Nap Studio Inc.

Q 1. Why custom framing?
With all the ready made and discount framing options why use a custom framer? The main reason - for their talent, knowledge and ability. A professional picture framer has been trained to properly present, preserve and protect your works of art and family heirlooms for many years of enjoyment. This means helping you select the right colors, the appropriate style of frame and most importantly the correct materials to protect your art. Custom framers understand conservation and have the special materials and skills necessary to beautifully present your treasured work of art and protect it from future damage. A custom framer knows and follows certain guidelines of good design, which ultimately produce a well-balanced framing presentation that enhances your artwork without overpowering it. In short, when you choose a custom framer you will receive professional advice concerning both the conservation and design when framing anything you desire.

Q 2. Do I need a mat?

A mat is the border that surrounds your art within the frame and it is more than just a pretty color. The mats purpose is both cosmetic and protective. The main purpose of matting is to keep the glazing from coming in contact with the item being framed. A mat allows for air circulation. When there are temperature changes both inside and outside the framed work, placing artwork next to the glass will result in buckles, wrinkles and sticking to the glass. Using higher quality acid free mats is also essential to protecting your artwork. Mat board that is not rated as conservation quality contains elements that will damage your artwork over time causing it to "burn" or discolor and get brittle. Conservation mats eliminate this concern because all the natural substances(lignins and acid) have been removed. At London Grove Framing we use only acid free materials for all your framing needs. The addition of matting can also mean the difference between an insignificant piece that gets lost on the wall and one that commands attention. Cosmetically mats can highlight a color, accent a shape and affect the overall size of a framed piece. There are many creative and elegant techniques for matting that add distinction and draw attention to your artwork.

Q 3. Are there different types of glass?

All glass is not created equal and your framer should help you select the right glass for your project. If the item you are framing has great monetary or sentimental value, is rare, one of a kind or irreplaceable you should use conservation glass. CONSERVATION GLASS is critical in protecting against ultra violet light damage. When art is exposed to UV light (natural or fluorescent) it causes the materials to breakdown and colors to fade. Some things are affected more quickly than others. Color photographs should always have conservation glass as they are the most fugitive. It is important to remember that damage from exposure to light is cumulative and irreversible. Interesting to note - Museums use conservation glass even when there are no windows in the gallery. REGULAR PICTURE GLASS should be used on other projects that are not valuable or sentimental. It is important to note that picture glass is different that window glass. Picture glass is thinner and lighter. Being thinner allows less color distortion and being lighter creates less stress on the strength of the frame corners. We use ACRYLIC on oversize pieces when picture glass would be too heavy and recommend it for children's rooms and when shipping to avoid the dangers of breakage. Finally, there is REFLECTION CONTROL GLASS or non-glare glass. Reflection control glass is used to reduce reflections from windows and lamps that would cause a distraction when viewing. Reflection control glass is etched which defuses light, reducing glare. There is a subtle softening of clarity when this glass is used and should be considered when choosing the appropriate glazing for your framing.

Q 4. What is conservation framing?

When the item you are framing is something that you treasure or something of value you need to use conservation techniques and materials. To put it simply, conservation framing is done with materials that protect and maintain your art as close to its original condition as possible. Conservation glass is a necessary element as ultra violet light is one of the most dangerous elements your artwork will encounter. Conservation quality mat board is essential to protecting your work as it is free of all lignins and acids found in ordinary quality pulp boards that over time will discolor and damage your art. Proper mounting techniques or "hinging" should be used by your framer. Like glass all mounting techniques are not the same. A rule of thumb that we use in all conservation is to ensure that everything do to your artwork is reversible - never permanent.

Q 5. Why should I use New Era Arts-N-Photo Studio?

At New Era Arts-N-Photo Studio we are committed to providing you with the best framing experience possible. You can be certain that you will get the right framing advice and a great value. We have been serving Surrey and area communities for 11 years at our present location. We have over 10 years combined framing experience and can frame anything. Yes, ANYTHING! You will always receive friendly service and leave satisfied with professional results.