For those who've never had it done before, custom framing can sometimes be a little confusing. Let's try and clear up some of the confusion. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for some quick answers.

Custom framing is made up of three basic components:

Matboard

Glass

FRAMES

We offer the area's largest and most complete selection of frames (also called mouldings.)

• wood (both painted & natural)

• metal

• fillets (a small inside frame that is used on matboard or on the inside edge of the frame for accenting.)

Because of the incredible selection of frames available, it is impossible to keep every style of frame in stock. Most of our mouldings must be ordered from the factory. But we have hundreds of samples for you to choose from. Here's just some of our available wood mouldings:

MATBOARD

There are three basic types of mats. Each having their own pros and cons.

You can make your artwork even more unique by employing one or more of these options:

MULTIPLE MATS

• Using more than one mat color can enhance the beauty of the art

DECORATIVE MAT CORNERS

• Although not used very often anymore, various shapes and contours can be cut into the corner of your mats to create a unique effect

SPECIALTY MATS

• Black-core, color-core, suede, textured and designed mats are available. Come by and see the possibilities!

GLASS

Different types of glass are suitable for varied applications. Where the finished piece will hang may determine the type of glass that is best for you. Art City offerers four types of glass for use in custom framing:

REGULAR CLEAR:

• The least expensive choice, but it offers little protection for your art.

REGULAR NON-GLARE:

• Regular glass that has been modified to reduce the amount of glare reflected by the glass.

CONSERVATION CLEAR:

• This looks like regular glass, but it filters out 97% of harmful UV rays which come from both natural and fluorescent light sources.

CONSERVATION NON-GLARE:

• This is the same as conservation clear glass but includes a non-glare finish.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASS?
Cost is really the issue here. Ideally, we recommend using conservation glass on everything we frame. However, we realize this isn't feasible for everybody. Remember, your treasured photo or piece of artwork will probably degrade over time if you elect not to use conservation glass.

WHAT IS ACID-FREE MATBOARD AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Acid-free matboard is free of acids and lignin and is also pH balanced. Like conservation glass, acid-free mats are used to protect artwork.

IS THERE A STANDARD WIDTH THE MAT BORDER SHOULD BE?
That is much like asking what color couch should be in a living room. Like choosing furniture, personal choice plays the most significant role in all aspects of the custom framing process including the frame, glass, mat, and mat size. In an antique shop, you might notice very generous mat borders on older artwork. The underlying reason behind wider mats was to isolate the artwork from its surroundings. Today, we notice a trend back to the wider mats in much of our work.

DO I REALLY NEED A MAT? WHAT PURPOSE DO THEY SERVE?
Mats serve two purposes: First, they create an important air space between the glass and the art. Without this space, the artwork could stick to the glass which, of course, could cause damage. Second, the use of a mat provides an aesthetically pleasing buffer between the art and frame and/or room decor.

SHOULD I CHOOSE THE FRAME AND MAT(S) BASED ON THE ARTWORK ALONE, OR SHOULD I CONSIDER THE DECOR OF THE ROOM THE ARTWORK WILL HANG IN?
Although some of our customers prefer to match their custom framing to a room's decor, we frown upon this practice. Remember, you're framing the artwork ... not the room's decor.

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Art City Gallery; 921 W. Jackson St.; Macomb, IL 61455; (309)837-4221
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