Steps in custom picture framing

  1. Greet framing client and carefully lay artwork on design table

  2. Cover artwork with acid-free plastic to protect it from oils and moisture

  3. Ask client where the piece will hang, what colors she has in mind, and whether the piece is financially or sentimentally valuable

  4. Choose two or more mats to complement or contrast the colors in the piece (mats also protect artwork by surrounding the piece with acid-free cotton or paper and by keeping the glass from touching the art)

  5. Choose moulding to complement the mats and as well as the piece

  6. Choose glass or acrylic (plexi) to protect the piece from dust and insects

  7. Discuss and choose mounting methods

  8. Take accurate measurements to calculate United Inches (UI = height + width)

  9. Based on UI, price matting, moulding, glass, and labor costs

10. Accept 50% deposit, choose pick-up or delivery date, and print receipt

11. Order all moulding, mats, and glass from specialty vendors

12. Inspect all materials; reorder if necessary (rare)

13. Remeasure artwork for accuracy

14. Mount artwork on acid-free foamboard

15. Cut outside dimensions of foamboard

16. Clean mat cutter and install new razor blades

17. Cut outside dimensions of top mat

18. Cut outside dimensions of bottom mat(s)

19. Cut inside dimensions of top mat

20. Mount bottom mat(s) to back of top mat

21. Cut inside dimensions of bottom mat(s)

22. Mount all mats to art and foam board

23. Clean chop saw and inspect blade

24. Set stops on chop saw

25. Cut moulding to specified lengths, pus 1/8"

26. Sand mitres if necessary (rare)

27. Daub cut moulding edges for color match

28. Clean, glue, and clamp all four corners and allow glue to dry

29. Insert v-nails in all four corners for added strength

30. Verify inside dimensions of frame

31. Set stops on glass cutter

32. Cut glass

33. Clean glass

34. Place glass onto finished piece

35. Place frame over the finished package

36. Inspect for lint or dust beneath glass

37. Disassemble and clean as necessary

38. Once clean, invert entire piece face down

39. Insert framer's points

40. Affix gallery label to foam board backing; date and initial

41. Apply tape to back of frame

42. Apply Kraft paper as a permanent dust cover to back of frame

43. Trim excess paper

44. Affix wall bumpers and value-added glass sticker to back

45. Affix Certificate of Authenticity or other documentation to Kraft paper

46. Install hanging hardware and wire

47. Attach courtesy (free) hanger

48. Affix gallery label to back of frame; date and initial

49. Box or bag finished piece for delivery or pick-up

50. Store in vertical storage bin by last name

51. Call client for pick up or delivery

52. Accept final payment and print final invoice

53. Mail thank you card to client within 8 weeks