Addressing Some Framing FAQs

Do you have any questions about our picture frames? Here are some popular questions that customers have been asking. Hopefully, this addresses any concerns you may also have.

What styles do you have available?

The Victorian Frame Company specializes in reproductions of vintage picture frames in various shapes (round, oval, rectangular, cathedral, heart-shaped, among others). However, we also carry more contemporary frame designs as well as plain and colored frames. We also provide convex glass replacements for your original antique picture frames and display cases for a variety of items.

How is pricing for the picture frames determined?

There are a variety of factors that come into play when pricing picture frames. These include the size of the frame, the material of the frame, glazing option (i.e. convex glass or acrylic lenses) and inclusion of framing backing. Victorian Frame Company’s pricing is very competitive, especially for the quality it offers. For custom-made orders, the complexity of the order and the size of the frame will be considered when computing for the prices.

What is mounting?

Mounting is what you do to ensure that your photograph or artwork is held in place in the frame. There are several ways by which you can attach the item permanently or non-permanently. The mounting method you use will depend on the kind of material you are mounting. For paper-based items such as a photo or artwork, you can use glue, tape or photo corners. For three-dimensional materials, you can use string (to sew fabric onto the mounting board or to secure a portion of the item being framed), silicon glue or specialized mounting devices that are designed for a specific item (i.e. coins or small objects).

Why should I consider UV protective glazing?

Photographs and other items made of paper (i.e. documents, certificates and artwork) are susceptible to light damage over the years. The glass layer provides no protection against the damage cause by the UV rays of the sun, and even those emitted by artificial light. Without UV protection, light can cause the photograph to fade or become yellowish and brittle. Glazing that comes with UV protection limits the entry of light so that this does not damage the photograph or artwork being framed. You do not need UV protective glazing for all your picture frames, just for picture frames that hold hard-to-replace photographs and highly valued artwork. For photographs that have digital copies on file, plain glazing will do.

What is preservation framing?

Preservation framing is a technique which aims to minimize the time-related damage to a photograph or framed object. This makes use of several materials such as acid-free adhesives and matting, a particular mounting technique, as well as UV protective glass – all in a bid to prevent damage. As with UV protective glazing, preservation framing is recommended by precious mementos and artwork.

How do I ensure that I order the right sized frame?

Measure the size of your photograph or artwork carefully. The website will provide frames based on the image size and will also indicate the size of the outside dimensions. You should also remember to allot for enough offset space. This is the space all around the image that is hidden from view and that will hold the picture in place. Usually, the manufacturer will have already included this offset in the dimensions. However, if you plan to use some matting layers, your outermost layer (minus the offset) should be the dimensions used for your “image size”. Also, make sure that the rabbet or the space allotted is deep enough for the framed objects, matting boards, glazing and mounting boards.

How will I know if all the materials I will use will fit into the picture frame?

Get the total thickness of your framing materials by adding up the thickness of the backing, the mat board and the glass. Your rabbet should be deeper than this total thickness. As a rule of thumb, you will need a frame with a 3/8” rabbet if you plan to use glass, one matting board and a foam board matting. You will need a rabbet of at least ½” if you plan to double the matting layers.

I would like to have an idea of how my picture will look like in the frame? Can I get samples?

The Victorian Frame Company 3 color chips for free. This is to help you see which frame colors work best for your photograph. Contact us to avail of this offer.