Expert Photo Framing Tips
Clients bring us their photos in a variety of storage including envelopes, boxes, albums, and frames. Some picture frames are easy to handle, with photos that are well-preserved and simple to scan. Unfortunately, amateur photo framing can damage precious family photos and make things tricky.
We work together frequently on photo framing projects with Bob Greene and his team at the DuPage Framing Center. They’re great to work with and create frames that are creative, high quality, and display photographs for maximum protection and attention.
I recently sat down with Bob to ask him for his expert photo framing tips.
Adam: I’ve visited your shop many times, and I’m always struck by how many options there are for frames, mattes, and glass. With all those choices, how do you help clients find the best frame their photos?
Bob: We start by asking questions about what they like and don’t like, including colors and materials. We also talk about size and the space on the wall they’re thinking of. Within a minute of looking at something we’ll have a few ideas and we can show them a few contrasting samples. We can also tell them about past projects that are inspiring.
I’ve been doing this for over 40 years, and these days we can get one of a kind frame options from Italy and across Europe. We try to make the picture the star of the show, and a proper frame will enhance the artwork. We usually use a neutral matte and a frame that presents the photo well.
Some people say that they don’t want the frame to take away from the art, but we show them that their art needs to be presented better than a black or chrome metal frame. We offer a free quote so they know what to expect, and we often have clients spend $50 more than they expected, but it turns about 100 times better than they expected!
Adam: One of the most common issues we see with picture frames is when a client brings us a photo that’s stuck to the glass. We can scan, restore, and reprint those photos, but can you help us understand what causes a photo to stick to the glass?
Bob: This is usually caused by humidity, and it’s mostly glossy photos that tend to stick to the glass. We take apart lots of old frames, but matte photos and posters are usually fine. Spacing the photo from the glass with a matte is ideal to protect it.
Adam: Another problem we help people with are faded photos. These are usually important photos like wedding portraits that have been hanging in a frame for decades, but because of exposure to sunlight the photo becomes extremely faded. Are there framing options that can help prevent this kind of damage?
Bob: To keep something safe forever it shouldn’t be displayed in direct sunlight, but museum glass offers UV protection that can minimize fading, and it will look great within our lifetime.
Adam: Sometimes we have clients bring us frames that have fallen off the wall and broken glass has damaged their photograph. We can help restore these damaged photos, but are there options beside glass that folks should consider when they frame their photos?
Bob: Glass is the easiest to clean and the least expensive. We do offer acrylic, but it will fog up from cleaning over time.
Adam: When it comes to hanging frames, what are your favorite tools and techniques to hang them securely?
Bob: We suggest using two hooks in the wall for anything 16×20 or larger. Two hooks keeps it level and secure on the wire. Nobody likes to put holes in their wall, but it’s the best option. We offer Wall Buddies for when you need to keep a frame tight against the wall, and for heavier items we recommend a french cleat or Z Bar hanging system. For most things, wire is still the go to handing option and the OOK Hooks with the hardened nails are a good option we use.
Adam: A few times a year we see the old-fashioned bubble glass frames with the convex glass. I know those are really delicate, so do you have any tips for working with those oval frames?
Bob: We have clients who bring these in and we use a special fitting tool that compresses the nails into these delicate frames. We hand fit these and build up the antique frames to protect the glass.
Adam: Do you have any other expert photo framing tips you’d like to share with our readers?
Bob: We shy away from ready-made frames because if you’re going to spend the money on framing, you want the right proportions. If you buy a cheap frame and the matte isn’t the right proportion to the photo, that’s the first thing you’ll notice. The European moulding that’s available today is cool, eco-friendly, and really good materials. This stuff is coming from Italy, not China.
If you have photos that are torn, damaged, or faded please visit us for expert restoration help. And if you need help framing your photos, art, or memorabilia please visit Bob and his team at the DuPage Framing Center https://dupageframingcenter.com. Bob and I enjoy working together on client projects and would love to help if you have something special.
Interested in working with Chaos to Memories?
If you’re near Chicago and ready to get started to work with a professional photo organizer, come visit our Wheaton Studio Monday – Friday, 10-5. Please bring your memories with you.
If you live outside the Chicagoland area, we’re happy to send you a Project Form and Contract, along with shipping instructions, so you can get started on your project.
Contact us for more information.