At Photoworks, we focus on every detail because they truly matter.
Custom picture framing is a personal connection between you and your art.
Our job is to preserve, enhance, and highlight your artwork with expert care.
Not all framing stores are made the same, many use inferior materials and untrained staff.
With decades of experience, we provide expert advice and unmatched quality that lasts for generations.
We do it right the first time, because helping you is our passion.
We are committed to building lasting relationships, by understanding your needs and providing tailored service and framing solutions that keep you coming back. Customers love our warm, friendly store, and work closely with you to create the perfect combination for your art.
Framing is more than just appearances—it is about quality from the inside out. We are meticulous with every detail, from adhesives to perfectly cut mats and dust-free glass. We use only the best materials to ensure your frame lasts a lifetime. All our work is done on-site, guaranteeing the highest quality every time.
Choosing the right frame can be tough, but we make it easy for you. With decades of experience and countless frame options, we will help you find the perfect design. We have framed over hundreds pieces, so you can trust us to make your artwork shine.
We specialize in museum-quality, conservation framing to preserve your artwork for the long term. Using acid-free materials and UV-filtering glass, we protect your art from fading and aging. With us, your frame will look great inside and out, ensuring your artwork is preserved for generations.
Frames
We select mouldings from scores of vendors to offer a range of top-quality frames in various styles and finishes. From sleek metal poster frames to luxurious hand-gilt frames, we have it all. We avoid inferior materials like plastic and MDF, ensuring that every frame meets our high standards before it goes on display or into your home. With hundreds of frame choices, if we don't have what you're looking for, we will find it for you!
Matboard
To ensure your artwork looks great and lasts, we only use acid-free archival matting. Our collection includes over hundreds of mats, from simple whites to bold colors, silks, and suedes, with many in stock. We also offer custom printed mats in specific colors and designs, as well as beautiful hand-painted French mats and fillets.
Glass
We offer a variety of options to protect your artwork from fading and deterioration, including U.V. filtering, shatter-resistant acrylic, and regular glass with U.V. protection. For the ultimate in anti-reflective coatings, we provide Tru Vue Museum Glass and Optium acrylic glazing.
Fillets
Fillets add an elegant touch to your framing, acting as a miniature frame within the frame. They can be used along the inside edge of the mat or along the inside lip of the frame for extra detail, enhancing any framing combination.
Backings
Often overlooked, the backing is crucial for preserving your artwork. We use acid-free foamboard, which is sturdy, lightweight, and prevents yellowing or acid burns over time. For heavier substrates like fabrics, we offer canvas stretchers, masonite, and aluminum panels.
Canvas Stretch
Canvas stretching is the foundation for paintings, canvas prints, and heavyweight fabrics. The process begins with a simple wooden frame called a stretcher, adjusting thickness based on the image size, extra canvas material, and whether the image has a border also known as a gallery wrap. The canvas is wrapped around the stretcher tensioned to keep the image smooth and fastened with staples on the back. If the canvas has a gallery wrap, it can be hung for a more minimalist aesthetic. Otherwise, the frame has a more finished presentation.
Fabric Stretch
Fabric stretching is similar to canvas stretching, but with a few key differences. We use a stretcher frame to stretch the fabric, ensuring it is taut and smooth. We can stretch a variety of fabrics, including silk, linen, and cotton, to create a unique and beautiful presentation.
Dry mount or Spray mount
Drymounting is a process that adheres your artwork to a backing board using heat and pressure. This process ensures that your artwork remains flat and smooth, preventing warping or wrinkling over time. We use a heat press to apply the adhesive, ensuring that your artwork is securely mounted and protected. Note: Due to extreme heat and pressure, certain types of artwork may be damaged during the drymounting process.
Spraymounting uses a permanent adhesive spray to bond paper media to a foam backing. This process is ideal for artwork that could be damaged by the heat and pressure of drymounting.
Overmat
An overmat, or passe-partout, is what most people picture when they think of matting. It's a piece of matboard with one or more openings cut out to display the artwork. Typically, the opening is at least 1/4" smaller than the artwork to allow the mat to overlap and protect the edges. This rule may be adjusted if a float mount is also used.
Fabric Stretch
A float mount displays the artwork on top of an uncut mat, allowing all four edges of the art to be visible, creating a "floating" effect. Small pieces of archival hinging tape are hidden behind the artwork to secure it, with extra tape added for fragile pieces. We recommend using acrylic spacers to prevent the glass from touching the float-mounted artwork.
Double-Mat
Double-matting involves layering two mats: a primary mat in front and a secondary mat that shows just 1/4" around the artwork. This technique adds a splash of color or defines the artwork's edges. For a more formal look, the secondary mat can be replaced with a fillet.
Build-Up
Build-up adds dimension to your framing by raising the matting, artwork, or both above the backing. This technique creates more depth and visual interest in the framed piece.
Floater Frame
A floater frame is perfect for showcasing a canvas without covering the edges, or for creating a slim border. This L-shaped frame attaches to the back of the stretcher bars, leaving the entire front edge exposed. The frame is typically built 1/2" larger than the artwork, creating a 1/4" gap between the art and the frame on all sides.
Shadowbox
A shadowbox frame functions as a display case or diorama frame, ideal for three-dimensional artwork and objects. Unlike an acrylic box frame, the shadowbox provides the presentation of a traditional frame, with deep sides painted to match your frame choice.
Stacked Frames
For a more complex and striking presentation, stacked frames allow you to combine multiple frames. Choose an inner frame for your artwork, and then add a complementary outer frame to enhance the overall look.
Ready-made Frames
Ready-made frames are those you can buy directly off the shelf. We off high-quality prefabricated frames from the top manufacturers.
Custom framing has a lot of factors and customizability incorporated into the process. For a more accurate quote, please contact us with the details of your project. We will be happy to provide you with a free estimate. We look forward to working with you!
Please call for a quote!
