Why lacing needlework for framing is the best method.

We have always used the lacing method for needlework framing and always will. That is, unless some much improved and reliable method is invented. Although it is time consuming it brings the best results. The advantage of it is that the work can be easily straightened, and even moved slightly to get it even all the way around. Some needlework or tapestries can be quite distorted when they come to us for framing. This can be caused by the stitcher having an uneven tension. It doesn’t actually spoil the look of the needlework. It just takes extra time to straighten out but the finished result is very rewarding. By using the lacing method, we can stretch it this way and that until you wouldn’t know it for the distorted piece it was.

Staples can cause damage to your needlework

Staples are thicker than needles and will damage finer fabrics. They can pierce the thread and cause it to run like a ladder if it is fine cotton. Needles go through the fabric leaving little damage.  While thicker fabrics like those used for tapestries could withstand the stapling method, it is not a method we would use. Staples can also rust over time. We have reframed some pictures that have been stapled. If the staples have left rust marks, the only solution is to hide them with an extra matboard border or make the picture smaller. The extra matboard really enhances and transforms the picture. However, making the picture smaller would make it look rather inferior.

Adhesive mounting – a method that no professional picture framer should ever use.

We’ve seen a few DIY framed needlework that have been glued. Over time that glue can leach through the needlework leaving unsightly markings that will be there to stay. We call this kind of method ‘cowboy framing’. In other words, it is done with little pride and skill and a couldn’t care less approach.

Leaching due to adhesive mounting can be prevented if attended to soon enough…

If needlework that has been glued or mounted with adhesives is brought to us soon enough, it can be reframed using the lacing method used by professional framers. However, this is not possible if very strong glue has been used. The needlework is likely to become damaged when being removed. We can try to soften the glue by warming with a hairdryer. But it might damage the needlework. It would be done at the owners own risk. In fact it would be best left for the owner of the needlework to try this method.

In conclusion… taking shortcuts in mounting needlework for framing will never work.

While it may not be evident at first that adhesives or staples have been used, it will be discovered later. Unfortunately when discovered it might be too late. Leaching or damage from adhesives might have already left their mark.  Any picture framer that takes a pride in their work will not cheat or take shortcuts.  

Why being asked to give a ‘rough idea’ can be a custom picture framer’s pet hate…

There are many factors that influence the cost of custom picture framing. Every job has different requirements. It is impossible to quote accurately by taking a stab in the dark. The result can be disastrous with under-pricing at the expense of the picture framer or over-pricing at the expense of the customer.

Most picture framers like ourselves know that customers asking for a ‘rough idea’ are generally shopping around to get the cheapest price possible. We regard them as time wasters and will likely name an exorbitant price rather than take the time to do an accurate quote.
Everyone likes to save money where they can. But to expect a picture framer to do the work for peanuts is an insult to their skill and professional workmanship.

The frame size and style plays a big factor where the price is concerned…

All frame prices are calculated based on their united mm size (height + width) and the chop price. The chop price varies greatly depending on the style of the frame.

Glass also plays a big factor…

The glass price is calculated per square centimetre. Most of our customers prefer non-reflective glass which is slightly more expensive than clear glass. But in some cases clear glass can be the more preferable option.

The matboard can affect the frame and glass cost…

Most pictures look best with a matboard surround to set them off. Generally it will make the picture bigger which in turn will increase the cost of the frame and the glass.

Mounting methods also influence the price…

Most picture mounting is straightforward. But in the case of framing needlework, medals or other memorabilia it will take more time and patience. And time costs money!

Reframing pictures – the unknown factors…

While reframing a picture can be very rewarding and inspirational, there are a lot of ‘unknowns’. Not until we take the picture out of the frame do we really know what we are up against. In the case of very old pictures they have often been secured by nails which can be very difficult to pull out. It can sometimes be quite shocking to see what has gone on behind the scenes. Sometimes needlework has been mounted with staples that have gone rusty. The needlework will need to be carefully removed and remounted with professional lacing.

Packaging pictures – a time consuming task…

While most of our customers are local, we sometimes frame pictures for out of town customers. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the pictures will arrive safely at their destination. The pictures are wrapped in bubble wrap then in several layers of corrugated cardboard. Firm board and corner protectors are used for reinforcement. Although this all takes time it is very important and worthwhile. No picture has arrived damaged or broken.

To sum it all up…

There is much more to custom picture framing than would meet the eye. It’s not just a matter of banging the frame together and sticking the picture in. People who just buy a frame off the shelf and stick their picture in may think it’s easy. But over time it can start to show that it hasn’t been framed professionally. There are no shortcuts in the case of custom picture framing.

Picture framing get a quote forms…

At last we have a solution to the frustrations of being asked to give a rough idea.
Click here to fill in our picture framing get a quote form. We have taken into account every detail we need to have in order to give you an accurate quote. It even has links to our picture moulding and matboard samples. You can choose a frame and/or matboard  from those links and enter the codes in the form. We’ll thank you for making it so easy by rewarding you with a 15% discount!