subject: The Need For Quality Picture Framing Supplies [print this page] Author: Susan Slobac Author: Susan Slobac
Like performance artists such as musicians and actors, painters and art photographers require an audience for their work. The main difference lies in presentation; whereas the former require a stage for a finite period of time, the latter rely on frames which can be displayed indefinitely. This means using good quality picture framing supplies.
Frames Are Only The Surface
Frames may be the most apparent, but there is a lot more to art framing supplies than just the frame. In addition, photo framing supplies are a bit different from those required for paintings. For example, whereas most paintings are framed with wood, metal frames are considered more appropriate for art photography. This is just one instance of how framing supplies for photos can differ from those used for paintings.
A Firm Foundation
Many art framing supplies are used prior to employing the frame itself in order to hold the artifact in place and provide protection from sunlight, moisture and the environment. These necessary picture framing supplies include:
mount board
hinging tape or photo corners
mat board
glazing
Mount board is of course the foundation for the artifact. This is perhaps the most important of your framing supplies, as this is were the photo or painting will rest.
Hinging tape is fine to use for paintings or photographs that are to be permanently framed and mounted. However, this precludes the possibility that the photo can ever be removed for storage without causing damage. If you are going to mount a photo, specific photo framing supplies such as photo corners are a better choice.
Framing Supplies For Protection
Mat board is what keeps the glazing from making physical contact with the surface of the photo or painting. Without such art framing supplies, there would be dire consequences as a result. You do not want the glazing to actually touch the surface of your photo or painting for a variety of reasons but it is important to have glazing in order to protect that surface.
It goes without saying that the mat board, the mount board and all of your art framing supplies should be acid-free. Otherwise, it is likely that your photos will become discolored over time.
Choices
With the proper framing supplies, it is not hard to mount and frame paintings and art photography, but doing the job properly requires some degree of skill particularly when it comes to framing supplies such as mat board, which must be cut to exacting specifications. If this is not your forte, you may find such photo framing supplies that are pre-cut, providing your photos are of standard ratios.
Costs
Good quality picture framing supplies cost more, but they are a worthwhile investment in preserving and displaying artwork. Always get the best picture framing supplies you can afford.About the Author:
