For a treasured poster, photo or art print, you'll want to take extra care with the framing.
Ready-made picture frames from Ikea or Target have attractive price tags, but can actually do damage to your artwork over time or even fall apart.
With online framing, you get the benefit of easy customization and ordering, delivery straight to your door, and top of the line materials designed to preserve your items over the long haul.
Let's break down four reasons why framing online should be your first option:
1) Protect Your Artwork
Any material that comes into contact with your items should be acid-free and archival.
Otherwise, you will see deterioration, fading or yellowing, particularly from below standard matting that can leach out acids over time:
Acid-burns around the edges of this vintage map from a non-archival frame
Each one of our custom frames is handcrafted with archival, acid-free matting that won't cause yellowing of paper-based artwork. Foamcore backing, also archival, is placed behind the art to keep out dust and other debris.
All wood profiles and 4-ply, archival matting come in every Level Frame
When custom framing an important or valuable piece, we also recommend adding a glaze with UV-protection to filter out damaging rays. Regular glass or cheap acrylic simply do not offer any defense against this other threat to your artwork and photos.
For the glaze, we use framer's grade acrylic instead of traditional glass due to its lightness, strength and clarity. To learn more about what is right for your particular framing project, we've put together this Guide to Picture Frame Glazes.
2) Make the Frame Work for the Art (Not Vice-Versa)
You wouldn't purchase a pair of jeans that don't quite fit, and the same goes when framing artwork.
Ready-made frames will limit your options if you have an odd-sized print, or want to choose a frame style or special treatment that would best complement the contents.
If you’re not familiar with the range of custom framing techniques such as float mounting, you may miss out on some cool aesthetic opportunities for your piece.
An elevated float mount can reveal the edges of a print and create a dramatic look
When it comes time to choose the right frame for you art, you can consider a full bleed look, adding a mat, or one of the float mount treatments. In our Advanced Options section, you can further customize your mat with bottom-weighting, different colors, 8-ply options and custom window opening dimensions.
All of this this ensures your final product will look exactly the way you want it when it’s hung on your wall, which is close to impossible using a store bought frame. And with the full online custom framing experience, you can expect the same level of quality, craftsmanship and materials for every frame, especially helpful when you're framing up a collection of artwork or building out a framed gallery wall and want a consistent look and feel.
3) Get Personalized Service
When buying a frame from a store, you're more or less on your own. It's not always a bad thing, but ideally the frame you choose works to enhance what you're putting inside
If you don't quite have a vision for your project yet, there’s nothing like the insight of a framing expert. We can work with you to choose a frame color and mat that will complement the artwork and look right at home wherever you display it.
If you already have an idea of what you'd like, that's great too. With our online framing tool, you can easily upload a preview image and test out different frame and mat options on the screen:
Hit the "Get Feedback" button to share your selection and get a second opinion
Have something unusual to frame, like a tennis racket, comic book, jigsaw puzzle or a bunch of movie ticket stubs? We love custom orders, and will work with you to bring your vision to life.
4) Frame it Faster
It can seem easy to give into the instant gratification of a store bought frame, however opting for custom framing doesn’t mean you have to wait weeks or months for your finished frame. In fact, the online framing experience offers more convenience and the ability to take care of everything from your couch.
Our custom frames and framed photos are handcrafted, assembled and shipped to you within a week. Add some extra time if you are mailing in the items to us for the framing.
We'll always go the extra mile to ensure that your favorite prints, pictures and other memorabilia are properly preserved, beautifully framed and received in a timely manner.
If you have your artwork or photo dimensions handy, start customizing a frame now or reach out to us for free framing recommendations and mock ups. You don't have to worry about transporting your artwork to a store or sending anything through mail, which can be especially tricky with pieces that are heavy or difficult to transport.
Still not sure if you want to go custom? We’d love to hear about your project and provide any additional advice! Just click the chat bubble in the bottom right corner to work directly with one of our designers.
The Bottom Line
Online framing is a great way to brighten up your walls with favorite moments and memories.
You can beautifully frame posters, prints and pictures right from home, designing each frame exactly to your liking.
Each frame is then handcrafted right here in the U.S. to fit your item. You get the quality of a custom frame shop, at a more affordable price, and without ever leaving your house!
Happy framing!
