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Picture Framing and Art Preservation/Questions Answered by Expert Sara Tro
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Picture Wall Gallery - need help! | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I am so happy I found you! I know this blog is a couple of years old, but I am hoping you can still ... A: This is the age old dilema most home owners have, so you are not alone! Hanging a successful ... | |
| Removing back from frame | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: I found a drawing at a thrift store. I could tell it was old, but just liked the picture. It had ... A: it shouldn't devalue the print if you have to remove the backing, but you may want to take it to a ... | |
| WW1 silk scarf map | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm framing a WW1 silk scarf map for a freind who's grandmother gave it to them and has had it in a ... A: So sorry for my late reply.. this is a complicated framing project question, and I was away for a ... | |
| Static on perspex | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I have been using perspex glass for all the conservation frames, due to its shatterproof and light ... A: So, this is an age old dilema, the static of plastic (Plexi, perspex) glazing for framing. I have ... | |
| damaged korean wall panel | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: My husband has a four panel painting from Korea that was damaged a number of years ago. A child ... A: Fabric art/fiber art restoration is a whole area of art conservation, and for good reason. ... | |
| painting a picture frame | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know if picture frames can be painted or stained? I've been searching around for ... A: Hmm.. As far as who does this type of work, I would start with your local framer. If they don't ... | |
| painting a picture frame | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know if picture frames can be painted or stained? I've been searching around for ... A: So, yes, picture frames can be stained and painted. If you have a little wiggle room in the size of ... | |
| removing photo stuck on glass from windex | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: I've read some answers about removing photos stuck to glass, but the photos were stuck on from water ... A: So, hmm.. I'm not 100% sure that the WIndex will change the removal process. What I would recommend ... | |
| framing/mounting mylar | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a fabulous drawing done in oilstick on mylar. It has been framed by a ... A: Hmm.. this is a pickle. Mylar is tough to frame well, honestly. The bane of many framers:) One ... | |
| Charcoal Portrait | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: My Mother has a charcoal portrait on parchment paper of an ancestor and she would like to know if ... A: Summer is always such a busy season :) So, for your charcoal... This can be tricky. Charcoals need ... | |
| choosing a frame for portraits | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: I have many portraits of my kids that were taken on a professional studio. I would like to hang them ... A: This dilema is the most common one I hear of, I think! The photo collection of all types of ... | |
| removing glass from an oil painting | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: I have an old oil on board that was framed under glass many years ago. I would like to remove the ... A: H Marilyn, Thanks for writing! I'm so sorry about your situation.. that is unfortunate. But, there ... | |
| repairing frame | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: I have an old family picture frame, that my aunt painted before she passed on , and the back is only ... A: So, is the art falling out, or are the corners of the frame coming apart? If the art is falling out, ... | |
| picture size | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a two part question. First, I have an opening between my family room and kitchen with a 30" ... A: I'm sorry for my delayed reply.. I was out of town and had no reception. So, lovely photo, thank ... | |
| art glued to matboard | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: Greetings, I have a watercolor to frame, but it has been glued to a matboard. In the past when ... A: These can be tricky, removing a watercolor. A professional restorer could tell you whether or not ... | |
| back of painting frames | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: I do a lot of art purchases at thrifts, swap meets and antique stores. The back of the frames are ... A: Hmm.. this is a tough one. I don't know for sure why they do that, but if I had to make a guess, I ... | |
| Framing a charcoal piece | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: This year I have been using charcoal as my main medium, and I am needing to frame a few of my ... A: So, unfortunately, other than permanently mounting the drawings to wood and laminating them (bad ... | |
| Reflections in plexiglass | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a large poster (36"X42") that is framed using plexiglass. The problem is that when you look ... A: So, is the poster itself dark in value? Usually, the darker the art work, the more the glare will ... | |
| canvas | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: have you heard of a adhesive product called "jade". we are making canvas wall art and want the ... A: Hmmm.. this is an interesting one. I haven't heard of Jade, but am curious. I may know of some ... | |
| Hinging Technique for Float Mounting | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a question in regard to conservation standard hinging technique for float mounting works on ... A: I know the style of spacer you mean. The look is achieved by either cutting the trough/groove for ... | |
| Hinging Technique for Float Mounting | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a question in regard to conservation standard hinging technique for float mounting works on ... A: So glad I have helped in the past! So, it sounds like you are using excellent materials already. ... | |
| Art on a curved wall going to basement | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: We have a curved wall with a curved staircase going down to our basement. The ceiling is 10ft high ... A: So, to answer the question, I would just need to ask this: What is the goal? If the goal is to ... | |
| Color of Frames | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: I have two large Thomas Kinkade paintings that I want to hang on the same long wall. One frame is ... A: So sorry for my pate reply.. The week got away from me, work-wise. So, I usually say that ... | |
| Hanging prints aside a window | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I want to hang a print on each side of a window on a wall in a bedroom. However, when the door is ... A: Hmmm.. this is a difficult one. I think it depends on whether or not you always have the door to ... | |
| Type of Picture | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: I've been looking for these pictures that i say back in the 80's. I had two of them. One was of a ... A: Hmmm... I'm not sure what these are? If the glass cracked and the images were stuck to the glass, ... | |
| mixing frames | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: I just read your answer for the person mixing frames on her stair wall. I have a similar question, ... A: (So, I just wrote out a whole huge answer an my cat jumped up and erased the whole thing.. I will ... | |
| Artwork above fireplace | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: We have a corner fireplace in our family room that has a standard ceiling height of 8'. The height ... A: I don't think the art is too big for the space, but it may be a little tall, because of the square ... | |
| Proportion of frame to picture | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: We are custom framing a mirror for the lobby of an apartment building, above a fireplace. To fit ... A: So, there are no hard rules on this, but because you're working on a mirror, you have no ... | |
| Old framing technique | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: My 88-yr-old grandmother is looking for information on what she calls "paspatou" although she is not ... A: I had answered this question earlier in the week, but it didn't go through for some reason.. Sorry ... | |
| Old framing technique | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: My 88-yr-old grandmother is looking for information on what she calls "paspatou" although she is not ... A: This is not a term I am familiar with, but I am familiar with the technique. Due to the ... | |
| What is approx ratio of frame to art? | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: I am buying a frame from Joann's for a 25X28 inch piece of art. My husband painted it more than 20 ... A: So, this is a difficult question to answer without seeing the piece. I think in this case it ... | |
| Picture and Mirror | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: Here it goes.She came across a picture frame with a picture on one side and a mirror on the other. ... A: Can you take a photo of the frame? It doesn't sound like anything I've ever seen, but it does sound ... | |
| joining acrylic pieces for a frame | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: I am attempting to put a piece of art work between two pieces of acrylic. I would like to know the ... A: So, this is a nice look, but always causes frustrations :) What makes it work, and look so good, is ... | |
| Conservation Framing for works on Paper | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: First of all thank you very much for your time answering the question. I have a few works on paper ... A: You're most welcome :) Again, a course would be great for you, and I'm sorry to hear that your ... | |
| Conservation Framing for works on Paper | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: First of all thank you very much for your time answering the question. I have a few works on paper ... A: OOps.. I thought I had answered a question of yours before, so my first reply mispoke :) Sorry to ... | |
| framing options | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: I have an original charcoal portrait by Louis Lupas. It has been glued into a single matte and ... A: So, it sounds like you have a piece that is glued by the corners into a mat. I would venture a guess ... | |
| framing question | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: I have an opportunity to buy a print from an up and coming artist that I really like. However, I ... A: So, as much as artists sometimes seem to want to make the lives of framers miserable, this isn't one ... | |
| rolled up pictures | 1/31/2010 |
| Q: Sara I have an old rolled up picture 9"x12" from about 1935. I can see the print is starting to come ... A: So, a few questions... So, the print is starting to peel away from the substrate? What is the ... | |
| Framing | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: I would like to frame my pictures, and I am using a wall collage concept. I am having a hard time ... A: sorry for my late reply! So, I don't have photos that I could locate. They're all on random CDs ... | |
| Framing | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: I would like to frame my pictures, and I am using a wall collage concept. I am having a hard time ... A: Wall collages are difficult to do, so don't feel daunted by your question! You're not alone :) So, ... | |
| Help with Charcoal Portrait | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased an antique gesso frame and was surprised to find what I believe to be a mid to ... A: What a cool find! Sadly, my area of expertise is not in art appraisal or the details of late 18th ... | |
| mailing paintings | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a few oil paintings done on canvas panels - they are small canvas boards, about 14"x16" and ... A: The best way to ship the paintings would most likely be face to face and back to back, stack about ... | |
| photo wall | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I am wanting to create a photo wall using B%26W photos (old photos) and colour photos but am unsure ... A: So, to answer a few specific questions: I usually avoid using color photographs on a photo collage ... | |
| matting/framing pix gallery | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: ..We want to 'redo' our gallery of family photos, some color, some B/W. Prefer all to be 8x10 or ... A: Normally, I recommend not mixing color photos in with the black and white ones in a wall collection, ... | |
| photo gallery wall | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: I have some photos I would like to arrange for a gallery wall. The photos are mostly b/w and a few ... A: ) I'm glad this exchange has helped, and you're so welcome! So, if you walk straight into the ... | |
| photo gallery wall | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: I have some photos I would like to arrange for a gallery wall. The photos are mostly b/w and a few ... A: and for all you said about the help! I'm so glad that my tips make the project seem doable :) ... | |
| Framing Sketches | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and have 4 sketches that my uncle did almost 50 years ago of my sibling ... A: So, since the drawings have been rolled, the first thing you should do is to flatten them out by ... | |
| photo gallery wall | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I have some photos I would like to arrange for a gallery wall. The photos are mostly b/w and a few ... A: A photo wall can be a very unique and intimate way to personalize your home, so bravo for taking on ... | |
| Hanging A Painting Above the FirePlace | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: Sara Can you tell me the best method to hang a painting above a working woodburning fireplace. I am ... A: .. Sorry it took me so long to reply. I was waiting for a call back from my install guy, who is my ... | |
| framing a smoke damaged painting | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: My mother painted with water color and after she died we split up the paintings amongst family and ... A: So, in regard to the smoke stains, those are difficult, (but I don't think impossible) to remove. ... | |
| Hanging A Painting Above the FirePlace | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: Sara Can you tell me the best method to hang a painting above a working woodburning fireplace. I am ... A: (I feel like I answered this one already, and if so, please just ignore this second reply :) In ... | |
| old paintings | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: I have some old painting that are on silk and they are very dirty where do I take them to get them ... A: This is a tough one, because the paintings sound delicate and old. You need to find a professional ... | |
| Silk Scarf - Preservation | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: I recently received silk scarf as a family heirloom. It was hand painted by my father for his ... A: and for the photo. Great scarf and heirloom! So, it looks like you are right in your assumption ... | |
| covering a frame with contact paper | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: After carefully measuring and cutting, I find that the paper's 45 degree angles match up very well ... A: . So, it sounds like you're covering a frame with a sticky backed paper to change the look of the ... | |
| Trying to identify an older frame. | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I think it might be the late 1800s. It is unusual to me because it is 2 pieces. A gilded small ... A: So, unfortunately, this is not my area of expertise, identifying frames, but I can try to give you a ... | |
| art lighting | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: We have a very old oil painting size 50"x70",we have tried different lighting but glare is ... A: So, the best placement for lighting if you want to get rid of glare is usually a light inset into ... | |
| Japanese battle flag | 10/10/2009 |
| Q: I came across a response you gave to a gentleman concerning the framing and preservation of an old ... A: I am originally from NY, and have family in Boston and Martha's Vineyard area. I used to know more ... | |
| temperature for storing artwork | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: We have some fine oil paintings hanging in a location which is seldom used in the winter. The ... A: Hmm.. this is not my focus or area of expertise, but I would render a semi-educated guess that if ... | |
| Heavy mirror - how to hang? | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: We bought a large mirror from Ikea recently and need some tips on how to hang it properly. I could ... A: So, the best way to hang a heavy mirror is not with wire, but with whatever hardware is on the ... | |
| Napoleon frame | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: I have an antique frame and would like to know if its worth getting repaired and also if it is ... A: What a cool and unusual frame you have! I think the main bit of info that you'd need is whether the ... | |
| Gallery Framing a piece of Fabric | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a beautiful piece of hand-loomed fabric while in Bali and would like to display it ... A: So, textiles and fabrics should be treated many different ways because they are all treated with ... | |
| framing | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: I have had trouble with the m.d.f board which has been used as a backing board for my floated canvas ... A: So, MDF is a pretty sturdy material, but it probably slightly porous, and so that is why the warping ... | |
| vacuum framing | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: and I was wondering if there is a process or a product that will help me keep it from oxidation, in ... A: So, if the painting is on canvas, you'd probably want to use an oil or acrylic medium, and paint ... | |
| oil painting dust cover | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: should you put a dust cover on the back of the frame? Thanks - MT A: So, this has long been a topic of debate for many framers, and the education on it changes ... | |
| Framing Pastels Between Two Pieces of Glass | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: I recently saw an exhibit in Santa Fe, NM of large pastel drawings framed between two pieces of ... A: Usually when someone pulls off this frameless look, they use plexiglas and no frame at all. If you ... | |
| picture frames | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a picture frame I got from an estate sale that says it was made by Bartolome Estesam ... A: I Googled the name and didn't come up with anything too exciting to share. I'm sure you've tried ... | |
| Framing Batik | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I have a small Batik from Brasil that I am trying to frame. If I do not use stretchers, is there ... A: So, when framing textiles, you need to treat them a little differently than paper artwork. I assume ... | |
| batik framing with lighthing built-in | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I am interested to frame batik to sell. I have a few questions: a) What is the best way of doing ... A: Hmmm.. interesting questions! a) There are many ways to frame a batik. A few things to be sure ... | |
| Old Picture frame with tuscany Photograph | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I have found an old picture frame it does not have any fancies the back however is made of wood and ... A: My brother lives in the Boston area, but I'm not too familiar with framers in that area, and neither ... | |
| restore ico | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a 100 year old wooden bas-relief icon that was in flood waters 3 years ago. It is very dry ... A: So sorry for my late reply. I photograph weddings and the season has begun and hit me hard! So, I ... | |
| preserving brittle-paper artwork | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a number of artwork pieces, including many tempera paintings on 18x24 paper, old and brittle. ... A: Sorry for my late reply.. Wedding season has hit me hard this year (I photograph weddings:) So, ... | |
| Hanging family portraits up a staircase | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of gathering pictures of family members as far back as great-grandparents - most ... A: Glad my reply helped a bit! I have been looking for some photos of installs that I've done, and ... | |
| Safe, Economical Storage for Massive Collection of Old Photos | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I have become the family repository for thousands of old photos (my maternal g'father was a ... A: Wow! Thanks for writing, Durward! This is a big task for you to accomplish!! But how cool.. ... | |
| Floating without adhesive? | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to frame a papyrus scroll that we bought in Egypt. It is quite delicate and I'm ... A: It is definately true that adhesives can damage, ruin, devalue and/or alter a piece of art very ... | |
| Hanging family portraits up a staircase | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of gathering pictures of family members as far back as great-grandparents - most ... A: Great question! This is one I get often, because it's so daunting to look at a blank canvas of a ... | |
| painting | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: How do you get dust off an oil painting with out hurting it. A: I thought I had responded to this question, but it appears I didn't hit send! OOps.. So, to clean an ... | |
| floating paintings 2 | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: I read the post regarding floating paintings by Rebecca. ... A: So sorry for my late reply! i was on vacation and forgot to set my auto-respond to that... Anyway, ... | |
| watercolour by les gilbert | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: I recently bought a watercolour it is signed les gilbert and is of an early settlers cottage in ... A: So sorry for my late reply... I was on vacation and forgot to set my account to auto-reply. So, ... | |
| water stain | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I was at a thrift store last week and bought a really interesting asian art print. I am very pleased ... A: Sorry for my late reply.. I'm on vacation :) So, cleaning a water stain can be difficult or easy, ... | |
| stretching a silk scarf | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I own a custom frame shop. I need to stretch a silk scarf. I was going to do that using foamcore ... A: Oh what fun, the rolled edge silk scarf with an uneven border :) My best advise is to tell your ... | |
| Hanging Canvas on a Iron Rod | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: Did this question below get answered? If so, I would like to know the results please ma'am. Expert: ... A: I'm sorry there was a snafu in answering your question.. I never received it the first time :) So, ... | |
| Artwork over a fireplace | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: Sara, What is a good guideline for determining the size of artwork over a fireplace? We are ... A: Apologies for the quick response and the tardy reply.. i am on vacation with my family on the east ... | |
| mounting question | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: Can you please tell me the difference between a flush mount and a salon mount when mounting a ... A: So sorry for my late reply.. I am a photographer too and it being wedding season, I have been ... | |
| Does photcopying harm a painting | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a precious painting from Nepal, probably oil on canvas, that I want to photocopy. Parts are ... A: If the painting is precious, i would avoid a photocopy. It my harm the painting. Instead, consider ... | |
| Framing charcoal sketches | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I am a portrait artist and recently have been commissioned to do several charcoal sketches on paper. ... A: Unfortunately, I will not have good news for you on the "glass touching art" question... The only ... | |
| Howe Machine Co. Vintage Mirror | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: I own a mirror that has an Howe Machine Co. tricycle on it with a locomotive in the background. It ... A: Looks like you have a very cool piece to find out more about! As this is not my area of expertise, i ... | |
| Weight Framed Artwork | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: When hanging framed artwork, the instructions always say to use wire that is 3x or 4x the weight of ... A: No, there is no special type scale for weighing artwork. I usually just lift it, and if I can easily ... | |
| curled canvas painting | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a painting that was curled. The canvas seems brittle and the painting has a ... A: Apologies for my late reply.. Tax time always requires more energy than I remember, but I'm out of ... | |
| acrylic lucite art box | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I made an art piece (it is very light and made of light weight plastic)and I want to mount it on a ... A: Great idea you have! The mounting process is fairly easy, so that's good news! You basically will ... | |
| Framing a flag | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: My husband has a flag from Iraq that has special meaning and is signed by his men in his squad. I ... A: Firstly, humble thanks and gratitude to your husband for his service to our country. I think it's a ... | |
| Oval frame convex photo restoration | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: Our family has several heriloom photos mounted in oval frames with convex glass fronts, under which ... A: Sounds like you have some very cool vintage pieces! So, this is sort of a "stumper" for me. I have ... | |
| old photographs from convave frames | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I have become the caretaker of several large old family photographs (ca. 1915-1920) that were ... A: Sounds like you have been treated to a wealth of interesting historical photographs! How cool! I'm ... | |
| Stuck to the glass | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a portrait photograph taken in the mid 1940s that has ben water damaged and has stuck to the ... A: Great question! Yes, you're right... If the print is an original gelatin silver print, you can soak ... | |
| Sized Picture | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: i know little in photoshop, but now in my firm we have one digitally machine, and we can print ... A: . I will try to help in any way I can! So, the only way i know to increase the size of an image ... | |
| Pencil drawing | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: My daughter recently was given a pencil drawing made by her Great Grandfather in the early 1930s. ... A: I'm so sorry it took me so long to write back to this post! I was trying to find some answers to ... | |
| Applying fabric to a wooden picture frame | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I am building a picture frame for a paper print. I would like to use fabric on the outside of the ... A: OOps! Hi Craig! Just realized i never responded to this last post! So sorry :) So, the spacer ... | |
| Applying fabric to a wooden picture frame | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I am building a picture frame for a paper print. I would like to use fabric on the outside of the ... A: No problemo on the typos, I sometimes answer questions on my phone, and it drives me crazy with the ... | |
| Applying fabric to a wooden picture frame | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I am building a picture frame for a paper print. I would like to use fabric on the outside of the ... A: Now, a few questions for you:) -What is the motivation for using fabric in this project? -Is the ... | |
| old poster sizeed photos | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: Sara, I have had three very large poster sized pictures of planes used during WW11 from my father. ... A: Sorry for my late reply.. I did a little research, just to make sure I give the best advice here.. ... | |
| baptismal gown/shadow box | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: You gave very thorough instruction in an earlier question but offered to give more advice if I ... A: No problem! thanks for writing back.. So, if you want to give me a call, please do, but keep my ... | |
| Terrible glare on a favorite picture!! | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a large picture hanging in my dining area that we cannot enjoy because of glare. I had it ... A: What a dilemma! I have dealt with this before, sadly, and my usual fix is the upgrade to Museum ... | |
| framing art for fuel bath | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a large old window frame that I want to hang in my full bath. I have put mirrors in some of ... A: Good question! Most people don't ask that until their art is bubbling or warping from moisture! ... | |
| Picture Frame | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a few old picture frames circa turn of the century. Is there an approximate value for such ... A: I'm not sure about the value, because there is such a big range with antiques. Normally, if the ... | |
| Cleaning material on a frame | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I'm trying to clean a frame that has a cream colored material in the frame. It has some stains on ... A: . This is a tough situation, since I can't see or feel what the material is, what the stains are ... | |
| picture frames | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know how to chose the right color frame and mat for a photograph? In what do I need ... A: . Well, each framer has a style that they sort of go by, and they differ slightly, but there are ... | |
| Re-framing a Photograh from 1924 | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: The photo, frame and glass (convex glass) are in great condition but are dissembled. Can I reframe ... A: great question! i'm glad you wrote, because you have a very cool piece and it should be taken care ... | |
| warped wood panels | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: I have had panels made to paint on - 90 cms square of 3 mm MDF on a frame of 1x1" wood batons. One ... A: Well, my first thought would be that it's most likely the wood and not the MDF that has warped, but ... | |
| convex glass replacement | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for a source for an antique convex glass picture frame. I saw an answer to "Cindi" ... A: Not sure if they're still in biz, but the place I have ordered convex glass from is called Northwest ... | |
| warped frame | 2/2/2009 |
| Q: my painting is 3' x 4' the wood stretcher is torqued or twisted what can i do to make it hang flat? A: Unfortunately, there is really no way to force a stretcher to hang straight if it has been warped by ... | |
| church music framing | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a piece of 500 yr old church music. It is double sided. I am a wood worker and would like ... A: Cool piece you have! thanks for writing! So, as a wood worker, you must have the frame part taken ... | |
| framing original prints | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm actually a gallery owner. One of our artists produces beautiful original hand prints and ... A: What a predicament! With the artist away, you're left to explain the process to a client with ... | |
| Wooden Frame | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: I have re-stained an old wooden picture frame. I taped the linen that was on the frame to not get ... A: So,unfortunately, the job of replacing the fabric is best left to a pro.. It is a tough job, and ... | |
| Framing between 2 Sheets of Glass | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: I recently bought a pencil drawing and discovered when I took it to frame that there was another ... A: So, how exciting to find another drawing on the back of your piece! Cool! Your framer should have ... | |
| Using picture frame hanging wire | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: I would like to use picture frame wire to hang a mirror. The mirror has two "D hooks" already on it. ... A: So, this is a pretty normal request, but I must first say that if the mirror is very heavy, I would ... | |
| Dating Year of Make of The Picture Frame | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me anything about this frame? It is textured glass and I have been able to find out it ... A: Im so sorry for my delayed response.. i was trying to find out some info on your piece.. I came up ... | |
| safe lighting for oil painting on canvas | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I am new to having art in my home. I really enjoy it and want my investment to last for years. I ... A: What a great question.. Lighting a piece of art is almost as important as the piece itself, so I am ... | |
| Old Photo Portrait and Frame | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: I have an old photo portrait that I picked up at an estate auction. It is difficult to describe the ... A: What a cool photo! Well, I'm not sure I will be of much help here, as I would really need to see ... | |
| temperature considerations for stored artwork | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: I have recently put paintings and photographs in metal and concrete self-storage units, and now it ... A: Hmmm.. this is not my area of expertise, but I would be a little concerned if the storage units are ... | |
| Matting Lithographs | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a lithograph (Picasso on arch paper) from an out-of- state gallery. When it ... A: Hmmm.. sounds fishy. The piece should arrive in good shape, having not been mounted for framing yet ... | |
| frame value | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1923 framed photograph, old portrait with drawing blended in the photo. It is about 2 by 3 ... A: Hmmm.. this is not my exact area of expertise. It depends on sooo many things for art value, ... | |
| Ceramic Mirror Hanging | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a mirror to go above my bed and it has a kind of ceramic plaster around the edge. We ... A: This is an unusual problem you have.. Most mirrors, due to the heaviness of mirror glass, are fit ... | |
| framing a lithograph | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: I've purchased a signed limited edition lithograph as a gift. I want to have it framed for her. I do ... A: So, there are really no rules regarding framing a signed litho, but you are limited a little by a ... | |
| Framing a charcoal sketch | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: My name is Curtis. Recently, an artist sketched a 27 x 23 inch portrait of me (charcoal on canvas) ... A: How nice to have a professional sketch of yourself done! It must be lovely, and well worth ... | |
| Hanging | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I've approached several art shops and framing specialists but noone seems to ... A: . So.... hmmm.... This doesn't sound like anything I've seen either.. I'm sorry.. Are the ... | |
| how to frame prints on paper | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: i need to know the correct way to attach a ltd ed print on paper to an acid free mount board so that ... A: So, great question.. lots to sink my teeth into here :) I hope I can help.. So, firstly, the glass ... | |
| framing art work | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: I am a rising artist and i deal mostly with plant materials of all sorts.The problem is how to ... A: So, I am not an expert at materials that will stop organic materials from decaying, but I do know ... | |
| box frame for painting on mdf panel | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I would like to frame a painting done on an mdf panel (8x8 " and quarter inch thickness) but am not ... A: This is always a tough challange, float framing a piece that is heavy and also too thin to put a ... | |
| replacement curved oval picture frame glass | 12/30/2008 |
| Q: Sara, In an earlier note, you mentioned you have some places for replacement curved oval picture ... A: Happy new year! Thanks for the question! So, the place I knew as a source for concave oval glass is ... | |
| Shadow Box Framing | 12/23/2008 |
| Q: I used a shadow box frame to do a beach theme picture. I used a starfish and seahorse, that used to ... A: good question... most people wouldn't consider the moisture that gets trapped inside framed artwork ... | |
| Hanging rolled canvas painting on iron rod. | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: I've bought a rolled canvas painting and I like to hang it on iron rod, can you please tell me how I ... A: So, the painting is most likely rolled due to ease of shipping or it was removed from the stretcher ... | |
| Mounting a high quality print | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: We purchased a large high quality print over the internet and asked a picture framer to mount and ... A: So, that's a big photograph! I'm not surprised that it bubbled using the other mounting method. ... | |
| Framing a work of art on glass | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: I have a 3" square stretched canvas that I would like to mount on glass, probably using some type of ... A: It sounds like you want to float a canvas (on stretcher bars?) on a piece of glass, then frame the ... | |
| oil painting on canvas adhered to wood | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: I don't know if this is within the area of your experience but: I am wanting to paint with oil ... A: Normally this isn't my area of expertise, but as an oil painter myself, and having framed pieces ... | |
| Mounting a high quality print | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: We purchased a large high quality print over the internet and asked a picture framer to mount and ... A: Sorry you're having trouble with your picture, but it's great that you thought to write! I think ... | |
| cleaning and framing of paintings that have been left unattended | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: My fiance's mother just passed away. She was a painter and loved doing pictures for her family. He ... A: Sorry to hear about your loss. What a hard time this must be for you all.. On a less sad note, the ... | |
| proper frame for a family group photo | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: I have an 8 1/2 x 11 photo of the family, nine people total, that I wish to frame and present as a ... A: Sounds like you have a fun project on your hands! Photographs are fun to frame, in that because ... | |
| Gallery Wrap or frame? | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: Need advise on framing please. Ready to do a very large show. A framer suggested I put a 1" x 1" ... A: Hmmmm.... so, the backing goes behind the painting and acts to lift them off the wall? Ok, well, if ... | |
| Gallery Wrap or frame? | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: Need advise on framing please. Ready to do a very large show. A framer suggested I put a 1" x 1" ... A: Great question! No one ever thinks of this before they go ahead and do something permanent to their ... | |
| hanging a curved object | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: how do you hang a curved object on the wall...it is a thin wooden fish that is curved inward (tail ... A: so, is the fish heavy, or light? is it thick enough to drill a little screw eye into the wood ... | |
| baptismal gown | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: Your guidance in framing a baptismal gown was A1. I just have a couple of questions that I'm ... A: Glad you wrote back, and that the first answers helped you a bit! To address your new questions, ... | |
| framing | 11/22/2008 |
| Q: your a passionate person like myself. I may have to take you up on that futher down the road all ... A: Sounds like a real hot mess this guy has you in! How crazy! The trimming, the mounting, and the ... | |
| shadow box framing | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I want to frame a book in a shadow box and I'm wondering about some options for keeping the book in ... A: Are you a pro framer? If so, you'll have all the tools necessary to do this.. I recently framed a ... | |
| framing | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: your a passionate person like myself. I may have to take you up on that futher down the road all ... A: You're welcome! ANd, depending on where you are located, I may have to have a notarized letter sent ... | |
| framing | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: if there was a bad job done on a set of exhibition frames would the costomer be correct not to pay ... A: I am so sorry you're going through this Lorraine. Not a fair position to be in at all. You can say ... | |
| Batiks - best techniques to preserve and frame. | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: I have a number of quality batiks from Indonesia & Sri Lanka which vary between 20 & 30 years old ... A: . Wow! 20+ batiks!! That's a lot of batiks! And, that will be expensive to frame up, but ... | |
| Joining a linen mat | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: I have to join linen mats. Do you have any advise so that the join is the least visible possible. ... A: Ohhhh... Ok. So, no there really is no way to minimize the fraying when you cut through a ... | |
| mounting a painting | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: I have four large paintings on un-stretched canvas. They are around 48 x 90 inches each. I need ... A: WOW! 48 x 90! that's a big canvas! So, the best way to display them would be to build stretcher ... | |
| Joining a linen mat | 11/15/2008 |
| Q: I have to join linen mats. Do you have any advise so that the join is the least visible possible. ... A: It sounds like you might be a professional framer? If so, you can take workshops to learn how to ... | |
| frame cleaning | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought an oil painting that is framed in a beautiful ornate gold frame. The problem-the ... A: So, it sounds like you have a beautiful piece & frame you have acquired! I'm glad you wrote, ... | |
| Framing a flag | 10/30/2008 |
| Q: I recently purchased a captured WWII Japanese flag. I would like to frame and protect it. Where ... A: I'm not familiar with any framers in Long Island, but I will do some research and get back to you if ... | |
| Framing a flag | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: I recently purchased a captured WWII Japanese flag. I would like to frame and protect it. Where ... A: . Sorry for my late reply.. I thought I had answered the post somehow! So, this is a tough ... | |
| Reframing Antique Photo | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: I have an old photo from late 19th-early 20th century. The photo is held in a concave, oval frame. ... A: . So sorry for my late reply. Those concave frames are so cool, so it's great that you want to ... | |
| framing small paintngs on paper | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: http://picasaweb.google.com/rcrowellart/SmallWorksFromCANResidency# Hello Sara, I am trying to ... A: . I sent a diagram of the island float, although in reading this again, I think you're already ... | |
| Leslie Gilbert | 10/15/2008 |
| Q: I have in my family two watercolours painted by Leslie Gilbert. One is 'Peckham Rye Park' (the Old ... A: Unfortunately, I am not familiar with this artist, nor do I know if the paintings you own are that ... | |
| collage finish | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: I created a collage that turned out very well. However, I still haven't quite completed it because I ... A: Great collage! So, if it were mine, I would probably use a spray "protector", rather than rolling ... | |
| framing small paintngs on paper | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: http://picasaweb.google.com/rcrowellart/SmallWorksFromCANResidency# Hello Sara, I am trying to ... A: Weathered Surface #2.. LOVE it.. High Meadow.. yummy. I love your work, thanks for sharing, ... | |
| restoring linen spacer | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: I have inherited my great grandfather's oil painting that he painted and framed himself. The linen ... A: Hmmm, this sounds like a challenge.. Normally, it's very very easy to replace the fabric on a ... | |
| sourcing liner moulding | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: I am a new custom framer and recently attended a workshop on how to fabric- wrap liners. I don't ... A: I'm so glad you asked about this, because I think it's so important to practice these techniques, ... | |
| Ambrose 'ship in a storm' painting | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: I have a much loved painting of a 3 masted ship in a storm signed 'Ambrose' sadly it was damaged and ... A: So sorry to hear about the tear in your beloved painting! The good news is that it can be fixed!! ... | |
| framing | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: Is it ok to mat an oil painting? A: What a great little question! So, No. You wouldn't really "mat" an oil. You could give the ... | |
| civil war silk flag | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: We have salvaged a civil war silk flag. the case is a showdow box and is aprox 6ft X 4ft. there ... A: Sounds like a cool project! So, I'm not familiar with the film protectant you describe, but it ... | |
| Photo collage on a brick wall | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I have an exposed brick wall in my dining room. In the center is an antique china cabinet. My ... A: So, it sounds like you have a nice project you're working on! Photographs look great on brick walls, ... | |
| unusual question about framing | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I have an unusual question for you! I have written a novel -- an art mystery, for young adults -- ... A: What a great question! This is first for me, that's for sure.. How exciting! So, hmmmm.. I hope ... | |
| Stairway Photo Gallery | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: I have so many family photos that I think the stairway would be the best place to put them. I'm ... A: Your question is an age old one, and many many clients of mine ask about clustering photos along the ... | |
| removing a mirro from a frame | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: I purchased a framed mirror for the frame itself. I was hoping to get the mirror out in as few ... A: Your thoughts are correct on this one, unfortunately. If the mirror was glued in place and also in ... | |
| Pictures to tie room together | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: I have what I think is a very difficult decorating problem and is probably far too complicated to ... A: and I'm so glad our conversation helped! I love this forum for that reason, the idea of being able ... | |
| Liners | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: I have been informed that when framing a canvas, a liner - wood moulding covered with frabic - ... A: West Indies! How cool... So, it's common to use pre-wrapped liners, but the fraying of the edges ... | |
| how many pix above fireplace | 9/27/2008 |
| Q: My question is a basic one: Is there a proper number of pictures to hang above a fireplace? I have ... A: This is an age old question you have, and people have been debating about it for decades I'm sure.. ... | |
| Works of Art in Pastels | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: Could you advise on what should be used when framing a work of art in pastels - glass or pexi-glass ... A: The best, and usually only, glazing to use with a pastel is glass, (I use UV glass always), as ... | |
| Liners | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: I have been informed that when framing a canvas, a liner - wood moulding covered with frabic - ... A: I think I just answered another question from you :).. It sounds like you're a professional ... | |
| shipping framed art | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: I saw your answer to a previous question about shipping framed art. Can you please expand upon how ... A: The film I spoke of is available through the UPS stores, and is a roll type product that can be cut ... | |
| presenting work on paper unframed | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a large watercolor on printmaking paper 50 x 77 inches.I want to hang it without a frame for ... A: This sounds like a challange, as watercolor paper that large is probably heavy... I would maybe try ... | |
| Tying the correct knot to hold the string on the D rings | 9/15/2008 |
| Q: I am having some trouble in tying the correct knot to attach the nylon chord to hang the picture ... A: So, tying the cord properly can prove challanging sometimes, especially without the proper tools. ... | |
| Painting framing | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I have bought a few fine art posters (paintings by Klimt, Modigliani, Chagall). I don't know if they ... A: Sorry for my late reply.. I was away for a week with my family. For prints of famous pieces of ... | |
| soft metal picture frame | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: I came across a soft metal (silver in color, somewhat tarnish looking)photo frame. The frame has a ... A: Sounds like you may have found a sterling, silver plated, or pewter frame, and you may want to get ... | |
| Iron Decor | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: I have a canvas painting that is hung from a decorative iron rod. The rod is predominantly black, ... A: So, if you're going for a warm, tuscan-inspired feeling, I might go with the antiqued brown. Will ... | |
| hanging picture above mantle | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: I just purchased a beautiful painting to hang over my mantle. But... I have held it up numerous ... A: So, even though there are no real rules to follow here, normally I would say that for a painting ... | |
| Pictures to tie room together | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: I have what I think is a very difficult decorating problem and is probably far too complicated to ... A: Apologies for my delayed response, I had to think about this one and really envision it before I ... | |
| I'm a decorator & am framing a watercolor for a customer | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: I've attached the print I have to frame. My client wants it in her kitchen which has greens, yeelows ... A: and your second question! Of course, as a designer, and obviously someone who knows their way around ... | |
| stretch | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: I found a glicee site online. At its submission form, I requested "yes" to would having my canvas ... A: So, a giclee is a high-end print on paper, (usually), made with light-fast inks that sometimes come ... | |
| metal frames designs for photo's | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: i am doing metal framing structures for framing photos and other kind of framings also -like wood- i ... A: Well, it seems you are trying to frame several photographs, but frame them all a little differently? ... | |
| I'm a decorator & am framing a watercolor for a customer | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: I've attached the print I have to frame. My client wants it in her kitchen which has greens, yeelows ... A: I don't know how to attach the other photos, so we'll have to go with this one on it's own, or you ... | |
| frame an antique textile | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a very old (was mine) baptismal gown that I would like to preserve...would framing it be the ... A: Sorry for my late reply! Thank you for writing with your question.. So, this is the age old ... | |
| Framing wool | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: I have a 12"X 14" hooked WOOL rug. Can I put glass over the wool when I frame it? Thanks A: ! Not sure about this one, but my initial reaction would be that yes, you can use glass, but I ... | |
| hanging pictures | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: I want to know is it ok to have family pictures on the wall in the living room or should I pick ... A: Well,it depends on the photos, the quantity, the quality and the sizes. I think family photos can ... | |
| displaying photos | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: I'm wondering if it is okay to display color photos along with black and white photos on the same ... A: i think you're on the right track with the idea, and that the one color photo can hang in the middle ... | |
| how to clean a linen liner | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: I noticed a few tiny smudges on the linen liner of one of my framed paintings. What is the best way ... A: So, cleaning a linen liner is very very difficult, because if you rub the fabric to clean it, you ... | |
| What glue to use: Attaching paper to canvas | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: I am working on a project which includes decorative paper...some of the pieces are very small and ... A: Sounds like a cool project! So, in terms of attaching materials, paper and other, to canvas, you ... | |
| displaying photos | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: I'm wondering if it is okay to display color photos along with black and white photos on the same ... A: So, this is a time-tested dilema for most people working with many photos to collage or hang ... | |
| restoring silk panels | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: My fiance is 54 yo and has a six foot high room divider on wheels that his grandfather brought back ... A: From your description, it sounds like you have a beautiful piece in your collection! First, i ... | |
| Shipping framed art | 8/4/2008 |
| Q: I have several art prints that I had professionally framed. I would like to know the proper way to ... A: How I would advise you depends on the size of the pieces, and your budget, (overnight versus ground ... | |
| dry mounted photos | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: On my honeymoon, I bought several photographs of where we were staying that were drymounted. The ... A: COngrats on getting married, and thanks for writing with your question! So, your instinct is ... | |
| Cutting Linen Liners | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: I saw your answer to Paul on January 7th regarding how to cut linen liners. I would like to get the ... A: so, a few questions: are you a professional framer and need to add seamless liners into your ... | |
| dark watercolor painting | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: Sara, Here I go again; I am stuck. This time I have a dark tone watercolor painting. I chose a ... A: nice to hear from you again! i only have a minute right now, and can't seem to get time this week to ... | |
| photo frming | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: local coffee shop has agreed to hang 10 of my photos. i would like to show them as professionally as ... A: congrats on your show! the questions you asked are a little hard to answer, as they sort of pertain ... | |
| old art from 1800s | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: how much would a no. 2085 cupid asleep published by taber frang art company Springfeild ... A: unfortunately, this is out of my area of expertise. i am not an appraiser, so i would not feel ... | |
| "U" shaped stairway and family photos | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: we have a "U" shaped stairway. I want to hang family photos on my stairway. I was wondering if I ... A: This sounds like a challenging situation you have.. U shaped stairways are difficult for just the ... | |
| Picture stuck to glass | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: I've had a portrait of my son in a picture frame for about 2 years. When I tried to remove the ... A: You have a typical but totally correctable situation. Photos are especially susceptible to sticking ... | |
| Restoring antique picture frame glass | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: We were just given a convex antique glass picture frame with a photo inside. The photo had mold on ... A: Sounds like a cool piece you have, with a typical and annoying problem. I have run into this myself ... | |
| Framing cheaply | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: Sara! I have done some researching, and for the most part am left totally confused in some areas; ... A: Sounds like you're having a typically untypical situation!! In the effort to keep this brief, I'll ... | |
| Mounting an original watercolor | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: I've referred to many books and web sites and have never found an answer to this question. HOW DO ... A: yes, its hard to explain some if this stuff without diagrams, and unfortunately, T hinges are some ... | |
| Mounting an original watercolor | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: I've referred to many books and web sites and have never found an answer to this question. HOW DO ... A: sorry you've had so much trouble finding an answer to your question! I'll try my best to end your ... | |
| preserving antique textiles | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: I own an antique fur tapestry hand made in China. I bought it in 1970 (it was old then,) and have ... A: Sounds like you have a cool piece of history in your collection! As this is not my specialty, and I ... | |
| How to start | 6/28/2008 |
| Q: I am working on the preparation of the art work for the exhibition. Most of this art jobs are oil ... A: this is a very very HUGE question, though, and I'll have some more questions for you before I can ... | |
| Paper on back of picture | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: I'm just getting started with matting and framing some of my photo's. Could you please tell me: What ... A: . So, the paper backing serves a few purposes, and while not a necessity, it has become the ... | |
| Oil Canvas stretching | 6/9/2008 |
| Q: I have several oil paintings and I am stretching them myself. Michael's was out of the size wood ... A: So, hmmmm.... The breathe-ability of the painting is the only real issue I see in that scenario.. ... | |
| Change watercolors in frame | 6/7/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought several watercolors that are the same size (about 17.5" x 11.25"). Some images ... A: Apologies for my late reply.. So, as a space and money saver, it is practical to arrange it with ... | |
| Creased Artwork | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: Please advise how we could remove a crease from artwork received for framing. Thank you. A: this is a tough one to give advice on without seeing it. I would recommend seeing a paper ... | |
| Finishing the Framing Job | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: We currently use ATG Tape (924) to affix paper to the moulding to finish the job. A customer has ... A: , I use ATG myself to apply the paper backing, and haven't had any issues with it.. So, I'd ... | |
| glass sandwich the egyptian way | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: One of my customers has recently been in Egypt,where he's bought a papyrus and wants to hang it up ... A: This is a tough one! I have had many clients come back from Egypt wanting this look, so they must ... | |
| Frame Size | 5/30/2008 |
| Q: Is it true that you cannot use any size frame on a piece? That the frame needs to be big (width) ... A: Yes, this is absolutely true.. The strength of the frame is very important to consider when framing ... | |
| relaxing a rolled poster, & archivally mounting it | 5/29/2008 |
| Q: I Have a nice contemporary poster on quality paper that needs un -rolling and mounting, Is using an ... A: Unrolling tightly rolled posters for mounting is a "fun" challenge.. I don't envy you having so many ... | |
| Repair Cross Stitch | 5/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a piece of cross-stitched fabric that my daughter-in-law spent hundreds of hours doing. When ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your cross-stitch dilema! Being that this is not my area of expertise, I ... | |
| etching framing | 5/23/2008 |
| Q: Sara, It's your favorite questioner again!!! This time, it's about an etching. The paper of the ... A: I know how hard the t hinge can be, both to follow and to explain, but it's a very valuable step to ... | |
| Framed pictures | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: Sara, our company has had posters framed (in plastic frames with plexiglass "glass"). The posters ... A: It sounds like the posters are fairly light, so I would probably recommend you get whats called a ... | |
| etching framing | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: Sara, It's your favorite questioner again!!! This time, it's about an etching. The paper of the ... A: Nice to hear from you again! I checked out your etching in the photo you attached, and it's lovely ... | |
| Framing | 5/17/2008 |
| Q: I want to frame something, and want the frame to be just glass (no board back). Let's say I want to ... A: thats a good one! So, I do understand exactly what you mean, and you explained it very well! Thus ... | |
| Hanging oil painting on a curved staircase | 5/15/2008 |
| Q: I have a curved staircase in my entry. From downstairs to the ceiling of the second floor is about ... A: Great question! So, without seeing the space, its hard for me to judge if that size piece will look ... | |
| Restoration of Pryography artwork | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: I have a beautiful woodburned portrait that I inherited from my father of his childhood home in ... A: It sounds like you have a really amazing piece, and I'm so glad you asked about this before trying ... | |
| "U" shaped stairway decorating | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: We have built a new home with a "U" shaped stairway. The stairs are medium stained hardwood, the ... A: Please accept my apologies for this reply coming so late.. I thought I had clicked send, but ... | |
| mounting paper onto board/canvas? | 5/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a large drawing/painting on fabriano 300gms paper. Materials used: Matt emulsion and ... A: Sounds like an interesting project! So, is the paper wrippled already, without mounting it? If the ... | |
| hanging picture above fireplace | 5/5/2008 |
| Q: I just inherited a picture that I would like to rest on the mantel of the fireplace. It is a wood ... A: Good thing to think about, as the fireplace mantel can be a risky place to place artwork. If you ... | |
| comparing the mat width to the frame width | 5/3/2008 |
| Q: I am custom framing an 11x14 wedding photograph, and I would like to know how wide the mat should be ... A: so, I have developed a strong opinion over the years about the mat width vs. frame width debate, so ... | |
| Mounting an electric guitar | 4/23/2008 |
| Q: I am a professional picture framer and shop owner. I do many types of specialty framing but have ... A: You're welcome! Horizontally sounds trickier, but may be more fun, if you like to challenge ... | |
| Mounting an electric guitar | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: I am a professional picture framer and shop owner. I do many types of specialty framing but have ... A: Great to hear from a fellow framer! What a challenging & interesting question! This sounds like a ... | |
| Storage of watercolours | 4/13/2008 |
| Q: I'm from Bangalore, India where the weather gets quite humid.I have a good number of old watercolor ... A: And from so far away!! How cool.. So, the issue with your watercolors is this: how were they ... | |
| Choosing frames | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: I'm so hung up abou this...I have so many professional pics of family, some black and white and some ... A: Great question! This is the time tested, long-standing dilemma of many many home-owners, so don't ... | |
| unfinished frames | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: Sara, I bought unfinished frames, and I painted them with acrylic paint. They look dull. ... A: Sounds like a great project you're working on! So, I think you were wise not to prime the frames, ... | |
| Framing an oil/acrylic work of art | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: Please advise whether glass should be used for an oil/acrylic work of art painted on canvas, paper ... A: This is a traditional debate within the framing community, and I'll give you the best advice I can ... | |
| framing | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: what is the significant visual difference between a wrapped mat and an unwrapped mat A: I'll try to answer it to the best of my ability.. I am assuming that by "wrapped mat" you mean a ... | |
| Hanging an Hermes Scarf Temporarilly | 3/23/2008 |
| Q: I'm in a pickle. I bought this great, classic, square, silk, scarf from Hermes. I want to wear it ... A: Sorry for the delay in responding.. I didn't get my usual notice that I had a question waiting.. it ... | |
| Re: Restoring silk art piece | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: My father brought back a silk embroidered piece from Japan during WWII. It is dirty and needs ... A: What a cool piece you have to work on! So, in having the silk cleaned, I would start by calling a ... | |
| plexiglas? | 3/8/2008 |
| Q: I read a few of your answers and I'd really like your advice. I have a large wooden frame - 36" x ... A: Glad my answer was some help! so, plexi does come in different thicknesses, but mostly hugh quality, ... | |
| LINEN LINER WRAPING | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: pLEASE HELP! i WANT TO LINEN WRAP A FRAME AND NEED A STEP BY STEP DIRECTION. i read an earlier ... A: So, it sounds like you're trying to tackle a hand-wrapped, museum corner fabric liner, right? If ... | |
| hanging art for theater performance | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: Sara, I have a challenge on my hands! I am directing a theater production which includes the ... A: Wow, Kay, what a cool project! i love your idea about making the "walls" out of the artwork, and ... | |
| Help on these 2 watercolors | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: Sara, It's me again! I am really stuck with the first 2 watercolors that I am starting to frame. ... A: I'm sorry but the links/pics still didn't come through. I don't think this site supports that kind ... | |
| Help on these 2 watercolors | 2/23/2008 |
| Q: Sara, It's me again! I am really stuck with the first 2 watercolors that I am starting to frame. ... A: Well, it seems you're on a good track, but I couldn't see any attachments to the message so I can't ... | |
| mat width | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: Sara, its' me again. Thank you very much for your last answer. I really trust your expertise and ... A: Well, most framers probably use d-rings/strap hangers and wire on most things because they hold the ... | |
| mat width | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: Sara, its' me again. Thank you very much for your last answer. I really trust your expertise and ... A: So, in my opinion, in is NOT true that the mat should be the same all the way around. I can't ... | |
| hanging silk scarves on the wall | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: I wish to hang silk scarves on the wall, but don't know how. There are 3 kinds, and the sizes are ... A: Great question! Textiles of all kinds can be great additions to your wall decor, and they add ... | |
| how to choose picture frames and matts? | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: Besides personal preferences, how do I choose the colors (let's not talk about texture yet at this ... A: This is one of those challenging questions to answer, for two reasons: 1. For the most part, the ... | |
| Mixing Modern with Antique Frames on Collage | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: We have a stairway tall wall that currently has 3 of the Pottery Barn modern-ish wide black frames ... A: Sounds you're on a good track! Stairway installations are very tricky, so don't feel bad if you're ... | |
| poster frame | 1/20/2008 |
| Q: I just recieved a 21 x 62 inch poster and was wondering if you would know of any possible ways to ... A: Great question! So, to begin, yes, you can build a frame that big. Frame moulding comes in up to ... | |
| plexiglass | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: Can plexiglass be used when framing watercolors? Thanks. A: As far as my knowledge goes, I see no reason why you wouldn't use plexi-glas on a watercolor. ... | |
| "Floating" art within the frame | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I'd like to frame my large serigraph print (39 x 39") with frame space and so the edges of the ... A: Sounds like you have a great project to undertake.. Is the art a work you made, or did you ... | |
| framing | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: Should I go with a dark green wood frame or a gold tones frame. Do you have another suggestion. My ... A: Happy new year! and thanks for the question! Without seeing the piece itself, I can give you a few ... | |
| decorating stairway wall | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I don't know what to do with this wall. I'm not particularly fond of family pix on that wall. Should ... A: Happy new year, and thanks for the question. This stairwell task can be a challenge, to say the ... | |
| Cutting Linen Liners | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: I make my own frames, and am trying to use linen liners for my Canvas prints. I alway get fraying ... A: Great question! The linen liner is the bain of many framers existances, so don't feel like this is ... | |
| preservation/framing of art deco litho | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a vintage art deco print (litho?)- very stylized image of Salome holding a tray ... A: your new piece sounds gorgeous.. Salome is one of my favorite art divas too! So, as for the issues ... | |
| Stairway gallery framing | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: My question is can I mix types of frames in the same color family. For instance, I sticking to ... A: Yes, for sure I think you can combine b&w and sepia toned photos, as well as black frames and brown ... | |
| Hanging art above gas fireplace | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: We just moved into a new apartment and we have a lovely gas fireplace. We run the fire for hours at ... A: and happy new year to you too! Thanks for the question, and congrats on the ne wmove and having an ... | |
| Stairway gallery framing | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: My question is can I mix types of frames in the same color family. For instance, I sticking to ... A: All great questions! As for the use of color, (and as a framer AND a professional photographer), I ... | |
| Stairway gallery framing | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: My question is can I mix types of frames in the same color family. For instance, I sticking to ... A: Installation dilemas are tough, but the struggle is really worthwhile once you get through it! ... | |
| mounting exotic foreign art | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: Sara, A client has given us three pieces of artwork he obtained in Ethiopia. They are squares of ... A: Sounds like you have three unusual and very cool pieces of artwork to enjoy! As for the framing and ... | |
| Trim original to fit frame? | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: We have several original prints from an artist we like. On two of them, the actual picture is pretty ... A: what a dilema! This is a framers bad dream.. A struggle that has gone on for sooo long, and ... | |
| pastel paintings | 11/11/2007 |
| Q: Glass is heavy and breaks. Acrylic is full of static electricity which pulls pastel dust to it. Do ... A: that is a really good question, and one that has caused a lot of debates between framers over the ... | |
| stairway decorating | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: we have a curved stairway. Its not a straight line. However, I love the way pottery barn shows ... A: I think these prints are very pretty! I probably wouldn't mix them with photos, though, as the ... | |
| stairway decorating | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: we have a curved stairway. Its not a straight line. However, I love the way pottery barn shows ... A: what a good question! Well, I went to pottery barns website and saw the bird prints in the dark ... | |
| Hanging Paintings | 11/3/2007 |
| Q: I’m trying to hang three large, but not heavy, oil canvases on my wall. The problem is, I can't ... A: Good question! Well your lucky they aren't too heavy, b/c if they were you'd have to go the ... | |
| just wondering | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: i would like to know what you think is the best way to display a a very important magazine, also ... A: good question.. without actually seeing the magazine, i can give you some recommendations based on ... | |
| framing cross-stitch | 10/2/2007 |
| Q: Sara I have an antique cross-stitch sampler that my grandmother did around the 1920’s. It is ... A: It sounds like you have a beautiful piece to preserve, and I'm glad you asked about it! so, the main ... | |
Picture Framing and Art Preservation
Answers by Expert:
Sara Tro
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience
I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials
BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
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