The ABC’s of Framing
The more you know…
When you’re at a frame shop, do you ever hear terms you’re not familiar with? Does it sometimes feel like we’re speaking a foreign language? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Welcome to Framing 101. We’re taking you back to school to decode some of the terminology you may hear when working with a custom framer. Grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!
But first, a little challenge: How many of these 26 framing terms do you already know? Keep track as you go, and see how you score at the end!
A is for ART
The reason and foundation for framing.
B is for BALANCE
The art and framing components working together in harmony.
C is for CONSERVATION
Choosing materials and methods that help protect your art for years to come.
D is for DESIGN
Creating a finished piece that is pleasing to the eye and complements the art.
E is for ELEVATION
Taking your art from simply being displayed to becoming a finished work of art.
F is for FRAME
The structure that brings all the elements together.
G is for GLAZING
Glass or acrylic that protects your art from dust, damage, and harmful UV light.
H is for HANGING
The finishing touch that puts your art where it belongs.
I is for INSPIRATION
Inspiration can come from the art itself, your space, or the possibilities of custom framing.
J is for JOINING
Connecting the cut moulding pieces to create the frame.
K is for KEEPSAKE
A special memento worth preserving and displaying.
L is for LIGHTING
The right illumination helps your art look its best.
M is for MAT
Creating separation between the art and glazing while adding visual depth and design.
N is for NON-GLARE
Glazing designed to reduce reflections and improve visibility.
O is for OPTIONS
So many choices, so many possibilities. We’ll help you find the right combination for your art.
P is for PICK-UP
We’ll come to you, and we deliver, too.
Q is for QUALITY
It’s what we build into every project, with craftsmanship designed to last.
R is for RELATIONSHIP
We value the relationships we build with our customers.
S is for SHADOWBOX
A deep frame designed to display and protect three-dimensional objects.
T is for TAPE
Specialized framer’s tape helps hold artwork in place while protecting it from damage.
U is for ULTRAVIOLET
UV rays can damage artwork over time. UV-filtering glazing helps protect against harmful exposure.
V is for VERSATILITY
Custom framing can showcase everything from fine art and photographs to textiles, memorabilia, and three-dimensional objects.
W is for WOOD
A versatile and durable material used to create many types of frames.
X is for X-BAR
A crossbar that provides additional strength and support for textiles and oversized projects.
Y is for YELLOWING
Discoloration that can occur when acidic materials come into contact with artwork.
Z is for Z-BAR
A sturdy hanging system designed to securely support large or heavy pieces.
Now you know your ABCs!
How Did You Score?
0–5 terms: We definitely need to see more of you! Stop by and let us introduce you to the wonderful world of custom framing.
6–10 terms: Not bad! You’ve picked up a thing or two about framing.
11–15 terms: You’re becoming a framing pro. Clearly, you’ve been paying attention!
16–20 terms: Impressive! You know your way around a frame shop.
21–25 terms: Okay, you really know your framing terminology.
26 terms: Congratulations! You might just be a framer.
Dress Up Your Chalkboard
Chalkboards may be an old-school way to communicate, but they’re still a great way to share ideas, jot down notes, and keep everyone on the same page. Why not give yours a little style?
This elegantly framed chalkboard is worthy of becoming the classroom’s center of attention. Dress up your chalkboard with a custom frame!
