Need to get a frame? We all know the best place to go for a frame in Hawaii (hint: the name starts with PICTURES and ends with PLUS) but don’t run out the door just yet! Save yourself an extra trip to the frame store and consider these five things before buying.
1. Dimension
What’s the size of the artwork you want to frame? You need this info to know what size mat or frame to buy. What about the thickness? Photos on paper will usually fit well into any old frame but something thick or three-dimensional like a canvas on stretcher bars or a golf ball might warrant a frame with more depth or a shadow box frame.
2. Material
What’s the material of the artwork you want to frame? Paper? Canvas? Metal? The answer to this question will tell you whether or not you need glass. For instance, if you’re framing a paper photo then you’ll need glass to protect that photo. If you’re framing a canvas then you probably won’t want glass on there because the canvas needs to “breathe”. How about framing a coin or a wood carving? You might think these don’t really need glass, but what about the backing they’re mounted on? Does the backing need protection from the elements? Most likely, yes. Also, consider cleaning. Do you really want to be cleaning the dust out of every little detail of this wood carving? Probably not. Keep it clean – put it behind glass.
3. Sentimental and Monetary Value
The fact that you’re even thinking about framing an item usually means that it has at least some sentimental or monetary value. If so, then you’ll want to protect it from art-damaging foes such as sunlight and acid (some paper used for mats have acid which can damage your image over time). Our Conservation Package provides acid-free backing and U.V. protection for some common ready-made frame sizes or you can special order U.V. glass and acid-free materials to fit your ready-made or custom frame at any of our stores. While U.V. blocking and acid-free materials may cost a bit more they are truly the best investment you can make in protecting your cherished artwork.
4. Location. Location. Location.
Where is your artwork going to hang? Make sure you don’t buy a frame that’s too big for that space. Or, conversely, make sure you don’t buy a frame that’s going to looked dwarfed in a large space. Also, do you want your frame to coordinate with other frames or furniture in the room you’re hanging it?
5. How’s it Hangin’?
Many of our customers, upon seeing their framed art or pictures, are so excited to get home and hang it that they forget to consider how it’s going to hang. Is it hanging on dry wall? If so, be sure to pick up some dry wall hooks (you can pick these up at any Pictures Plus store). Is it hanging on a concrete wall? If so, be sure to pick up some concrete wall hooks (you can find these at our Pearl Highlands Pictures Plus store or any hardware store).
Now that you’re ready to buy a frame, browse our full selection of ready-made frames or visit one of our stores for a free quote on framing your special artwork.
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Tags: frame shops hawaii, how to pick a frame, picking a frame
