Many people have no idea what to expect when they walk into their local La Mesa frame shop. Custom framing can be an overwhelming prospect for anyone – especially those who don’t have much experience with it. But don’t panic, because your local custom framer is an expert! Keep in mind that custom framing is another form of art, therefore, a true artist should be the one assisting you with the process. Not only can they help you pick the perfect mat and frame design for your artwork; they also know the best way to protect it and all within your desired budget.

Whether you’re an artist, art collector, or just looking to get your precious memorabilia beautifully framed, there are several more benefits you should be aware of. Before walking into your local frame shop, get acquainted with the custom framing process first.

Try Before You Buy

Ever bought a pair of shoes online that looked great in the picture, but cheesy on you? It’s kind of the same idea. Bringing your artwork into a local shop assures you will get exactly what you want. The framer also needs to measure the artwork in a specific way, even if you’ve already measured it yourself. Besides, a photo will never do the real thing justice. You’ll be surprised at all the nuances in colors, patterns, and textures of the frames and mats – and you’ll be glad you can see how they look with your art before you make an investment. A good framer will have a large variety to choose from but will also be an expert at narrowing it down to the best choice. You get to work together at creating the perfect piece of art. Remember, your custom framed project will probably outlast your couch, your car, and possibly even your home.

If your piece is really valuable, or you’re worried about it getting damaged in transit, call the frame shop and describe the situation. Get their advice on how best to protect your art when you bring it in, or some shops offer pickup and delivery. Depending on what it is, there will be a variety of precautions they can recommend.

More Than Picture Frames

Many custom frame shops offer the ability to frame just about anything you can imagine. They are artisans with experience and can visualize something that goes beyond a square. From framing a special medal or a valuable coin collection to making your favorite Beatles poster look it’s best. Shadow boxes are also a beautiful way to show off a collection or memorabilia of family treasures. They can be several inches deep to house needlework, sports jerseys, jewelry, or even sports equipment and instruments. Some people transform their shadow boxes into table tops as a focal point in a room.

Your cherished framed photographs will last for generations when they are carefully and thoughtfully matted and framed. Creating a special design and unique display to show off your treasured heirloom photos is well worth the investment.

Preservation

Two-dimensional art like watercolor, pastel, ink, charcoal and colored pencil need to be displayed under glass to protect them. Shops offer guidance with the selection of several types of UV protective glass as well as plexiglass which will help keep your art protected. Art may be matted to enhance the look, or spacers can be used if you want the full piece to show as in a poster.

Because of the nature of oil and acrylic paintings having texture, a shop can advise that they be framed without glass. This allows the art to be dusted gently (without any cleaning products) to keep it safe from contaminants in the environment.

Did you know that art should never touch the glass that it is framed under? This can deteriorate it over time or make the art stick to the glass like glue. Having the "breathing room" between the art and glass allows for condensation and also for expansion and contraction resulting from temperature changes.

Trust the Process

Even if you know exactly what you want going in, you may be presented with great options that you hadn’t thought of before. Further, framing experts at your local frame shop will make recommendations based on successful design concepts they have already experienced. If you have a specific vision for your artwork, you don’t have to give it up – but try to be open-minded too.