Bespoke Framing Service

I offer a professional framing service at a resionable price.
I begin with bare wood mouldings and by applying  a range of finishes I can create each frame individually to suit the artwork. I have a dedicated workshop with professional equipment so I am able to provide high quality bespoke framing at a reasonable price. I'm an artist and printmaker myself so  I have a good understanding of what works and what doesn't. I aim to enhance the artwork and ensure that it is adequately protected from damp, dust and acidic materials . This means that I am careful about the materials I use and the methods that I employ resulting in a superior framing job. 

 I initially trained with the Down School of Picture Framing many years ago and then began framing my own work so that I could provide quality frames without breaking the bank. I was also concerned at some of the way my work was being framed by others. Artists frequently rotate the artworks that they have framed for exhibitions and it is only when the frames are dismantled that horrors are revealed.  The methods and materials that I use are described below.

The Mouldings

For most frames I use barefaced Obeche (wood) mouldings. The mouldings are accurately cut on a Morso guillotine to ensure perfect 45 degree mitres. The lengths are then glued and underpinned rather than just underpinned. I then apply two coats of sealer and sand between each coat. The paint finish is then applied - again this usually is a double coat and finally I apply a coat of protective varnish.  I also stock a range of  pre-finished mouldings.

Making the Sandwich 

I use a Keencut Excalibur 5000 to make the framing sandwich (glass, mounts & backing board). This is a vertical wall mounted cutter that allows a framer to quickly cut matching mount boards, backing boards and glass to fit inside the mouldings. I use float glass, acid free mount boards and moisture resistant backing board.  Mould quickly forms on mdf board that can then transfer to the artwork so I don't use it. If the mount board is not acid free then the cut face quickly yellows and this can also cause the artwork to deteriorate. I use a book mounting method to fix the artwork. The backing board and the mount are joined along one edge to form a book - the artwork is placed inside and fixed at the top edge using pH7 - 70 conservation tape. This method means the the artwork is held but not tightly constrained and can therefore cope with variations in humidity.

Fixings 

I fire in framing points to secure everything in place and tape up the back of the frame using self adhesive framing tape so that the tape can be removed at a later stage.  I use D rings rather than eye screws as the screws can damage adjacent frames during transportation. I then cover the moulding in a protective cellophane wrap. When two similar sized frames are placed face to face the wrap holds both securely and prevents any movement.   

Cost

The sections above describes the standard framing method that I use for art prints, photographs or works on paper. Float mounting is another popular method that  I use. I also frame oil and acrylic canvases. Get in touch if you want any further information or would like me to frame something. (Tel 07962189132)

Approximate  prices
£10  - £15 for A5 size
£20 - £25 for A4 size
£30 - £40 for A3 size​

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