The Ultimate Guide to Specialty Picture-Framing Projects

Specialty framing is designed for artwork, memorabilia, heirlooms, collections, and objects that require more than a standard flat frame.

These projects may involve unusual shapes, substantial depth, multiple components, fragile materials, or objects that need to be supported and displayed in a particular way. The framing method must be developed around the item being displayed.

At AUM Framing & Gallery, specialty framing may involve shadow boxes and display cases, plexiglass boxes, custom mounts, fabric-wrapped interiors, specialized supports, and other custom construction methods.

What Is Specialty Picture Framing?

Specialty picture framing is the design and construction of a frame or display system for objects and materials that cannot be presented effectively in a standard flat frame.

Specialty projects may involve:

• Three-dimensional objects
• Sports memorabilia
• Jerseys and textiles
• Instruments
• Heirlooms
• Collectibles
• Antique objects
• Documents and photographs displayed with objects
• Objects requiring a shadow box or display case
• Items requiring a plexiglass box or specialized enclosure

The finished design must support the object securely while keeping important details visible and creating an appropriate presentation.

How Are Specialty Framing Projects Designed?

Specialty framing begins with an evaluation of the object or collection. The design must account for the item’s size, weight, shape, condition, depth, materials, and intended display environment.

The project may require decisions about how the object will be supported, how much depth the frame or case requires, whether the interior should be fabric-wrapped, whether the object requires a custom mount, whether glass, acrylic, or plexiglass is appropriate, and how multiple elements will be arranged.

A specialty frame is constructed around the requirements of the object rather than selected from a standard format.

What Are Shadow Boxes Used For?

Shadow boxes are used for objects that cannot be framed flat. They provide additional depth and allow an object to be mounted inside a frame while remaining visible.

Shadow boxes may be used for sports memorabilia, jerseys, heirlooms, collectibles, instruments, antique objects, memorabilia, and other three-dimensional items.

The interior is designed around the object being displayed. The mounting system must support the item securely without obscuring its important details.

What Materials Are Used for Shadow Boxes?

Shadow boxes may include several components, depending on the object and the intended presentation.

• Custom moulding
• A fabric-wrapped interior
• Specialized mounts
• A backing structure
• Hinged doors or another opening system
• Glass, acrylic, or plexiglass components
• Conservation-oriented matting
• UV-filtering glazing when appropriate

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

How Are Sports Jerseys Framed?

Jerseys are typically displayed using a shadow-box design that provides sufficient depth for the fabric while keeping the jersey visible.

A jersey display may include a custom mount, a shadow-box structure, team-coloured mats, conservation-grade materials, UV-filtering glass or acrylic, and additional photographs, tickets, or memorabilia.

AUM provides specialized sports jersey framing for jerseys and related memorabilia.

How Is Sports Memorabilia Framed?

Sports memorabilia may include jerseys, tickets, photographs, balls, bats, helmets, awards, autographs, and other personal achievements.

These projects may require conservation-grade materials, acid-free and lignin-free matting, UV-filtering glazing, shadow-box construction, custom mounts, team-coloured mats, and multiple framed elements within one display.

Fabrics, autographs, paper materials, photographs, and other components may each require different preservation considerations. Learn more about custom memorabilia framing.

How Are Heirlooms Framed?

Heirlooms often have personal or historical significance and may require a framing design that protects the object while keeping its character visible.

Heirlooms may be displayed using shadow boxes, display cases, custom mounts, fabric-wrapped interiors, specialized supports, and glass or acrylic glazing.

The appropriate method depends on the heirloom’s size, weight, shape, material, condition, and intended presentation.

Can Instruments Be Framed?

Instruments are three-dimensional objects that may require a specialized display structure. The framing design must support the instrument securely while keeping its important features visible.

Instrument displays may include custom mounts, shadow-box construction, display cases, fabric-wrapped interiors, and glass, acrylic, or plexiglass components.

The mounting system should be developed according to the instrument’s shape, weight, condition, and display requirements.

What Are Plexiglass Boxes Used For?

Plexiglass boxes can be used to display artwork, memorabilia, and other objects. They may be mounted to a wall, placed on a base, or built as a freestanding pedestal display.

The plexiglass box may be produced by a specialized partner, while the mount, base, or pedestal is designed for the specific project.

AUM’s shadow box and display case service includes custom plexiglass display solutions for artwork, memorabilia, and objects.

What Is the Difference Between a Shadow Box and a Display Case?

A shadow box is generally a framed display with additional depth for an object. A display case may be designed as a more enclosed structure with a door, opening system, base, pedestal, or other specialized construction.

The distinction depends on the object and the intended display. Some projects may use a framed shadow box, while others may require a fully enclosed case or plexiglass box.

The appropriate method depends on the size, shape, weight, condition, and accessibility requirements of the object.

How Are Collections Displayed?

Collections may be arranged within one display or divided into multiple framed pieces. The design should provide enough structure and separation for each item while creating a balanced overall presentation.

A collection may include corkscrew collections, fishing lures, collectibles, memorabilia, photographs and related objects, or small heirlooms.

The interior layout and mounting system should be planned around the number, size, shape, and visual relationship of the pieces.

How Are Antique Objects Framed?

Antique objects may require specialized support and careful consideration of their condition. The framing design should protect the object while preserving its character and making its important details visible.

Antique objects may be displayed using shadow boxes, display cases, custom mounts, fabric-wrapped interiors, specialized supports, and glass or acrylic components.

The appropriate construction method depends on the object’s material, shape, weight, condition, and intended presentation.

How Are Three-Dimensional Objects Protected?

Three-dimensional objects may be vulnerable to movement, pressure, contact, and unsuitable support. A custom mount or internal structure can help keep the object properly positioned within the display.

Three-dimensional framing may involve specialized mounts, backing structures, shadow-box construction, display cases, plexiglass boxes, fabric-wrapped interiors, and glass or acrylic glazing.

The mounting system must support the object securely without obscuring its important details or placing unnecessary pressure on fragile areas. The guide to matting and mounting explains how mounting contributes to support and protection.

How Does Glazing Affect Specialty Projects?

Glazing is the transparent material used to protect the front of a framed display. Specialty projects may use glass, acrylic, or plexiglass depending on the size, structure, and purpose of the display.

UV-filtering glazing may be considered for objects that are vulnerable to fading. Reduced-glare glazing or Museum Glass may be appropriate when reflections would interfere with viewing.

Read the guide to glass and glazing for picture framing for more information about glazing options.

Can Specialty Projects Use Conservation Materials?

Specialty projects may include conservation-oriented materials when the object or its components require additional protection.

Depending on the project, conservation materials may include acid-free materials, lignin-free materials, cotton-rag mats, archival mounting, reversible mounting, UV-filtering glazing, and Museum Glass.

The complete display should be considered as a system. The appropriate materials depend on the object’s material, condition, value, and intended display environment. See AUM’s guide to art preservation.

How Are Specialty Framing Projects Constructed?

A specialty framing project generally involves evaluating the object or collection, determining the required depth and support, planning the interior arrangement, selecting the mounting method, selecting the moulding and materials, determining the appropriate glazing or enclosure, constructing the display, and inspecting the completed project.

Each component is handled according to the requirements of the object or collection. The finished display should be secure, visually balanced, and appropriate for its intended location.

Specialty Picture-Framing Frequently Asked Questions

What is specialty picture framing?

Specialty picture framing is the design and construction of a frame or display system for objects and materials that cannot be presented effectively in a standard flat frame.

What is a shadow box used for?

A shadow box is used to display objects that cannot be framed flat. It provides additional depth and may include a custom mount, backing structure, fabric-wrapped interior, and protective glazing.

Can sports memorabilia be custom framed?

Yes. Sports memorabilia may be framed using shadow-box construction, custom mounts, conservation-grade materials, team-coloured mats, and UV-filtering glass or acrylic.

Can a jersey be framed?

Jerseys can be displayed using a shadow-box design with sufficient depth, a custom mount, and appropriate glazing. The design must support the fabric while keeping important details visible.

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 collections be framed together?

Collections can be arranged within one display or divided into multiple framed pieces. The layout and mounting system should be planned around the number, size, shape, and visual relationship of the items.

What materials are used in specialty framing?

Specialty framing may include custom moulding, fabric-wrapped interiors, specialized mounts, backing structures, glass, acrylic, plexiglass, and conservation-oriented materials.

Summary

Specialty picture framing makes it possible to display objects, memorabilia, collections, heirlooms, instruments, textiles, antiques, and other items that cannot be framed effectively using a standard flat frame.

Shadow boxes, display cases, plexiglass boxes, custom mounts, fabric-wrapped interiors, specialized supports, and conservation-oriented materials may all be used depending on the project.

The best specialty framing design begins with the object itself. Its size, shape, weight, condition, materials, and intended presentation determine how the finished display should be constructed.