The Elements of Framing - Part I
It is very likely that most people do not realize how time consuming it is to frame
one picture. We will take you through each step of the framing process, from first
taking the order, to wrapping the finished product.
We begin with the selection of mats and frame for the picture. Matching the colors
is very important and can sometimes take quite a bit of time. Once the framer and
the customer have agreed together upon the framing selections, careful measuring
takes place, along with an accurate financial estimate. Several items are discussed
at this time, glass preference, mat width, decorative designs, and a time frame for
completion of the work. After the framer has taken and written down additional information,
the customer leaves, and the framer gets to work.
The artwork is placed in a protective, acid-free folder and filed in an incoming
work shelf. When it is time to order materials, the artwork is measured again to
make sure everything is correct. Mats and frame are placed on an order sheet, while
the picture framing order is recorded on a control sheet. The artwork is then placed
in a drawer to await its turn. So far, the picture framer has spent about 30 to
45 minutes on this one framing order, and has yet to begin the actual framing.
Elements of Framing-Part 2
In a week to 10 days the framing materials arrive. The frame has been ordered chopped
to the correct size, ready for assembly. The mats come in large sheets. The glass
is usually carried in stock in the frame shop. Framing supply packages are carefully
unwrapped and inspected for damage. The wood frame pieces are dusted off and the
edges of the corners are colored with a color-matched felt pen so that the assembled
pieces do not show the interior white of the wood. The pieces are then placed in
a corner vise to fit and are glued and left to set for at least 15 minutes per corner.
After the four corners have set, they are pinned together with an underpinning machine.
This is the slower but more accurate method of joining wood frames. The mats are
once again inspected for flaws, then cut to the frame size. The opening is cut into
the top mat, then the bottom mat is attached, and the opening cut. Then a backing
board is cut to size. The artwork is then assembled into the frame package, backing
board on the bottom, then the artwork, then the mat. Next, the glass is cut and
cleaned, then placed on top of the other items. This is the time the framer carefully
inspects everything to make sure there are no unwanted specks under the glass. The
frame is slipped over the glassed artwork and the entire package is flipped over
for finally assembly. It is all nailed together with a nail gun or staple gun, then
turned over for another inspection. If there is anything wrong with the picture,
this is the time the framer must reverse the process and take it all apart. This
happens more often than any framer likes to admit, but it is a common time consumer
in the business. When everything is finally okay, a two-way tape is applied to the
back of the frame and then a paper dust cover is draped over the back and neatly
trimmed. Then the proper weight of wire is attached, bumpons to provide air flow
behind the picture and, of course, a label advertising the framing business.
So that’s about it. Sometimes one picture can involve hours of work. Sometimes
the picture framer feels the picture will never be finished. The work is exacting
and, well, picky. And the framer’s work still isn’t completely finished. The picture
is placed so it can be examined at a distance, a final check to make sure it is perfect.
It must then be wrapped in brown paper and properly stored until its owner arrives
to pick it up. Only when the unwrapping takes place, and the customer is delighted,
does the picture framer relax in knowing it was another job well done.
