How to Choose The Right Custom Frame for Your Work of Art

Let our Toronto framing experts help make the process easier (and very rewarding).

Is there a cherished piece of artwork, photograph or item you’ve been meaning to get framed, but aren’t exactly sure what type or style of frame to go with? Well, you can rest assured that you’re in good company - and that’s why we’ve created this article to help you with just that.



Before setting out for a custom framing project, it can certainly be challenging to know exactly what’s going to work best for your artwork, especially with so many styling options and considerations at your fingertips. From the type of frame itself, to moulding materials, mat styles, textures and colours (and even glass type to finish it off), the final look of your custom frame and the way that it enhances your art will depend on a number of different factors.


While our expert Leslieville framers are always happy to help you make the right style choices in-shop, if you feel like doing a little pre-planning to get a better idea about what goes into a custom framing project, then keep reading.

When framing canvas artworks:

If you have a special canvas painting you’d like to elevate, a custom frame can certainly create a more refined and finished look.

Our first recommendation for framing a canvas piece would be to go with a floater or float frame (more on that below when we explore frame materials), particularly if the sides of your canvas have already been painted.

With that said, choosing a floater frame in a solid, minimalist colour and finish will do well to allow your beautiful canvas art to stand out on its own, as any maximalist-style frame or vibrant colours could create a distraction away from it.



A canvas artwork framed by Andy with a natural wood float frame.

For canvas artworks with unpainted sides, a non-floater type of frame is ideal. It’s best to choose a frame that can exist in harmony with your artwork, again, without competing or distracting from its beauty. A simple black, white, or wood frame can work to perfectly enhance your canvas art, with additional details such as a distressed finish or subtle texture to think about, as well.

When framing prints or paper artworks:

When dealing with fine art prints, such as drawings, serigraphs or one-of-a-kind prints, you should choose a frame that will offer complete protection from environmental damage (we specialize in this at Allen Gallery Framing), as issues such as discolouration or warping are known to occur with time.



Similarly to canvas paintings, you’ll have a vast collection of framing styles and options to choose from for your print or paper artwork, while also ensuring that your item is properly protected through use of preservation materials.

Below are some popular frame styles we offer, including when it’s recommended to use each:

Natural Wood Frames


Classic wooden frames are, and always will be, an elegant and timeless choice for custom frames. Choose from a range of unique natural wood finishes, such as oak, pine, walnut, mahogany or cherry to perfectly complement your artwork.


Metal Frames



Typically crafted from aluminum, stainless steel or brass, metal frames provide a modernist appeal with their clean and industrial-style aesthetic. These type of frame mouldings are especially ideal for contemporary artworks, posters and photographs, and come in several finishes like brushed, metallic, glossy and coloured to best complement your piece.



Ornate Frames



With customizable intricate detailing and embellishments, such as ornamental clay corners, carving, or gilding, ornate frames are an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more elegant or classical appeal. They are also most ideal for classical artworks, or pieces that command a more grand or sophisticated display. Among many ornate frame options, gold leaf finishes are a timeless favourite.


Float Frames



Float or floater frames can create a minimal and contemporary look for your work of art. This type of frame allows the edges of the art to remain visible, as it “floats” and is suspended within the frame. Modern artworks or prints that possess unique edges or textural features are especially suited to float frames.

Artwork photographed and framed by Andy using a simple white frame.

When framing objects or memorabilia:


When framing three-dimensional items, such as collectibles, sports jerseys, memorabilia, collages, or any type of artwork containing depth or texture, we recommend a custom shadow box frame. Shadow box frames are deep frames that allow for such items to be showcased in an impressive and unique way, while also protecting and preserving them for years to come.



When thinking about your custom shadow box, you’ll have several factors to consider, such as frame material, depth and size, as well as how you’d like your item(s) to appear mounted inside the frame.
 You can learn more about how our framer would create a shadow box for your three-dimensional or textured items here.

Choosing the Right Type of Mat for Your Custom Frame


When it’s time to choose a mat for your custom frame, you’ll be presenting with a wide variety of options with our east Toronto framers - all of them acid-free to preserve the beauty and integrity of your artwork. 



Below are some common types of mats to consider for your next custom framing project:


Paper Mats

Perhaps the most popular type of framing mat, our paper mats are available in a vast range of colours and textures to best suit and enhance your cherished art piece. Aside from being the most common, paper mats are also the most affordable of the mat types, and will always provide a result you can feel proud about.



Linen Mats

Linen mats can provide a timeless and elegant appeal to your framed artwork, making this type of mat is a particularly popular choice for intricate or fine art projects, as well as traditional artworks. If you’re framing a special piece that you’d like to further refine or create a sense of sophistication or exclusivity, a linen mat can certainly achieve this.



Silk Mats

Similarly to linen mats, silk mats can offer a sense of elegance and luxury to certain works of art, helping your piece to stand out the way it was intended. Available in a variety of colours and textures, silk mats are an especially popular choice when framing classic artworks, in addition to nostalgic pieces such as family heirlooms, wedding or baby photos.

Suede Mats

With its lavish, velvety-soft texture, a suede mat is capable of adding a richness and depth to enhance any work of art demanding such sophistication. Suede mats are especially suitable for higher-end pieces, fine art or limited edition prints, and do well to complement artworks with deep or bold colour palettes. 



With so many paper and fabric mats available in varying textures and colours, we understand that it can be overwhelming to narrow your options down and feel confident in your final decision. 



However, there’s no reason to stress! With years of experience framing a range of different artworks, our framers use their artful eye to steer you in the right direction. During your consultation at our Riverdale framing shop, we’ll make recommendations for mat options that make the most sense to perfectly enhance your artwork while also respecting your budget and other needs.

Choosing the Right Type of Glass for Your Custom Frame

Selecting the right type of glass for your custom framing project generally comes down to two main options: regular or clear conservation glass, or anti-reflective glass, alternatively known as non-glare or museum glass. Both of these glass types provide conservation-grade protection, including blocking up to 99% of UV rays, making them suitable for even the finest of prints or artworks.



Depending on where you plan to display your art piece, in addition to the characteristics of the artwork you are framing and your budget, an anti-glare glass may be the smarter choice compared to regular glass (and vice versa). You can learn more about these two main glass types in our blog post here.



Additionally, our framers offer acrylic as a modern alternative to traditional glass, as acrylic is shatter-resistant and more lightweight in nature. Acrylic glass is also available in both regular conservation and anti-glare/museum varieties to best suit your needs. 


Ready to start your next custom framing project in Leslieville?

With hundreds of quality mouldings, mats, and framing styles to choose from, our experts are ready to help you bring your perfect custom framing vision to life.


Get in touch with us to learn more about the framing services we offer, or to schedule your complimentary consultation at Allen Gallery Framing today!

Clear Vs. Anti-Reflective Framing Glass: Which One Makes Sense For My Artwork?

Some choices are better than others when encasing your valuables.

When framing a cherished art piece, photograph, poster, document or memorabilia, selecting the right frame moulding and mat colour actually aren’t the only customizable factors that go into play. 



In fact, our Toronto framers offer two main types of glass to encase your special items: regular or clear conservation glass, and anti-reflective glass, otherwise known as non-glare or museum glass. With that said, both of these framing glass types come with their own set of unique characteristics and considerations, meaning that one type may be more suitable than the other for a certain framing project.


In this article, we’ll detail some noteworthy factors to consider when deciding between clear/ regular glass and non-reflective/museum glass, to help you make an informed decision the next time you set out for a custom frame.

What Is Clear (Regular) Picture Framing Glass?

Clear or regular conservation picture framing glass is the most popular type of glass used for picture framing, and for good reason. At Allen Gallery Framing, we use Conservation Clear® Glass when framing your artwork, photographs or items, as it offers conservation-grade protection to ensure the proper safeguarding and preservation of your beloved possessions.

What is Anti-Reflective (Museum) Picture Framing Glass?

Non-reflective or museum glass, on the other hand, is a type of glass specially designed with a unique coating to minimize any light reflection or glare, which can be distracting in certain settings. Made from either acrylic materials or from traditional glass, anti-reflective glass can offer a clearer and unobstructed view of the framed subject, which has made it a popular choice for artworks displayed in museums.

Which Glass Type Should I Choose For My Framed Item?

When thinking about whether to choose clear (regular) or anti-reflective (museum) picture framing glass for your artwork, photograph, document or memorabilia, you should first consider where you plan to display it. If you’re going to be displaying your framed item in an environment containing especially bright or overhead lighting, near any windows projecting strong direct sunlight, or by any other kinds of light sources that would create glare, it might be more suitable to go with museum glass.



Contrarily, if you are planning on displaying your artwork in an area with minimal or controlled lighting or in an area where lighting isn’t particularly intense, clear picture framing glass can be a great choice. It is also a more budget-friendly option compared to museum glass, as the specialized non-reflective coating in museum glass does place the product at a higher price point.



Furthermore, you may also consider the general appearance and visual characteristics of your framed item when deciding whether to frame with regular or anti-reflective glass. If your item contains a lot of fine detail, such as a document containing important writing or information, anti-reflective glass may make for a better option as to avoid any potential visual obstructions that may interfere with the clarity of these details.

Still need help deciding on the right glass? Speak with our expert Leslieville framers today.

From choosing the right moulding and mat to selecting the appropriate type of glass for your custom frame, our experienced artists will work with you to ensure the best choices are made every step of the way.

Together, we’ll create the perfect custom frame to elevate your artwork while preserving it for generations to come.


Get in touch with us to learn more about the customization options we offer, or to schedule your consultation at our framing shop today!


Traditional Vs. Archival Framing: Why Choose The Latter When Encasing Your Precious Artwork?

Your art deserves the opportunity to be timeless.

Your most beloved artwork or photographs possess not only aesthetic value, but also hold sentimental significance (and oftentimes great monetary worth).

This is why it’s important to understand that, while it may seem relatively straightforward or insignificant, not all picture framing processes are created equal. Choosing the appropriate framing technique is actually critical when it comes time to enhance and preserve your valuable pieces.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between traditional and archival or acid-free framing, and will reveal just why choosing an archival framer in Toronto is the wisest choice you can make for your art.

What is Traditional Framing?

Traditional framing refers to the conventional method of framing art, and is the type of framing that’s been around the longest. Contrary to acid-free or conservation framing techniques, traditional framing methods involve the use of certain acid-containing materials such as acidic paper mats, cardboard backing boards, and adhesives, that unfortunately place the artwork or framed items at risk for undesirable changes and damage over time.

We’ll talk more about why this is below.

What Is Archival or Acid-Free Framing?

Acid-free or archival-quality framing is a modern preservation technique employed by professional framers, involving the use of materials containing a neutral pH balance (alkaline), thereby presenting a wealth of advantages for the art owner and artwork itself.

Furthermore, a key component of acid-free picture framing is the use of UV-protective glass, also known as UV-filtering glass, or museum glass. This is a unique type of glass specially designed to protect framed items from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Of course, we use museum glass at our east end framing shop every day!

Why Choose Acid-Free Art Framing Over Traditional Framing Methods?

There are a handful of undeniable reasons why anyone looking to frame their valued artwork, photographs or documents should opt for acid-free framing over traditional techniques, including the following considerations:

• Long-Term Preservation: Through the prevention of yellowing, discolouration, fading or degradation caused by acidic materials, archival framing methods ensure that the integrity and beauty of your artwork remains intact, and your valuable items keep their original condition for years and years.

• Protection From Environmental Damage: Acid-free materials create a protective shield against harmful environmental factors such as pollutants and moisture, that sadly can cause irreversible damage to your pieces over time. Needless to say, it’s smarter to work with a framer near you that employs the right techniques to ensure the safeguarding of your important items.

• Safer Handling and Showcasing: Acid-free techniques present a safer option for handling and displaying framed artwork, and is even particularly beneficial for individuals with certain allergies or sensitivities to chemicals. Conversely, the acidic components used in traditional framing processes can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can trigger respiratory issues or worsen existing allergies in susceptible individuals.

• Allows for Future Adjustments: Yet another benefit of archival framing techniques is that they allow for smooth and easy adjustments, such as re-framing your artwork down the line without any risk of damage. This is due to the fact that acid-free materials are not as likely to adhere to, and therefore damage, these framed items over time - granting you the flexibility to do as you please with your art in the future.

• Environmentally Conscious: Compared to traditional framing processes, archival framing is certainly the ecologically friendly option, as it does not involve the use of ungreen or environmentally harmful materials.

• Meets Professional Standards: Acid-free processes meet the highest professional standards in the world of art and framing - with many galleries, museums and conservationists advocating acid-free thanks to its superior preservation qualities.
  

Preserve the Beauty of Your Valued Artwork with Our Acid-Free Framer in Leslieville

Experienced framers with a commitment to preservation, like our Andy Smith of Allen Gallery Framing, possess a deeper understanding of conservation techniques and the involved materials - ensuring only the best treatment for your most beloved possessions.

Furthermore, choosing acid-free won’t ever require you to compromise on frame style or design. In fact, our reputable framers offer a vast range of acid-free frame styles, mat colours, and customization options to suit your unique preferences.

Allen Gallery Framing in Toronto has the expertise and care required to carry out a framing job you can truly feel good about.

Reach out to us to learn more about the archival framing services we offer, or to schedule your consultation with our framing expert today!