CarolinaFrameworks.com Carolina Custom Frameworks Columbia, SC

Gallery Quality at Warehouse Prices Computerized mat cutting - Perfect every time!

Thanks for your interest in learning more about custom framing.  However, this page is still under construction.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

At Carolina Custom Frameworks, I take great pride in the quality of my work. 

Conservation Materials and Techniques:  All limited edition prints are framed with acid-free, conservation-grade mats.  We use conservation methods to ensure that your print will be protected. 

The intent of this page is to provide you, the customer, with knowledge of framing terms, and some helpful tips. 

Mats
    Decorative mats
    Alpha cellulose mats
    Rag mats
Glazing:
    Regular glass
    Reflection control
    Conservation clear
    Conservation, reflection control
    Anti-reflection
    Museum

Mats:

The mat(s) serve two purposes.  First, it is decorative.  The correct choice of mat colors can enhance any piece of artwork.  Second, and most importantly, it protects the artwork by providing an "open air" space between the artwork and the glass.  Conservation framing dictates that the artwork should never be placed directly behind the glass without some type of spacer (i.e. mats). 

There are basically three types of mats being produced by the manufacturers today. 

1)    Decorative mats - These mats are made of paper products and are the least expensive of the matting options.  They should be used for decorative framing only - never for conservation framing.  These mats are chemically treated to be ph neutral, but are not considered conservation-grade, acid-free.  While they are the least expensive option and not considered acid-free, they are perfectly fine to use for general framing purposes.

        Suggested uses:    Posters and open edition prints

2)    Alpha-cellulose mats - While also made from wood products like the decorative mats, these mats are highly processed to the point that they are considered acid-free and can be used for any conservation framing needs. 

        Suggested uses:    Diplomas, limited edition prints, items with financial or sentimental value

3)    Rag mats - The best choice in mats.  Made from 100% cotton, these mats are naturally acid-free because cotton is an acid-free product. 

        Suggested uses:    Diplomas, limited edition prints, items with financial or sentimental value

Glazing:

Glazing is the term used for covering the artwork in a frame with either glass or acrylic (plexiglass).  There are several options available and your framer should be able to recommend the correction option(s) based on the type of item you are having framed and the location where you will be hanging the frame.

1)    Regular -  Regular, clear glass is the least expensive option

2)    Reflection control

3)    Conservation clear

4)    Conservation, reflection control

5)    Anti-reflection

 6)    Museum