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Here are some of the problems faced in frames:
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High temperature and humidity levels
These will accelerate growth of mold inside frames. Mold is often seen as a ghostly image on the glazing material. But note that mold formation cannot be totally eliminated. The frame should be disassembled every 3-5 years to remove mold that has formed.

Condensation
Artwork should be spaced from the glazing materials to provide an air space to prevent the condensation of moisture onto the paper and allow a small air space for the inside frame atmosphere to adjust for increased levels of moisture in the air. Spacing is achieved by the use of a mat or spacer between the glazing and the art work. Sudden changes of temperature and humidity should be avoided as heavy condensation may wet and damage the artwork.

Dirt and Dust
Problems can also come from atmospheric pollution or dirt or dust. These can combine with moisture in the air to form harmful acids that will attack the paper. Normal dust and dirt may also be absorbed by the paper over time.
Light
UV rays damage artwork in two ways. Color may be faded by strong florescent lighting or direct sunlight. Paper also tends to absorb high energy photon which causes a chemical reaction in the paper, breaking it down and causing it to turn brittle.

Moulding
How much does the piece weigh? This will determine width and type of moulding. Does the moulding need to match another piece or does it need to match your favorite chair? We can do the best of all worlds for your personal framing item. There are many styles of moulding to choose from. They range from imported to domestic woods and polystyrene. They vary in widths from 1/4 of an inch to six inches wide.
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Glazing
There are three main types of glazing: Regular, Anti-reflective and Satin matt lamination.

Matting
This is the border that surrounds your art inside the frame. Matting has two purposes, protection and
cosmetic. The matting separates the glazing from the artwork so it won't adhere to the artwork and cause damage. Many creative techniques can be used that will enhance appearance and protect them for years to
come.

The mat helps break up the closed-in look when a picture is framed up to the edge. A mat can also be used to crop out unwanted areas of pictures or photos, just as a photographer does in the darkroom.

Mat board is used to highlight a color, accent a shape, or increase the size of the piece. Like Moulding, there are many mats and colors to choose from. Matting comes in cotton, paper, leather, suede and specialty papers - all with hundreds of colors. Paper mats are the most common used in picture framing. Fabric mats, which include cotton, linen, silk, rayon, and other fabrics, are used mostly for more serious pictures or original oil paintings.

Dry Mounting
Most people like to see a flat picture after it's been framed. It's easy if it's a poster, photo or some other flat object. But if you have an original piece of art that was painted on paper with acrylic paint, oil, or some other wet substance, chances are it will have some ripples and rolls in it. it's not harmful to the piece

What does it cost to frame?
Prices vary with size, framing procedures used, and design elements chosen for your particular art piece.
Our experienced staff will recommend appropriate procedures explaining their benefit as well as offer design options to enhance your artwork. All design and price quotes are free of charge. So come in, bring your artwork, and explore your options.

How long does framing take?
Most framing requires minimum 1 working day and maximum one week depending on Quantity of framing. Some things we can do for you immediately while you browse or finish your shopping for the day. If you're short on time, please let us know, we try to accommodate every need.

Does my artwork stay in your store while it is being framed?
Yes. All work is done by our professional staff at our Factory at; ARA pictures and frames Pvt. ltd. Goregaon - West Mumbai, India. Framing materials may be ordered to our store to complete your framing project.

Do you frame needlework?
Yes. We frame all types of needlework including cross stitch, needlepoint, crewel, hooked rugs, tapestry, and all types of fabric art.

Will you frame my artwork using a frame I bring to you?
Absolutely. We are happy to use your antique frame or any framing materials you may already have.

Why do I need a dry mount?
This is a procedure used to adhere a print or poster to a stable backing board and guarantees your artwork will not ripple or wave. Despite glass and backing support, without this procedure your print will ripple as it expands and contracts with the changes of temperature and humidity in your home.

Why do frames cost more than pictures?
Framing costs can't be adjusted depending on the value of artwork. If the art you brought in was worth Rs.5000. your framing cost would be negligible. But your Rs.25 poster framed in a Rs.500 frame would probably cost much more as a completed project if purchased that way in gallery or department store.

What about artwork value?
That Rs.25 poster or child's drawing may have little value. But once professionally framed it becomes a crucial design element. A well framed print or poster ends up looking like much more than a cheap piece of paper. Put it in a cheap frame, however, and it will remain a cheap poster. And your child's drawing could be the next Picasso! Don't ruin something by improper framing because you think it has little apparent value.

All frames except for those with saw tooth hangers or ones hung from side mouldings should be hung with brass screws on the wall. Ideally, frames should be hung from two hooks.
In cases of very heavy frame or when mounting frame on brick or masonry walls, the use of concrete screws or masonry hangers is necessary. Hooks are available to be used with these types of hardware also.

Where to Hang It?
Picture frames should be displayed at eye level, but consideration must be given to individual needs.
Pictures that are planned to be hung very high or low may require special consideration in design of the matting to prevent an optical illusion.

Paper borne art is not recommended to be hung in high humidity locations such as bathrooms. It is also not smart to hang it in areas of high airborne pollution such as kitchens, with their grease and cooking pollutants.

Avoid direct sunlight. Heat and ultraviolet light will damage artwork fast. Although fireplaces are a popular place to hang art over, consider that heat and soot can contaminate or damage artwork.

Grouping Frames
Frame groupings can be formal or informal. While formal grouping may look neater and tidier, informal grouping can be used to generate more interest, provide a flow from frame to frame, or just be more aesthetically pleasing.

However you hang your picture frame, remember that the pictures on your walls are what a visitor will see first. Consider your framed item as a piece of furniture. It will be around as long as or longer than a couch or table. Make sure the quality and durability of your frame will stand up to the test of time.

Cleaning Frames
Wood finish frames may be cleaned with gentle furniture dusting product like duster (soft and long hair brush) and a soft cloth. Gold or silver leafed frames should be dusted with a dry soft cloth. Metal frames may be cleaned with a glass cleaner applied to a soft cloth. Glass may be cleaned with glass cleaner and either cloth or paper. Plexiglas should be cleaned only with a soft cloth and Plexiglas (acrylic) cleaner. When you spray cleaners, be careful the rundown doesn't stain the mat or artwork.
The inside of the frame glass should be cleaned and checked at least every 3-5 years. Yes, the frame must be disassembled. This procedure allows you to also check the condition of the hinging of the artwork, mats, the tightness of the corners of the frame, etc.

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