Q&A about Custom Framing…
Q: What is the PPFA?
A: Professional Picture Framers Associaton, an internationally recognized trade guild.
“Serving the art and framing community worldwide, the Professional Picture Framers Association™ (PPFA) encourages artisans to hone the time-honored skill of custom framing. As the professional trade association for the custom framing industry, the members of PPFA preserve memories in bold, dramatic ways and serve as savvy business leaders in their communities.” (www.ppfa.com)
Q: Why does custom framing cost more than the framed art found at furniture stores?
A: Furniture store art is mass produced and “off the rack.” Imagine having a tailor custom design a suit for you from a fabric you love or having a master craftsman design a sofa to your specifications. Likewise, custom framing is uniquely designed to suit your taste, your style and, most importantly, your art. It is tailored to you… like hand-made furniture for your walls. It is labor intensive, requires design skill and uses only the best quality materials to preserve your treasures for years to come.
Q: What is preservation matting and framing?
A: It is the appropriate housing to display the intrinsic beauty and interest of an object, while prolonging its life by securing the object in a mechanically and chemically stable environment. It minimizes the problems caused by deterioration of the components of the object itself and other problems introduced by environmental factors such as air pollution, heat, light, and humidity. (information source: www.loc.gov/preserv/care/mat.html)
Q: What is Museum Glass?
A: Museum Glass® anti-reflection picture framing glass with Conservation Grade UV Protection is the best glazing option available for art, photographs and other important personal keepsakes. Along with its nearly invisible finish, it effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays so framed pieces remain clearer and brighter for longer.
Q: What are safe places to hang or store my framed object?
A: Avoid hanging or storing anything in the basement, attic, or any other place with extremes in temperature and humidity. A stable, cool, dry environment is best.
Avoid hanging pieces on outside walls, but if you must, request that a moisture barrier be placed in the mat package.
Avoid hanging objects in direct sunlight or any other intense light source. Control exposure to ultra violet light through glazing or placement away from a UV source. Occasionally rotate framed objects to cut down on the duration of light exposure.
Avoid hanging framed objects directly above working fireplaces or radiators.
(information source: www.loc.gov/preserv/care/mat.html)
