Frequently Asked Questions
All of our picture framing is done in the shop. When we say that a frame is a "special order" we mean that it is not one of the 100+ mouldings that we have in stock, but is a moulding that is ordered cut to size and joined in our shop. While we can frame a piece in the same day with the mouldings that we stock, the special order frames usually arrive in a couple days and the framing can be completed in less than a week.
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The cost of your art in no way relates to the cost of the materials and labor involved in framing the art. Many posters are 24x36 and cost about $20.00 to $30.00. Because of the large size the poster will require more framing materials than a smaller piece. This, along with the cost of labor to prepare the materials and assemble them into a finished framing, will dictate the cost involved. Thus, the cost to frame this large inexpensive poster may exceed the cost to frame a smaller more expensive work of art. There are also a variety of mouldings, matboards and glass that have a wide range of price points. We will be happy to give you an estimate and work with you to achieve the look that you desire and stay within your budget constraints.
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Glass is usually not used on oil or acrylic paintings. In rare instances, glass is used (with a spacer) to provide extra protection on fragile paintings. Some needleworkers do not like to put glass on needlepoint (which is done with wool yarn) or on cross-stitch. This is acceptable as long as mats are not used. We recommend glass when mats are used because mats are paper and are subject to soiling and warping if left unprotected. Some photographers suggest that their photos do not need glass because they have been "sprayed." We have found that while the coating may protect the photo from ultra-violet fading, it is not protected from scratching and other damage that may be sustained by an unprotected photo. We generally recommend some type of glazing (glass or acrylic) on all other items that are framed.
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Glass, or "glazing," is an area of framing that is constantly changing and new, improved products are being developed regularly. The first step is to decide if you like "regular" or "non-reflective" glass. Regular is a standard clear glass and non-reflective is regular glass that has been etched to reduce reflection, creating a slightly frosted look. Regular glass is usually appropriate and lets you see the most detail, but if you are hanging the piece in a room with a lot of glare, you might need to consider non-reflective glass. We can show you samples of each to help you make the decision. The next decision is if you want conservation glass. Conservation glass comes in both regular and non-reflective. "Conservation" means that a coating has been applied that filters out the ultra-violet rays that cause the colors to fade. Visually, you cannot see a difference between conservation glass and standard glass, but standard glass filters only about 45% of the UV rays and conservation glass filters about 97% of the UV rays. Artwork should never be placed in direct sunlight, but since most rooms get some sort of UV light, conservation glass is an excellent choice to protect your framed piece. Another improvement has been in the area of non-reflective glass. As was previously mentioned, the non reflective glass has a slightly frosted appearance. The new product is "anti-reflective glass" and has virtually no reflection and does not have the frosted look of standard non-reflective. It is nearly invisible on the framed piece. This glass is available as regular AR which filters in the 45% range of UV light and museum which filters in the 97% range. Obviously, glass that has gone through more processing in order to change its reflective and UV filtering qualities, will be somewhat more expensive. We offer all types of glass and show you examples so that you can make an informed decision.
Another type of glazing that you may wish to consider is "acrylic." We usually recommend acrylic on larger pieces because of the weight of a large piece of glass. It is also a good choice if you are planning to ship your framed piece or anytime that you desire a lighter, shatter resistant glazing. Acrylic has the added benefit of filtering approximately 90% of the UV rays.
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Many people ask us this question and it is a good question to ask of someone who may be handling your valuable, irreplaceable artwork. Lois Guinn's 20 years of custom picture framing experience is the foundation of the shop and all the employees. Our owner, Carrie Hutsko, started working for Lois in 1992. Then, as it is now, the training process entails a new employee to work under the owner to learn all the techniques and procedures required for all the different types of custom picture framing projects. Only after the utmost confidence in their knowledge are they allowed to individually complete a piece. The employee gradually learns the skills required for the most difficult of projects. Carrie Hutsko proceeded in this way, becoming manager in 1996 and ultimately the owner in late 2006 after Lois Guinn's retirement. Like Lois Guinn, Carrie is a CPF (Certified Picture Framer). The CPF test is a three hour test that can be taken after a year of picture framing experience. It tests everything from woods and papers used in frames and art to tools, equipment and hardware, color theory, fabric framing, preservation practices, and many more topics. Every five years, a recertification is given with updated information and theories. The test is given by the PPFA (Professional Picture Framers Association) [off-site link] which offers many seminars on framing topics throughout the year to its members. Because we have such a long training period we try very hard to retain our employees. You can feel confident in our expertise.
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Yes, we have a wide selection of artwork: limited editions, giclees, canvas prints, posters, original oils. We have numerous catalogs you can check out to view at home and also Virtual Gallery which is a CD-ROM program that allows you to look up thousands of art images selected by subject, artist, title, or price. Check out our partnership with Artaissance at http://www.artthatfits.com/?retailer=loisguinn to view art in the comfort of your own home. Here you will find a website that will allow you to search based on a wide range of criteria. Once a piece of art is selected, it can be picked up right at our shop.
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We offer do-it-yourself framing. Once a popular genre, it has fallen out of favor in more recent years; probably because people are losing so much of their free time! The procedure for DIY is that we cut and join the frames, cut the mats, glass, backing etc. and the customer assembles the framing package with guidance from one of our employees. The money saved is our fitting or labor charge. The customer realizes a greater savings if the art is needle-art because it must be stretched before it is framed and stretching is a labor intensive, and therefore more costly, process.
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We take pride in our needlework expertise. We have needleworkers on staff, so we realize the time and effort that goes into needlework. Proper framing ensures that the needlework will be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. Generally needlework is stretched with silk pins, or, if you prefer, we can lace them (pulling with criss-crossed thread). Either method is completely reversible in the event that you want to remove them from their frame. Needlepoint can be blocked at our store, so don't worry if they are not square when you bring them in for framing.
It is very important to keep your cross stitch clean as you work on it. Dirt from hands and hoops usually does not come out and shows up more clearly once they are stretched and framed. You should have at least three inches of fabric bordering the work to permit easy handling during stretching. After the piece is finished you should inspect it thoroughly for missed stitches, loose threads and errors in word or dates. You should also sign your work. Even if the design is not yours, the labor is. Your signature or initials and a date will become more significant as years go by.
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When Lois started this business, she realized that no matter how long it takes for a customer to get their piece to the shop for framing, once they have selected mats and frames they are very anxious to see the finished product. The term "custom" has come to mean a long wait in the home furnishings industry (drapes, upholstery, furniture etc.). Lois Guinn Framing & Art Gallery has always retained a sufficient staff of employees to assure a quick turnaround. She has made a point of stocking over 100 mouldings (and as many mats and sufficient glass and acrylic) so that last minute framing can be ready for you on the same day. Our usual turnaround for non rush items is one week. We consider a quick turnaround to be an important part of customer service.
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