Fitting frames preserve and complement favorite photos and art:

CUSTOM FRAMING »

Fitting frames

Preserve and complement favorite photos and art.

By Stacy Downs
KNIGHT RIDDER

Custom framing intimidates.

It's also expensive, especially compared with ready-made frames at discount retailers that look similar to custom frames. But family photos, birth announcements, wedding invitations and especially fine art pieces deserve the protection of conservation glass, high-quality backing and sturdy wooden frames.

Frame stores have thousands of mats and frames in various colors and textures to choose from. And framing can make or break artwork.

A skilled framer can help you decide, but it comes down to this: "It's your piece," says Dennis Saum, owner of Overland Park Art & Frame. "You have to be happy with it. The framer doesn't go home to it every day."

Custom framing prices are based on size, materials and labor. Count on about $25 for a 1/2-inch-wide standard black wood frame with non-specialty glass and wood-pulp backing for an 8-by-10-inch piece. The same piece in a 1/2-inch-wide premium hardwood frame with museum glass and acid-free backing could cost about $100.

Here are some guidelines to help simplify custom framing.

MATS

The cardinal rule of framing is that it is meant to complement — not compete with — the art. Brightly colored mats usually overwhelm a piece.

Instead, Casey suggests using white, cream, black, gray or earth tone mats. With a neutral mat, a framed piece can easily move from room to room.

For pieces that have value or special meaning, cotton rag mats are the way to go. The acid-free materials prevent yellowing and burning.

FRAMES

For years people have steered away from ornate frames, says John O'Brien, owner of Dolphin, a custom frame store and art gallery in Kansas City. "Tasteful, clean lines don't go out of style," he says.

Black wooden frames are the most popular, followed by white frames. But each has downsides:

Black comes on strong, sometimes providing too much contrast. It also shows scratches and gouges.

White disappears, especially against white walls, not providing enough contrast. White also shows dirt.

Natural maple is a happy medium, says Jim Svetlecic, owner of State of the Art in Kansas City.

Subtle metallic finishes such as copper, pewter and silver are another increasingly popular option for frames, says Chris Funk, owner of Picture and Frame Industries, a framing wholesaler.

GLASS

Museum glass is the best type of protection for fine art. It filters out 98 percent of the ultraviolet rays found in sunlight and fluorescent light, which fade art. It also has an extra optical lens coating, reducing glare. Different grades of less expensive conservation glass are also available.

"Good glass is worth the extra $30 or $40," says Jackie Warren, president of the Kansas City Artists Coalition and owner of Artistic Solutions, a framing consulting business. "It protects the investment you made in the art."

SHADOWBOXES

Kirk and Jill Presley of Kansas City have a shadowbox hanging in their dining room. The pheasant feathers inside have sentimental meaning to Kirk because they're from hunting trips he took with his father, now deceased. The couple gave the feathers to interior designer Stephanie Abrahmson, who brought in linen for the lining material.

"Shadowboxes run the risk of being cheesy," she says. "But this became like a piece of art because of the chunky awesome frame."

Because shadowboxes involve extra engineering and design work, they usually take weeks longer than framing flat artwork. If having one made, make sure the memorabilia will be unaltered and affixed with a clip or fastener that can be easily undone in the future.