Beautiful art deserves to be displayed, not hidden away. The best way to do that (both for aesthetics and preservation) is to frame it. To frame it correctly you should consult with a professional framer. They can make your artwork stand out so that it becomes a piece you’re truly proud to display in your home. If you want to ensure the framer you’re thinking of using is going to be the best choice, here are five important questions to ask them.
Do you frame all types of art?
One of the most important questions to ask a professional framer is if their company frames all kinds of art and, if so, how much experience do they have in framing the type of artwork you have. For example, you don’t want to walk into a frame shop with a pastel only to find out they specialize in framing sports memorabilia and don’t understand how to properly frame a pastel. At AUM Framing & Gallery, we have extensive experience framing anything that can be framed, from sports memorabilia to museum quality art. That unparalleled level of experience as well as our unique ability to cater directly to our client’s needs is why we’re considered the best frame shop in Denver.
Will my art be safe?
You should ensure the framing company follows best industry practices and takes care of their client’s art. Ask where your art will be stored until it’s framed and where it will be stored once it is framed and awaiting pickup. Ask if the shop is alarmed, does it have fire protection, etc. Finally, ask what kind of insurance coverage the framer has. In addition to total loss (theft, fire, etc.), ask what if the framer damages your artwork while it’s in their possession or while they’re working on it. There are only a couple of insurance companies that offer “marring & scratching” coverage in our industry, and most framers don’t even realize they aren’t covered for that type of damage. No one ever wants a mishap, but you need to ensure there is coverage just in case.
Make sure you look up reviews of the framing business before you hand over your artwork. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding the custom framing process. No question is stupid or insignificant—a professional framer should be able to explain everything to you.
Will you help with delivery and installation?
Depending on the size of your frame, you may need help installing it. We frame a lot of pieces that are too big to fit into a regular vehicle once they’re framed. We offer free delivery for large pieces within a 10-mile radius of the shop. We don’t normally offer installation services, but we have a couple of companies we use regularly who can do installations for you.
Do you have any recommendations?
The best thing about hiring a professional framer is that they’re experts in their field. If you’re not sure what frame you should have, ask for your framer’s opinion. A good framer will guide you through the design process based on your budget and the art. Professional framers should know the answers to all your questions and be able to make you comfortable with understanding the process.
How long does the framing process take?
You should also ask how long the framing process normally takes. It’s good to have a timeline in your head beforehand so that you don’t wonder why your artwork is gone for so long. If you have a specific date you need the frame completed by, you should let the designer know as soon as you walk in the frame shop. You should also be reasonable in your expectations. We’ve had guys come in the day before Valentine’s Day asking if we can create a present for them to give the next day. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. We normally give a date 3 weeks out for a finished moulding frame. Since we have over 5,000 mouldings on display, we can’t stock all of them and many have to be ordered from out of state and shipped to us. We build in the ability to reorder one time in case UPS or Fedex delivers a damaged package or the vendor sends something that doesn’t match our sample. If we’re building a frame from raw wood stock and carving and/or gilding, it could be a 6-8 week timeframe.
If you are in a hurry, the designer can limit the design to use only moulding we can get from a local distributor. That way we can have it in one or two business days.
Professional framing can truly enhance the beauty of any piece. Anyone looking for beautiful frames should look no further than AUM Framing & Gallery. Our team has years of experience in the framing industry, and you can rest assured that you’ll be more than pleased with the outcome. Read our client reviews and research the various services we offer to discover why we’re the best frame shop in Denver.