Frequently Asked Questions

Can you come to us?

We offer FREE in-home consultation and 48 hour in-home approval. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is equipped to answer all your questions.

What does it cost to frame?
Prices vary with size, framing procedures used, and design elements chosen for your particular art piece. 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 10-14 days depending on materials needed. 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 and we will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.

Does my artwork stay in your store while it is being framed?
Yes. All work is done on the premises. Framing materials are ordered and shipped to our store to complete your framing project.

When you leave your artwork with us, it is immediately placed in a protective sleeve and placed in a bin and logged into the computer. The order will then be processed, which means the order will be evaluated, supplies ordered and it is placed on the schedule for completion within the time frame given.

If for some reason, such as back-ordered materials, we will notify you that the job will take a bit longer than anticipated. Normally this does not happen. We then call you to let you know when your artwork is ready to go home.

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?
We are happy to use your frame or framing materials you may already have.

When do I need multiple openings?
When you have several images you want to put in one frame, a separate window is cut in the mat for each piece. These can make very interesting finished pieces. Photographs lend themselves very nicely to this treatment for grandparents. It is also a nice way to consolidate if you have limited space.

Do you make shadowboxes?
Yes. We can frame three dimensional objects such as baseballs, clothing, flowers, medals, coins, plaques, tickets, corks spoons, baby rattles, baby booties, jewelry, swords, fossils, gems, etc…  You would be astonished to learn all the different things we have framed over the years. Our motto has been, “If it isn’t breathing, and we can get it back out the door when it’s framed, we can do it.”

This creates a safe “hands-off” display case for collectables. It is a way to keep your “keepsakes” safe while displaying them so you can share those memories with family and friends. They become family heirlooms to be passed down from generation to generation.

Whatever sparks your memory-bring in all those things you saved from that favorite vacation and we’ll help you layout and design your pieces, using the ones that make the most effective display.

Why do I need a dry mount?
This procedure permanently bonds 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. (Only pieces that do not require conservation mounting will be dry mounted.)

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 $5,000 your framing cost would be negligible. But your $30 poster framed in a $100 frame would probably cost much more as a completed project if purchased that way in gallery or department store.

What about artwork value?
That $15 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. It also shows your child that you consider their artwork valuable and encourages them to continue with art.

What is "acid-free/museum" framing?
When all acid free materials are used to surrounding the art piece is suspended in the environment without glues or tapes. Art Accents Gallery only museum quality materials and our framers are trained to the proper procedures for assembling original art so it is preserved for the life of the image.

What are "spacers" and why are they used?
Lucite strips put a space between the artwork and the glass to hold them apart. They are under the lip of the frame so they are not seen from the front. They come in black and clear, with various thicknesses. These are used to ensure the art does not touch the glass, risking damage from condensation that may accumulate in varied temperatures.

What are "bump-ons"?
Small felt bumpers are placed on the lower corners of your finished art artwork to protect the wall.

Do original canvas images require glazing?
No, it is actually better off with a double framing effect of a linen liner and frame or two different compatible frames which will add dimension and give space to the piece.

What is meant by “conservation glass”?
This is a protective filter between your artwork and ultraviolet light. Too much light can fade and discolor even the finest prints and originals. Conservation glazing, available in regular and non-glare, and non-reflective can prevent this, but no art should ever be hung in direct sunlight.

What are filets and what do they do?
These are small pieces of wood that are cut to fit the inside edge of a mat. It can also create a decorative lip on a frame. They add dimension and texture to your artwork and are especially suited for fabric mats such as suede, linen, silk or leather. When you find that perfect color frame, but say it needs a touch of gold, a filet will provide that golden touch.

Why does my artwork need foamcore backing?
This is used to provide a strong, stiff support backing to your artwork. It replaced cardboard backing after the harmful effects of long term wood products used in framing were discovered. The two components that should never be used with art images are cardboard and masking tape.

Is framing fabric more expensive than framing prints?
Needlework or quilted squares require more preparation that paper artwork. First, the fabric must be stretched or blocked flat against an acid free surface so it will display correctly within the frame.  This is a time consuming process requiring skill and patience. Once this is done, it is important to ensure that the glass is raised off the fabric so it can breathe and not absorb condensation, causing mildew that may be attracted to the glass with temperature variations. 

What is "French matting"?
This is a technique used to introduce color to a white or off-white mat. Ink lines are applied and sometimes combined with marbled papers or soft color with pastels. This technique is especially beautiful on old maps, etchings or documents. It can create an added twist for newer pieces as well.

What is meant by the term "mounting"?
This process is done to assure that the artwork will not ripple under glass. Art Accents Gallery uses only acid free materials on all signed and numbered images, original art or any item of value. Posters and prints are fused to the backing board to prevent rippling.