Is there a standard way to choose mat colors?

The choice depends on what you are framing.  When choosing 1, 2 or 3 mats:

• If the image has mostly dark colors, the mat colors look best in the following order:
  (1) Light top mat - (2) dark middle mat - (3) light bottom (inner) mat 

• If the image has mostly light colors, the mat colors look best in the following order:
  (1) Dark outer mat - (2) light middle mat - (3) dark bottom (inner) mat

Sometimes reversing the above themes can be successful as well.  If you are unsure and would like one of our qualified personnel to choose your mats for you, just contact us. we will send you our patented Proto Color Kit (a miniaturized version of our selections) for FREE before building your order.  You simply need to choose your frame FIRST. 

What if I had your personnel choose the colors for me and I am not satisfied?

If you are unsatisfied with our choices, you can always order different framing component combinations, for a small nominal charge, that goes with your Proto Color Kit.

What if I choose colors and frames and when they arrive, I don't like them.

If you are unsatisfied with your choices, which are FREE the first time you choose, you may order addtional different framing component combinations for a nominal charge to go with your Proto Color Kit

What are the typical mat sizes?

• The top mat is the largest, typically 2-3 inches wide.

• The middle mat is usually the smallest visually in width. Its color complements the item being framed (color in picture) and is 1/4 inch in width.

• The bottom (inner) mat is larger in width then the middle mat – usually 3/8 inches in  width.

 Is there a standard way to choose the FRAME?

The frame choice is very important and it usually matches the décor of the room it will hang in, e.g. the color of your wood, motif etc.

POSTER - Designed as an advertising promotional piece which includes a product, scene or event with wording.

PRINT – An image of a picture, photo and poster with or without the wording.

PHOTOGRAPH – A reproduction of a picture in digital or print form.

CANVAS - The medium that a picture is painted on by an artist, commonly known as an “original”.  This composed of a fabric made of canvas wrapped around a wooden frame called a stretcher bar.

CANVAS TRANSFER - A computer generated process that transfers a reproduction of an original image onto a canvas surface.

ORIGINAL – A piece of artwork that has no duplications.

LIMITED EDITION – A limited print run of a copy of an original; normally 50 – 1000 copies.  This gives the print more value and comes with a “Certificate of Authenticity” signed by artist and numbered.

IMAGE SIZE – Refers to the actual (complete) printed image area on a picture, poster or print.

PAPER SIZE – Outside measurements of the piece of paper, the image is printed, on to be framed.

CUSTOM FRAMING - The process of designing and building a picture frame-to-order, one at a time, using only quality materials.  Each frame is assembled by a custom framer.

• REGULAR FRAMING – Uses the most economical framing materials; typically acid free buffered mat boards (back two layers of the mat board are acid free only), wood or metal frames and glass and sometimes acrylic. This is the most cost effective way to do framing.  Price points are usually lower.
• CONSERVATION FRAMING – Uses the next higher level of quality materials; conservation grade mats/glass or acrylic.  These are usually medium priced.
• MUSEUM FRAMING – Uses the highest quality materials;  museum grade mats/glass or acrylic.  These are usually such high quality, that they are used in museums throughout the U.S.
• ECO FRAMING – Using components that are biodegradable and made from certified green materials and processes.
• PREMADE FRAME – These frames are produced, in other countries outside of the United States, in large quantities using inexpensive components. Each frame is assembled by an assembly line or machine.

LINERS – Wood covered with colored fabric used to put around a canvas picture before a frame is added giving depth to the picture.  This replaces the paper mat used in other types of framing.

MOULDING (FRAMES) – Term used for a wood or metal frame that is put around a picture.

MAT – Paper and cardboard border that comes in various colors to frame your art piece.  One or more mats may be used.

MAT WIDTHS – The size of the mat(s) around the image.

• Typically the top mat is 2-3 inches wide all around the image.
• The middle (second) mat shows under the top mat by about 1/4 inch.
• The bottom (third) mat shows under the middle mat about 3/8 of an inch.

     One mat sits on top of the other starting with the top mat.

ACRYLIC – Often referred to as Plexiglas is a light weight picture protective surface which is lighter than typical glass and safer to ship. Not used on canvas pictures.

• Clear - contains a certain amount of ultraviolet protection not found in regular glass.
• Non-glare – reduces reflection more than with clear acrylic.  This is typically used in a room with a lot of lighting or windows.