Bespoke frames are beautiful. They help you to preserve and protect your precious items and add a touch of class and personality to your home.

Sometimes, the vocabulary can get a little overwhelming though. With so many specialist terms flying around, you might feel a little lost and unsure as to what they mean. But we are here to help. Here’s a glossary of framing terms to help you.

A Glossary of Bespoke Framing Terms

Acid-Free

This term describes paper that has a neutral pH level that is very close to 7.0. This lack of acidity or alkalinity means that artwork is safe from corrosion.

Adhesive Transfer Tape

This tape is double-sided and professional versions are often used to assist with various parts of the mounting process.

Acrylic

Glass made from this material is clear, breathable and acid-free. These premium options are often included on bespoke frames and help to protect pieces of artwork from elements like UV radiation.

Artwork Sandwich

This term is sometimes used within the industry to refer to the stack of components that come together to make a full frame including the artwork.

Artwork Size

This specific measurement refers to the size of the artwork itself, excluding borders and paper size too. This is a very important measurement.

Backing

This board comes in a range of materials and it acts as the back of the frame to hold artwork in place and give it support. There are a range of methods that are used to secure the artwork in place.

Bespoke

We are masters in bespoke framing, meaning that every frame is created specifically to fit to your needs and specifications.

Canvas Wraps

These wraps are affixed to the frame in a variety of ways to ensure longevity and optimal protection of a piece.

Conservation Framing

This is a type of framing that is done with the intention of completely protecting an artwork as effectively as possible. Acid-free and UV materials are very common here.

Decoration

Bespoke frames are often used to decorate the walls on a home and support a certain aesthetic. Read our piece on how to decorate the walls on your home using bespoke framing.

Do-It-Yourself

Many people choose to design and create their own bespoke frames. There are a lot of intriguing and inventive methods that people use to present their personality and their artwork.

Dust Cover

A dust cover is a piece of kraft paper that is sometimes stuck to the back of a wood frame to protect against dust and small mites.

Fine Art Reproduction

This is a high-resolution photograph of a piece of fine art that has been adjusted and printed to the highest possible standard.

Frame Set and Match

We are a bespoke framing company in London that creates stunning frames to present and preserve treasured possessions.

Frame Size

Sizes come in a range of sizes and dimensions. Bespoke frames can be catered to your specific needs and specifications.

Glare

Glass has the potential to reflect a bright and dazzling light but this can be avoided with acrylic options.

Glazing

This refers to the clear glass or acrylic that is used in some frames as opposed to glass.

Hanging Kit

This refers to all of the components necessary to hang an assembled picture frame. It will include components like screws, hanging wire and protective wall bumpers.

Infrared

This type of energy is transmitted in sunlight and tungsten light. It has the potential to dry out artwork and damage it, so many people choose a UV frame.

Lignin

This is an organic substance that is found in vascular plants. If a piece of paper contains this, acids are created and it expedites the deterioration of a piece.

Mat Board

This is used to cover and protect the image. A window is cut into the centre of the board and the artwork can be viewed through it. A range of styles and colours can be used to enhance the artwork and the impact of the frame.

Moulding

This refers to the actual material of the picture frame. It can be fashioned to the liking of the individual, whether that’s ornate or very conservative.

Mount Board

This is the board that the artwork is mounted upon within the frame. For conservation framing, it is important that an acid-free material is used.

Non-Glare Acrylic

This material is given a matte finish to reduce that glare from lighting, and it also aims to protect the sharpness of the artwork.

Overlap

This measurement is used to refer to how much of the artwork is covered by the mat board. This depends on the preferences of the owner and the most common measurements are between ⅛” and ¼”.

pH Scale

This scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The scale ranges from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline), with 7 representing the neutral point.

Picture Frame

There are many types of picture frames out there, with bespoke frames becoming increasingly popular. These frames can offer an attractive border for the piece and offers structural integrity to the artwork.

Preservation Framing

This refers to a specific type of framing where the key objective is prolonging the life of the artwork or object. This is achieved by cultivating an environment that is mechanically and chemically stable.

Spacer

These small items are often made of plastic, wood, mat board or foam core and they help to separate the artwork and the surface of the glazing.

UV Filter Acrylic

Ultraviolet radiation can warm up artwork and therefore speed up its erosion. Special acrylics can block the majority of UV radiation to protect pieces of art.

Wall Bumpers

These small adhesive-backed pieces of felt act as a buffer between the frame and the wall that it is hung upon. This protects both surfaces and ensures that the picture frame hangs flat.

Window

This refers to the opening on a mat board that reveals the artwork itself. Windows can come in a range of shapes and sizes depending on the artwork being displayed.

Buy Your Bespoke Frame Today

Ready to commission your very own bespoke frame? Contact us today to discuss your idea – it will be our pleasure to give form to your frame.