The Science of Framing: Materials & Techniques
Curious about what goes on behind the frame? Here, we break down the specific materials and conservation techniques that keep your items safe and looking their best for generations.
Museum glass or clear glass? In this video, I demonstrate the difference. I explain when the investment in anti-reflective, UV-protective museum glass is essential for protecting your art and providing the best viewing experience.
The matboard is more than just a border; it's a critical component for preservation. I explain the different types I use, from conservation acid-free mats to luxurious suede and fabric options, and how they protect your art for years to come.
Did you know most frames in India are plastic? I explain why I only use 100% solid wood and metal frames. They are built to last, with strong corners that won't break, making them the gold standard in picture framing.
A personalized mat caption adds a beautiful, meaningful touch to any frame. I show you how my computerized mat cutter can add names, dates, or special quotes in any font, turning a simple frame into a personal story.
No more guesswork or hidden costs. This video introduces my custom-built software that provides instant, transparent pricing based on your exact specifications. It’s part of my commitment to a simple, honest, and hassle-free process.
This multi-mat design with eight Ganesha idols showcases the precision of my computerized mat cutter. The layered suede mats with arched cutouts create incredible depth and a truly unique, sophisticated look.
See my precision mat cutting machine in action. For this project for Sunrich Safaris, I created a custom-shaped mat to frame a tiger paw casting, demonstrating how technology allows for endless creative possibilities.
A close-up of the multi-suede mat frame. The rich wooden frame with a gold fillet complements the elegant, layered design of the matting, creating a piece that is a work of art in itself.
Another detail of the Ganesha frame, showing how the small idol is perfectly centered within the intricate, multi-layered mat cuts. This level of precision is what defines high-quality custom framing.
This video shows the process of creating a custom shadow box for a circular artifact. We start by precisely cutting the acid-free base mat, which is the foundation for protecting and showcasing the object.
About The Craft: Materials & Techniques
Most frames you find locally are made of plastic and use adhesive tapes that cause irreversible damage to your art over time. We do things differently. We use 100% solid wood, conservation-grade matboards, and T-hinging techniques that are fully reversible. When you visit us, you aren't just buying a frame, you're learning how to properly preserve your specific item so it survives long after we are gone.
Choosing between clear glass and museum glass often comes down to the environment. If your frame hangs in a spot with high natural light, museum glass is essential. It offers 99% UV protection, preventing the ink on your prints or the colors in your art from fading over time, while its anti-reflective coating ensures you see the art, not the reflection of the room.
Then there is the frame itself. We avoid cheap materials that warp or break under the slightest pressure. Our 100% solid wood and metal frames provide structural integrity that keeps your art safe for decades. Inside the frame, the story continues. We use conservation-grade, acid-free matboards and barrier papers that are lignin-free. This creates a stable environment where your artwork can breathe, preventing the yellowing and brittleness caused by low-quality materials.
Finally, the mounting technique is where the most damage often occurs. Many commercial framers use glue or tape to fix items in place, which is permanent and destructive. We use T-hinging with Japanese paper and starch paste. It is a traditional technique that is 100% reversible, meaning your artwork remains in its original, untouched state should you ever need to remove it from the frame. This is the difference between simple decoration and true archival preservation.
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