Elements of a Frame    (Back to Top)

No matter the art or object to be framed, a professional custom picture framer will use specific materials to ensure that your framed artwork will be preserved for years to come.

1. Frame
Typically made of wood or metal, the frame provides the architectural ­ as well as decorative ­ support for a work of art. Frames can be built in all sizes and shapes and come in a variety of styles and colors to enhance your artwork.

2. Glazing
A sheet of glass or acrylic that helps to protect the work of art from the surrounding environment. Glazing should never come into contact with the art. There are several types of glazing including UV (ultraviolet), non-glare, and anti-reflective. Ultraviolet filtering glazing is a standard element of preservation framing. It helps to protect the art from light damage.

3. Window Mat
A border of mat board, placed over a print, photograph, etc., to serve not only as a design element but as a spacer between the art and the glazing. Mat board, commonly in 4-ply thickness, comes in different colors, and textures. The quality can vary greatly. For preservation framing the mat board should be 100 percent cotton (rag) or alpha cellulose (lignin-free) and buffered. More