplies used and over a period of time they can cause damage to the item and this will be manifested as dark spots. Framers will therefore select materials that are acid free so that acid damage will be prevented.

Certain parts are necessary for a frame to be built and hung and these are called hardware and they include screw eyes, brackets and hangers. After assembling the frame, a craft paper seal is affixed to the back and this is known as a dust cover. It shields the item from insects, dirt and dust which can cause damage if they enter.

The item gets protection from being in contact with the glass from a paper type material named mat board which also makes a border available that shifts focus on the item being framed. Within the picture frame the mats may be layered to get a more interesting effect since the framer may use two colors.

The top mat becomes the main border and the one at the bottom shows a little around the edge known as the reveal. This procedure is referred to as double mats and is best used to pick up an accent color. There is an opening cut out in the mat board and this is where the framed item can be seen. This opening is called the window and is most often found in the middle of the mat. However, it can be placed in any position to create a desired look.

A forty-five degree cut on the inner edge of a mat board window is called a beveled edge and this causes the core of the mat board to be visible and draw the eye toward the framed item. The bevel can also be underneath and this gives the illusion of a clean, sharp cut straight down and this is known as a reversed bevel.

The inner lip of the frame which is called the rabbet holds the picture framing materials such as the backing, mats, glass and the item that is being framed. The rabbet, the height and the width are used when describing the way a frame looks from one end and this is called the profile.

To have a well framed item it is necessary to have the molding, which forms the rim for the frame and can be made from wood or other kinds of material. It must also have the glazing which is the acrylic or glass that protects the item being framed. Learning about the picture framing terms will be very useful for choosing the best options for framing needs in the future.




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