Art Framing Kits
In order to do a good job of framing art, you have to be very good at taking measurements. Art Framing Kits are available for the do it yourself framer, but make sure you measure accurately.
Framing Kits
A complete frame assembly for a print would include the outer frame, the lining material, one or more mats if they are being used, backing paper, glass, and mounting screws and wire. The problem areas in the framing process are usually centered on measurement. The frame has an outer and inner diameter, and it is the inner diameter that must be matched to the size of the liner. The mats must be cut so their outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the frame, but so their inner diameter matches the size of the image itself. Art Framing kits are available to provide precut frames and mats, but it is important that the measurements be accurate.
Art framing kits are available in a large variety of types and sizes. The custom cut kits that would be used in the process in the proceeding paragraph are rather expensive and are really only needed for the more expensive limited edition prints. The main reason for this is that limited edition prints tend to come in unusual sizes. Many less expensive or mass produced prints are made to standard sizes. This means that frames and liners and even mats can be precut to these standard sizes.
Obviously, art framing kits that are precut to standard sizes will be much less expensive and the margin for error is nonexistent. All that is really required is assembly. This is usually the easiest part of the framing process. It is the measurement and cutting to exact sizes of frames and mats that represents the serious challenge to framing.
One area of framing that is often overlooked by the amateur is the idea of color coordination in the choice of frames and mats. The type and color of the frame can be carefully matched to the dominant colors of the art work in order to create the most visually appealing package. The use of matting colors to bring out the hues in the art is an art form in itself. Many prints use a triple matting format with three different colors. The most important color is the top mat which shows more surface. The new inner mats provide just a band of color around the image.
Art Framing kits come in such a wide variety of colors and styles. Internet shopping has given the framer a much wider variety of options. There is no reason to sacrifice the artistic matching of frame material and matting color that makes framing an art. When deciding to purchase a kit and frame it yourself, keep in mind that your intention is to get a high class accessory to your wall that will be enjoyed for a long time. Make sure your framing effort increases the enjoyment and does not distract from it.