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Environmentally Friendly Sustainable Framing

Frame properly the first time. Increase longevity by utilizing uv-filtered glass/plexi, acid-free backing and mat boards and archival mounting methods.

Reframe using original framing components. Reuse art, backing, mat board, glass/acrylic and frame when possible.

Specify mouldings made of salvaged materials. Reclaimed woods from flooring and cabinetry and recycled metals from ceiling and siding offer an industrial look while also benefiting the environment.

Frame with antique frames. Antique frames offer character that may be potentially desirable. They can also be restored and refinished to look new.

Select mouldings made with easily renewable resources like bamboo. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant and doesn’t require replanting, fertilizers or insecticides.

Choose mouldings made by companies that practice forest stewardship and reforestation. Some manufacturers reuse and/or recycle excesses. Wood shavings are sent to animal farms for bedding. Larger pieces are sent to paper mills and steam-generating power plants to produce electricity and heat.

Specify mouldings with water-based stains. Unfortunately most finishes are achieved with the use of oils or chemical solvents. However, progress is being made with greater demand for environmentally friendly products.

Select mouldings made by manufacturers that use recycled packing materials. Look to companies that insist on recycled and/or biodegradable packing materials.

Choose mouldings that are regionally available. Decrease your energy consumption by selecting from manufacturers that have a regionally located distribution center.

Truck Queen by Craig Gallaway

We often hear that a client doesn’t want to spend a lot of money to frame what they’ve just brought in for us to assist them with framing. The reality is that is true of most everyone and for most everything that comes through our doors. Another reality is we don’t want our clients to spend more than they want or need to either. What we do want is for the piece to look great, the client to be thrilled with the results but also confident their hard earned dollars were well spent.

Please keep in mind there is more to the cost of custom framing than the money you’ll spend. Our first objective is for each piece to look it’s best so we design first and foremost for the art or object itself. Some of the things we take into account are if the client has a vision of how they want it to look when it’s done, or where it will hang, or how large or small it needs to be when finished. One of the most important things to consider is that once you frame something it will likely stay that way for 10, 15, 20 years or even longer in some cases, so with that in mind we encourage everyone to consider the long term rewards not just the short term up front costs. This is why we use better materials on the front end. We want to create a better, safer environment for preservation for the long run. Knowing that we see a lot of damage from poor materials being used; we try to avoid that by suggesting conservation mats, UV protectant glass and proper mounting techniques to suit what is being framed.

Fall Dogs by Jane Marshall

Another thing to consider about framing is that the cost of the artwork doesn’t make a difference if the same materials are being used and that goes for the frame, glass, mats, mounting technique or anything else within the framing. If it’s the same size and the same components are being used it will cost the same if you spent $2 or $20,000 on the art. Framing doesn’t discriminate a steal or an investment.

The main thing is to love the framed piece once you get it where it will be enjoyed by you or whomever is lucky enough to have a uniquely, custom-made creation.