What kind of frame should I get for my art/document/photograph?
The frame design should work with the art both aesthetically and functionally. Modern works of art tend to get slicker more simple frames whereas traditional imagery tend to get traditional frames that have simple to highly ornate flourishes. MH Art & Frame will guide you with the aesthetic of the frame keeping in mind the functional aspect of design (Is the frame deep enough to handle the art? Will the frame support the weight of the art and glass? etc.)

What is a mat?
A mat is the paper border that surrounds the art. Other than adding an aesthtic to the art being framed, the functional purpose is to keep glass away from works of art. This allows air to circulate around the art and prevents condensation that may collect, due to changing atmospheric conditions, to settle on the paper. For photographs, it is imperative that the glass is kept away from the surface of the art as the emulsion may stick to the surface of the glass. For works on paper, the condensation may promote mold or mildew.

What kind of mats are there?
There are 4-ply and 8-ply mats that are typically used with works on paper. At MH Art & Frame, we use only archival mats that are 100% cotton rag. Cotton fiber is 99% acid-free; it is then buffered to pH 8.2 with an alkaline reserve of 2-3% to counteract environmental acids and air pollution which may come in contact with the art. We do not use regular paper mats (which can be recognized by it's yellowing bevel/core).

What is the standard width of a mat?
Typically, for a piece around 8x10, we have matted with a 2 1/2 to 3" border, however we have gone larger. The size of the art affects the ratio of the mat border as well as the art itself which may lend itself to a "non-standard" proportion.

What is mounting?
Mounting is the method by which we adhere the art to a board either permanently or archivally.

What kind of mounting is there?
MH Art & Frame offers dry-mounting which is a permanent mounting method. The art is placed on foamcore and put through a vacuum-heat press to bond the image to the substrate using a heat ectivated adhesive. Alternatively, we use an archival mounting method for valuable works which uses archival tapes or pastes and rice paper to hinge the art to an acid free board.

What kind of glass is available?
OUR standard glass is a UV glass by Tru Vue (r) which offers 99% UV protection that helps protect art from fading by blocking harmful indoor and outdoor light rays. Paper can become faded, discolored, and brittle, causing irreversible damage that ruins the artwork. For optimum clarity, UV protection and glare reduction, we also offer Tru Vue (r) Museum Glass. While we do not recommend it, regular glazing can be used for your framing needs.

Is it necessary to use UV glass?
All light affects pigments in art. Natural sunlight is the most damaging light source with fluorescent light ranking second due to the amount of UV it emits. Irridescent light is damaging as well to pigments, though not as harsh. If there is a precious work that you want to keep safe from the harmful UV rays that are emitted from natural and indoor light, we highly recommend UV glass.

What is archival framing?
Archival framing is the use of PH nuetral materials (mats, mounting boards, pastes etc.) UV glass and methods that create an enclosed environment in the frame that protect your art.

What is your turnaround?
Depending on the compexity of the job, materials chosen and current production schedule, the average turnaround time is aproximately 2 - 2 1/2 weeks. If there is a time sensetive custom frame job that you have, please let us know and we will eunsure that the materials chosen can fall within your time frame.

TIPS

1) Maintain a stable environment for your art. Sudden temperature changes can damage the work itself. There have been instances where art hung near a radiator, air conditioning unit or even a wall in the hallway between the kitchen and the bathroom have affected framed works.

2) Either spray your cloth with the appropriate glass cleaner while cleaning the glazing in the frame on the wall, or place the framed art horizontally on a work surface ensuring that the cleaner does not seep into the frame.

3) Inspect the artwork regularly to see if there are any changes in the way the paper is sitting, or if there are discolorations on the paper or in the pigment. Even if you have taken all the precautions to protect the work you have had framed, the artwork itself can be the cause of its own demise if the artist did not use the proper methods and materials while applying their pigments.