Custom picture framing is an art service that has gotten the reputation for being very expensive and only necessary for valuable works of art. But, a good picture framer welcomes the opportunity to help with all your framing needs, no matter how small, and can work with any budget.
Unfortunately, due to these times of economic struggle, people are looking for inexpensive alternatives to avoid custom picture framing. One popular approach is to buy a mass market readymade frame from a department store and then try to install the picture yourself. Although this does serve to get the picture on the wall, it is far from an ideal framing. The frame is usually not the exact size of the picture and you end up needing to go to a custom picture framer anyway to have a mat board cut to fill in the gap between the picture and the frame. Also, most readymade frames don’t come with a proper hanging system and fall off the wall easily.
If you consider the low quality finishes and materials of readymade frames along with the less than perfect visual presentation of your picture, you have wasted more money than you have saved. On the other hand, a framing that is custom designed and fitted by a professional custom picture framer may cost a bit more but, the end result will be far more enjoyable to look at and will be of lasting quality.
A good custom picture framer has a large selection of frames and colored mats to give your picture the perfect design and presentation. Also, some framers offer alternatives such as acrylic display cases for the framing of objects. A truly professional framer will know the proper way to handle and install your picture to preserve it for a lifetime. Your picture will come with a high quality glass and a suitable hanging system and many framers stand behind their workmanship with a guarantee.
The enjoyment experienced from years of looking at a beautifully framed picture is far greater than that of having saved a few dollars with a stock readymade frame. So, if you really want to get the most value for your framing dollar, during these hard economic times, visit your local custom picture framer and learn how affordable and enjoyable custom framing a picture can really be.
Peter Smith is the previous owner of Frames Galore in Sherman Oaks and framer to top interior decorators and celebrities.
To benefit from his years of picture framing experience, visit his new store, Valencia Art & Framing located at 25850 McBean Parkway in Granary Square.
For more information, visit Peter Smith’s website at www.artnframing.com. Please call at 661-799-9900.