The Ultimate Guide to Picture Framing Materials and Methods

Picture framing involves more than choosing an attractive frame. The materials and construction methods used for a project affect how the artwork is presented, how it is protected, and how well the finished piece holds up over time.

At AUM Framing & Gallery, picture framing may involve everything from a simple contemporary frame to a hand-finished, gilded, closed-corner frame. The appropriate materials depend on the artwork, its condition, its size, the intended presentation, and the level of preservation required.

What Are the Main Components of a Picture Frame?

A custom-framed piece may include a frame moulding, one or more mats, glass or acrylic glazing, mounting materials, a backing board, spacers, and specialized supports for three-dimensional objects.

Each component serves a different purpose. The moulding establishes the visual character of the frame. Matting creates separation and structure. Glazing provides protection and visibility. Mounting and backing keep the artwork properly positioned.

What Is Frame Moulding?

Frame moulding is the material used to construct the visible border around artwork. It may be simple and contemporary, highly ornamented, hand-carved, gilded, or made from specialized materials.

Moulding styles may include contemporary frames, modern frames, period-style frames, gilded frames, hand-carved frames, closed-corner frames, welded steel frames, leather frames, and custom-finished frames.

The right moulding should complement the artwork without overwhelming it. Designers consider the artwork’s scale, colours, period, style, and surroundings when selecting a frame.

For highly customized or period-appropriate projects, explore AUM’s closed-corner frames and gilded picture frames.

What Is a Closed-Corner Frame?

A closed-corner frame, also called a finished-corner frame, is constructed from raw wood and finished after the frame has been assembled.

With a standard joined frame, the moulding is generally finished before the corners are joined. With a closed-corner frame, the corners are completed as part of the finished frame. This allows the joins to be concealed and creates a seamless, handcrafted appearance.

Closed-corner frames are often used for fine art, antique artwork, traditional portraits, gilded frames, hand-carved frames, period-correct framing, and highly customized designs.

How Are Gilded Frames Made?

A gilded frame is finished with gold or silver leaf to create a luminous surface. The process begins with a prepared wood frame, often made from basswood.

The frame may be custom-milled and joined, sanded and prepared, hand-carved or fitted with composition ornamentation, covered with multiple layers of gesso, sanded to create a smooth base, and finished with hand-applied leaf.

AUM creates frames using traditional yellow gold leaf, white gold leaf, silver leaf, warm antique tones, and brighter contemporary finishes.

What Is Conservation Framing?

Conservation framing uses materials and techniques intended to protect artwork from unnecessary deterioration.

Depending on the piece, conservation framing may include acid-free materials, lignin-free materials, cotton-rag mats, archival materials, UV-filtering glazing, reversible mounting, museum-grade glazing, reduced-glare glazing, and proper separation between the artwork and glazing.

The specific materials depend on the artwork’s medium, condition, value, and display environment. Original artwork may require different treatment from a poster, textile, photograph, or three-dimensional object.

What Do Acid-Free, Lignin-Free, and Cotton-Rag Mean?

Acid-free materials are made or treated to reduce acidic content. Acidic materials can contribute to discolouration and deterioration when they remain in contact with artwork over long periods.

Lignin is a naturally occurring component of wood pulp. As lignin-containing materials age, they can contribute to yellowing and deterioration. Lignin-free materials are often preferred for conservation applications.

Cotton-rag mats are made from cotton fibres rather than wood pulp. They are valued for their stability and are commonly used when a higher level of conservation protection is appropriate.

For a more detailed explanation, see the guide to matting and mounting for picture framing.

What Is Archival Mounting?

Archival mounting uses materials and methods selected to secure artwork while minimizing the risk of damage.

For paper artwork, archival mounting may be designed to remain fully reversible. This is particularly important for original artwork, limited editions, concert posters, photographs, and other materials that may be affected by adhesives, pressure, light, or contact with glass.

Mounting should be chosen according to the artwork’s material and condition rather than applied uniformly to every project.

What Is the Difference Between Glass and Acrylic Glazing?

Glass and acrylic are both used as glazing materials in picture framing. The appropriate choice depends on the size of the frame, its location, and the level of protection required.

Glazing options may include standard glass, UV-filtering glass, Museum Glass, reduced-glare glass, UV-filtering acrylic, and Optium Museum Acrylic.

Read the complete guide to glass and glazing for picture framing for more information about protection, clarity, reflection control, and acrylic glazing.

What Materials Are Used for Shadow Boxes and Display Cases?

Shadow boxes and display cases are used for objects that cannot be framed flat. They may include custom moulding, a fabric-wrapped interior, specialized mounts, a backing structure, hinged doors, and glass, acrylic, or plexiglass components.

AUM has created shadow boxes and display cases for instruments, heirlooms, collectibles, memorabilia, antique pistols, corkscrew collections, and fishing lures.

Learn more about shadow box and display case framing or review the guide to specialty picture-framing projects.

How Does the Custom Framing Process Work?

A custom framing project generally involves evaluating the artwork or object, considering the desired presentation, selecting the moulding and materials, determining the appropriate glazing and mounting method, constructing or finishing the frame, assembling the completed piece, and inspecting the finished frame.

AUM cuts and joins frames in-house and maintains design, workshop, and restoration space at its Denver location. Learn more about what to expect during the picture-framing process.

Picture Framing Materials and Methods, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important framing material?

There is no single best material for every project. The appropriate combination of moulding, matting, glazing, mounting, and backing depends on the artwork or object being framed.

Are acid-free materials important in picture framing?

Acid-free materials can help reduce the risk of acidic compounds contributing to discolouration and deterioration over time. They are commonly considered for conservation-oriented framing.

Can an unusual object be framed?

Many unusual objects can be framed using shadow boxes, display cases, custom mounts, plexiglass boxes, or other specialized construction methods. The appropriate method depends on the object’s size, weight, shape, and condition.

Can a damaged picture frame be restored?

Many damaged frames can be repaired or stabilized. AUM also provides picture frame repair and restoration for wooden, antique, gilded, and contemporary frames.

Summary

Picture framing materials and methods should be selected according to the artwork or object, not simply according to appearance.

Moulding establishes the visual character of the frame. Matting creates separation and structure. Acid-free, lignin-free, and cotton-rag materials can support conservation-oriented framing. Glazing contributes to protection and visibility. Mounting and backing keep the piece secure.

A well-designed frame brings these elements together so the finished piece is properly supported, protected, and presented.