5/29/2011

Understanding Some Picture Framing Terms

By Anne Harvester


Artwork, pictures and certificates can be protected and easily displayed with picture framing. Many types of frames are available with the most popular ones being made of wood, plastic or metal. Not everyone wants to buy a frame from a store as some people would rather have their framing done professionally. This is a good reason why knowing some picture framing terms can come in quite handy and help with making the best selection

Pictures and artwork will not be removed from their frame for a very long time. Sometimes dark spots will appear on the framed item because some of the materials that are used may be made with chemicals that are acidic and this can cause damage over time. For this reason framers will choose acid-free materials to avoid acid damage.

Building and hanging a frame requires the use of certain parts including screw eyes, brackets and hangers and these are referred to as hardware. When the frame is put up, there is a seal made of craft paper which is placed on the back and this is called a dust cover. It protects the item from dirt, insects or dust which could get in and damage it.

The item gets protection from being in contact with the glass from a paper type material named mat board which also makes a border available that shifts focus on the item being framed. Within the picture frame the mats may be layered to get a more interesting effect since the framer may use two colors.

The main border is created by the top mat while the bottom mat shows out around the edge and this is called the reveal. This process called double mats is best used when an accent color needs to be featured. The framed item can be seen through the cutout made in the mat board. This is called the window and is usually positioned at the center of the mat. It may also be positioned in other areas to get the look that is needed.

A forty-five degree cut on the inner edge of a mat board window is called a beveled edge and this causes the core of the mat board to be visible and draw the eye toward the framed item. The bevel can also be underneath and this gives the illusion of a clean, sharp cut straight down and this is known as a reversed bevel.

The picture framing materials like the mats, backing, glass and the item being framed are held in the inner lip of the frame called the rabbet. Along with the rabbet, the width and the height are used to describe how a frame looks when it is seen from one end and this is known as the profile.

Creating a beautiful frame also includes the glazing which is the name given to the acrylic or glass that shields the framed item and the molding which is the material that the rim of the frame is made from. It can be wooden or made from other materials. Learning some picture framing terms will prove to be a great help when making choices for framing needs in the future.




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