QUESTIONS:

How long does custom framing take?

Do you send my art out for framing?

Can you give me an estimate over the phone?

Can you change the mat or glass on an
existing framed piece?

Will this match my couch?

What special qualifications do employees
at The Framemakers have that I probably
won't find at other frame shops?

What makes up the cost in custom framing?

Why are you referring to "item being framed"
and not just artwork?

Are there trends in the framing industry?

Does The Framemakers carry prints?

What sort of new technology can there
be in mat board?

What difference does it make what glazing I use?

What sets The Framemakers apart that should make
me decide to choose them over other frame shops?

Is there anything The Framemakers can't do
regarding framing?

 

 

ANSWERS:

How long does custom framing take?

Most items take about two weeks. Some we can have finished in as little
as 24 to 48 hours. Suppliers, delivery, and the treatment chosen all
contribute to the turn-around time.

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Do you send my art out for framing?

No. All framing is done on the premises. We do order supplies in, but the art work does not leave our shop. Framemakers is fully equipped with alarm and cameras to insure the safety of your piece.

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Can you give me an estimate over the phone?

It is virtually impossible to give an accurate estimate over the phone. We appreciate your artwork being brought into the shop for specific selections and pricing. We will also gladly come to your home or office for a consultation.

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Can you change the mat or glass on an
existing framed piece?

Yes. It is even recommended. Old mats may contain damaging acids.
Over time this destroys the art it touches. It starts by leaving a burn mark,
which is the dark line often seen around older pieces of art.

Glass also has new technologies that help prevent fading and light
damage to framed items. A new mat and glass treatment is a quick
way to update a piece to fit your decor.

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Will this match my couch?

Although it is important for the framing treatment to match the art,
the materials used should act as the marriage of the art to its
surroundings. This is where knowledgeable, committed custom
framers such as those found at The Framemakers become
important when choosing framing.

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What special qualifications do employees at
The Framemakers have that I probably won't
find at other frame shops?

We at The Framemakers have had years of training and continue our education throughout our careers. We continue to learn by reading picture-framing books, current magazines about our industry, and publications from suppliers regarding trends and technology. There are classes covering all aspects of framing for the professional picture framer which we attend on a regular basis. The Professional Picture Framing Association, PPFA, has an intense certification program and test in which we have two people certified and grandfathered. It takes talent, knowledge, dexterity and commitment to become a professional picture framer. We acknowledge and honor the time-honored traditions of picture framing and are committed to our craft and to out clients.

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What makes up the cost in custom framing?

An experienced, knowledgeable professional framer accounts for some of the cost.

Acid-free mats are specially processed to remove acids. Rag mats are made out of the purest cotton. New technology and colors are being developed daily.

Glazing is developed by scientists, manufactured and cut to standard sizes, boxed with paper so as not to scratch. The boxes are then carefully shipped to distributors and then to individual frame shops.

Moldings start with an architectural rendering from worldwide influences. Mock-ups are made, finishes are tried and tested, machine dies are manufactured. Trees are cut, milled, dried, routed and in many cases finished by hand. They are then inspected, packaged and shipped to distributors.

Once an order is placed, all the materials selected are then personally cut assembled, and finished to your specific need, making your special, one of a kind item a treasured piece to be displayed and enjoyed for years to come.

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Why are you referring to "item being framed"
and not just artwork?

Item refers to anything you want displayed. Art work is quite often thought of as two- or three-dimensional The Framemakers can frame anything two- or three-dimensional from children's art to doorknobs. See some of our items in Recent Works.

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Are there trends in the framing industry?

As with everything, there are color and style trends. The picture framing industry is closely related to the home-furnishing industry. As there are new looks on the market, there are always tried and true styles available. Shops with larger selections like The Framemakers have all styles to match your decor from 18th century, art deco, mission, retro, to contemporary. Many of our customers say they like their personal eclectic look the best.

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Does The Framemakers carry prints?

We do not stock prints. The Framemakers prefer to focus on the fine art of custom framing. We do have catalogs to order from. These may be checked out for you to look at in your home at your convenience. The colors are very true and can be returned if they don't fit your need. Access to the web has virtually eliminated the need for prints, but if we can assist you in any way in finding a particular print, please let us know.

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What sort of new technology can there
be in mat board?

One line of mats new to the market which The Framemakers carries has a MicroChamber technology which actually extends the life of your art. The mat slows paper degradation, neutralizes acid by-products and protects against damaging pollutants. These mats are acid-free, lignin-free, fade-resistant and buffered to maintain alkaline pH.

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What difference does it make what glazing I use?

The proper glass or acrylic can make the difference in clarity and preservation of framed items. Museum glass allows 98% of the light to be transmitted to the framed item, with less than 1% reflection, while blocking 98% of the UV rays, making it an ultra-protective, nearly invisible glass. We are also proud to be the first to order and offer Museum Acrylic with the same properties as the glass; but with the added benefit of being anti-static, making it safe for use with pastels.

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What sets The Framemakers apart that should make
me decide to choose them over other frame shops?

As our logo has stated for 39 years: Craftsmanship, Quality, Style, Imagination. With our extensive selection, quality materials, superior craftsmanship and knowledgeable staff, we have remained a leader in the framing industry since our inception. Our staff has a total of 80 years' combined service in the custom framing profession. The Framemakers offers all style and price ranges to fit your needs and budget. Our award-winning framing is sure to be a welcome addition to your home or office. See All The Extras for additional services.

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Is there anything The Framemakers can't do
regarding framing?

We don't mean to boast, but we haven't found anything yet. Please bring us your framing challenge.

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