Picture Framing News
— Issue No. 2—

Consumer Awareness Guide
 

•  When you bring your art to a frame store, take a look around. Is this the kind of place where you would want to bring a valuable painting or picture?

•  Is it clean, well organized or is there a lot of clutter and "stuff laying around that shows disorder and chaos as in most frame stores?

•  Does the person waiting on you seem distant and in a hurry to get back to their "other" work or do they show an interest in what you are framing?

Does the framing consultant suggest creative ways to show off
your art to achieve the best look?

•  Is there an ample choice of frame mouldings to choose from or is it the same old stuff you see in every frame store?

Worse yet, are there less than 200 or 300 samples to choose from? (This indicates the owner has no interest in keeping up with the latest frame samples and styles available).

•  Are there fabric mats to choose from?

•  If your art is a signed original or signed edition print, does the salesperson suggest using museum matting as opposed to a regular acid free mat which should never be used on anything important?

For your information, museum mats, also know as "rag" mats, are made from 100% rag cotton (the ultimate quality and most desirable).  

Acid free mats are made from acidic wood pulp and then washed (buffered) with calcium to remove the acid. This type of mat is used
on lesser important images such as posters.

On most "acid free" mats the top surface is usually a color laminate which has not been buffered at all, so if you are floating your art on top of the mat it will not receive any conservation treatment whatsoever!

This is easily remedied by your framer backing your art with rag board first, before laying it on top of the non-buffered mat board.

If you think your piece of art is important enough, ask your framer if he uses 100% rag matting and conservation treatment.

•  Receive a price quote before deciding.

Did your salesperson just write up the order assuming you would accept the price?

•  Did you shop around at competitive frame stores either in person
or on the phone?

What does this framer do better than the others?

•  Always ask for a due date. Most framers work on a due date system. Framers that are not organized will be vague on this issue.

If your chosen moulding is back ordered will your framer give you a courtesy call and give you a new estimated due date?

•  If your art is extremely valuable can your framer produce an insurance policy stating his coverage on your art while in his possession?

•  Most importantly, does your framer give any guarantees in writing or verbally?  

•  Will she or he "take care of it" without a hassle?

Are you being treated like a king or just another number?

We believe your art deserves the best look and we'll do
everything possible to help you achieve that goal.  

You just might like what you see  

If you want more information before framing your picture just contact us with your questions.

If you leave your phone number in your email, we'll call you back.

Your answers are a phone call away.

Call 323-525-1611 10-6 pm Pacific time.

111 N. La Brea Ave Los Angeles CA 90036 323-938-6795
1170 S. La Brea Ave Los Angeles CA 90019 323-525-1611
1941 N. Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles CA 90027 323-664-6055
650 S. Olive St Los Angeles CA 90014 323-622-5622