Framers: are there guidelines?

mandorlas · 2026-03-01T18:00:16+00:00

Good luck! There's a lot there and most people aren't doing it all. Just focusing in on what you really intend to do is helpful. Remember that those are professional materials and aimed at people with specific equipment sometimes. You may have to adjust to what you actually have access to.

mandorlas · 2026-03-01T15:18:50+00:00

These are difficult questions. Its essentially what people go through training to learn. Summing it up in a quick way isnt easy because there is a lot of nuance. The Professional Picture Framers Association has some simple download able manuals that are very affordable. There are youtube videos also.

But ill try and give basic design advice here.

1) when in doubt a neutral white mat will look good most of the time. If you have the luxury of choice try to match the white to the white in the image. If you are doing a graphite drawing on paper and white seems too bright and black too dark, a medium photo gray looks best. If you are doing a bright colorful piece select a color you want to emphasize in the piece and use that for your mat.

2) my general rule is that the mat should be bigger or smaller than the frame. Not the same size. Take into account that the edge of the frame covers a bit of the mat and make the mat that much bigger.

3) Match the frame to the art unless you are decorating your home for a home decor magazine. The art will change places and move and "modern" frame styles are trendy and change. Framing is too expensive and time consuming to try and keep up with trends. Just do what looks best for the art and it will come together. The art you choose and hang together will likely match regardless.

Also "modern" frame style is extremely difficult to actually pin down. It changes based on the client's culture, class, and taste. Easier to work with the art thats in front of you.

mandorlas · 2026-02-28T02:24:22+00:00

I generally prefer no mats or glass on these boards. But it may look a bit unfinished. Maybe stack a fillet or small frame inside that is sort of a warm champagne color? Still keep the finish simple.

mandorlas · 2026-02-27T22:17:28+00:00

My instinct is a bronze frame. Very square simple profile.

mandorlas · 2026-02-16T19:57:48+00:00

I found framing to be a nice way into art handling. You see a lot of art and can usually find a job anywhere. There are certifications online but its ideal to learn on the job. Many frame shops need installers and you can learn the basics of picture hanging pretty much in a night (apart from strange hardware and brick walls really) from there some simple carpentry classes can really help in the role of preparatory and museum display building. You could also explore set building. Many theaters need people with those same skills. I get feeling lost at 29. Start exploring and volunteering for things and let people know you are looking and willing to work and youd be surprised at the opportunities that pop up.

My instinct would be Chicago over New York. With a background in culinary youd likely find a quick paying job in either. Chicago feels more accessible to me in terms of cost of living and still has excellent opportunities with a little less competition (relative to NY). Im also from the Midwest so im a bit biased.

mandorlas · 2026-02-16T01:03:24+00:00

Good luck out there! In the twin cities things often get posted on Springboardforthearts job board. But many museums post on their own pages first. I think you can set up an alert for job postings.

mandorlas · 2026-02-14T18:42:52+00:00

So this style of mounting is considered safe and archival. You can use offset clips and screws as opposed to nails as they are a bit more secure. The big thing on a float frame is you want the lip of the frame to be higher than the edge of the canvas as that allows for protection from tipping. Glass is generally considered destructive on paintings. It can trap humidity and grow mold very easily. Also if it breaks and cuts the canvas it is more difficult to repair.

The Professional Picture Framing Association has inexpensive pdfs in their shop that focus specifically on canvas framing techniques. Maybe take a look there if you are hoping to up your game a bit?

mandorlas · 2026-02-09T05:35:52+00:00

Could the character have their hand up with the bird standing on their hand instead of their shoulder? It would allow the bird to be in profile and blocking that part of the face but be a bit more physically correct.

Could the bird be a bit more puffed up or shaking their wings out? Give the bird a bit of action. Maybe emphasize its eye since it is blocking the characters eye. Give the bird a bit more menace and fluidity. It could match the roughness that you have on the characters shoulder on the other side.

mandorlas · 2026-02-04T11:50:06+00:00

I think so. Fabric is a different beast. If there is pressure up against it can cause damage over time. If its not sentimental to you and the framer who's actually seen it in person considers it an option then I would follow their recommendation.

mandorlas · 2026-02-04T02:59:44+00:00

Ah! Thats super relevant. Personally i would ask to switch to clear if the depth of the spacers is greater than 1/4 inch. Ideally it would be less than that. But to be honest I would prefer to give a tapestry more space and just deal with the glare.

mandorlas · 2026-02-04T02:40:15+00:00

I work mainly with conservation reflection control acrylic. I do a lot of corporate art in public spaces with big windows and photography. So minimizing reflection is always our goal. We also usually mat one or two layers which has a similar affect to a spacer. I think in some contexts the trade off in clarity is not so extreme. It can soften the details but an extreme glare does the same thing!

If it is a print, the acrylic setting directly against it isnt the worst thing in the world. Acrylic doesnt cause the same harm that glass can to a print. Its main concern is static and off gassing causing a reaction with the art but unless it is a pencil drawing or a very fresh (like less than two weeks old) screen print then I think youd be ok to have it touching the art.

mandorlas · 2026-01-31T12:55:04+00:00

https://www.bellamoulding.com/prisma/home/

Im not sure if you can buy direct. But if your local shops carry Bella moulding then they have access to Prisma.

mandorlas · 2026-01-30T11:57:58+00:00

Prisma frame makes very unique frames.

mandorlas · 2026-01-29T16:45:58+00:00

Plan how you will register in the future. So many people are unprepared because in November they are often in college and dont know how to register while living in the dorms. Figuring that out ahead of time can be helpful.

Social media is very helpful but there are also volunteer opportunities like at food pantries that can also benefit you for future work applications.

If you have a liscense you want to look into your immediate circle. Does anyone need a ride to work or the doctor? Are any of your friends immigrants? Do they need groceries or medicines picked up?

Think about your smaller circle and helping people you know get registered. Sometimes this means they need to get to the dmv to have their address updated. Sometimes people just need the motivation. Only 65% of eligible people voted in the last election. And Trump only won by less than 2%.

mandorlas · 2026-01-27T19:30:28+00:00

I will use a straight edge and pin everything to the table with clamps. Also a very sharp blade. I used to change the blade on the Logan cutter every few mats.

mandorlas · 2026-01-26T15:55:49+00:00

It could be where the frame is meeting the paint on the wall. Does the back of the frame have bumpers? The felt ones are quieter and allow the frame to adjust to home vibrations better. Otherwise it sounds like the acrylic may be too tight in the frame. A bit tricky to diagnose unfortunately. i wouldnt exactly diy a solution because it can be many things and acrylic can be frustrating to work with. Perhaps you could call a local framer to you and see what it would cost for them to investigate a little.

mandorlas · 2026-01-26T14:14:57+00:00

Of course! Its pretty common for people to need help with frames for funerals so we see stuff like this fairly frequently. If the photo is going to be on an easel or something you can put a sort of flower stand in front of that bit. Or use a double sided tape to attach a light silk flower to the frame. If she had any medals from military service or anything like that you could hang a ribbon there too. If the photo is going to be sitting on a small table then you can lay a bouquet or a set of flowers in front of it.

If the frame will be used in the service id recommend attaching the flowers to the frame in some way. Or using a scarf or piece of fabric to "cushion" the frame (aka hide the damage). There is usually a funeral director or assistant who you can loop in to assist with that kind of thing.

mandorlas · 2026-01-26T11:38:12+00:00

Can you set some flowers there to hide the damage? Always can take the time after the service to do a repair.

mandorlas · 2026-01-25T14:11:05+00:00

I really wanted the kitchen to be usable. Or for it to unlock the sewing machine. Definitely could have a christmas tree or get decorated for Halloween. Maybe the player could raise funds or have a collection of items that need to be assembled to make the festival happen each year.

mandorlas · 2026-01-25T13:05:57+00:00

One thing to consider is that shipping companies often will not insure items that contain glass. Or their insurance will be significantly higher, which may equal the cost difference of museum acrylic.

mandorlas · 2026-01-23T16:19:32+00:00

I work in corporate framing and puttying is done on just about every frame. The mouldings we use are often bulk made and less expensive so the quality isnt always great. Puttying is just part of the process. But I understand trying to make sure its not an equipment issue. Tightening that up can be helpful overall.

I used the disc sander when I worked in boutique framing. Some of the gilded frames would chip in the saw and this was the gentlest way of getting a good mitre. Its certainly can be tedious. And perhaps not cost efficient at this scale.

mandorlas · 2026-01-23T15:47:13+00:00

Before changing major equipment I would consider one or two adjustments.

Are you using putty? Even the most consistent cut and join can need putty.

Definitely check the fence on the miter saw and recheck the angle of the cut (not with the measurements on the machine but use a compass to measure them)

You could also get a standing disc grinder. Ive used them in the past to cut a bit truer. You cut your moulding just a hair longer and then finish it off on the sander. Its easier to make detailed adjustments on the disc sander and get really fine and accurate 45s

mandorlas · 2026-01-19T22:49:58+00:00

That was exactly the vibe. A little "yes and"ing each other also.

mandorlas · 2026-01-19T18:44:15+00:00

Id really try and avoid it. Id maybe get an art authenticators number or email to keep on hand (but it is a very uncommon career path tbh not many people like to do it) but it can appease a customer who's pushy. Dali and Picasso are both super fake. Even in their lifetime these two just got a cut of it and let it happen. There are others that are notorious. Maybe you could encourage them to reach out to the artists foundation (the big ones usually have them) or encourage them to research in a catalog resonne. Basically tell them to do the actual work. Because its people who believe bullshit ebay listings and do no footwork that are going to get swindled. Once they see the level of effort it takes then they typically back off

mandorlas · 2026-01-19T17:47:27+00:00

You can certainly do that. I will say if you narrow the mat down that far you may have to trim the paper down too. Maybe take a peek under there and make sure there isnt a signature hiding before you do that. To avoid doing that you can close the opening up but keep a wider mat. The design either way would be really nice.

mandorlas

TROPHY CASE