Matting

We use an Archival System that helps to protect your framed photographs by holding harmful pollutant gases and acids away from the artwork. It traps and then actually neutralizes these damaging elements so they no longer pose a threat to your art.

The aesthetic quality of matting helps draw the viewer's eye into the picture. However, a secondary benefit matting is that it protects the photograph by creating space between the print and the glass for air to circulate, thus protecting the photo from damage over time.

All custom cut mats have a beveled edge which exposes about 1/16" of the core of the mat board . A double mat is created by using two separate mats that are chosen to enhance the colors in your image. In other words, we have chosen mat colors that we feel best suit the image being presented. We will do special order mattings on request but only with the understanding that once the mats are cut then those color choices are your own. We also use triple-matting where appropriate.

Floats, Lifts and Diamonds

Floating your artwork is a technique where the mat board does not overlap the artwork .This allows for the edges of the artwork to be exposed. We mount the print on eighth inch foam core and bevel cut it at a 45 degree angle back from the edge of the print. Then, mount the print onto a black back board. This gives the illusion that the print is 'floating' in space.

Floated photos are double or triple matted - This is probably one of the most dramatic ways to display prints that are 16 x 20 in size or larger.

We also do what we refer to as 'lifts'. With this technique we mount the print and the inner most mat in the usual manner but 'float' the outer mat(or the middle mat in the case of triple matted work ) . This creates a 'shadow box' effect that can truly make the art the center of attention.

Finally we also can do 'diamond' cuts in the corners of the outer mat. This will expose the color of the inner or middle mat and provide a striking accent to the entire piece. Most pieces that are 16 x 20 matted prints or larger also have a thin accent line on the outer mat referred to as a "French line". This also serves to direct the eye to the presentation.

There is an additional charge for these options. Please allow Rick the latitude to explain these optional mattings and fees to you when you place your order.

Framing

We offer a wide variety of metal Neilsen frames in select sizes and colors. These are the durable display frames used by museums for their lasting quality. Nielsen anodized and painted finishes have long been recognized by framers as the world's finest. Framed prints include pictures hangers and are ready for display. A strong and yet simple framing solution.

We ofer three profiles (or widths) of frame - Narrow, Deep and Wide. We chose what best suits the mat work and size of the piece but again, special orders are possible. We also have a wide variety of colors available. Special orders in color are also available but subject to additional fees. Each Nielsen frame is held together with sturdy hardware that is easy to disassemble and reassemble. Every corner of every frame is beautifully aligned and finished. Only virgin aluminum is used. Each length of molding is custom cut by Rick to fit the demands of the finished artwork. From the click of the shutter to the application of wall protecting 'bumpons', every framed piece is truly handcrafted by the photograper.