AllExperts > Experts 
Search      

Picture Framing and Art Preservation

Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Questions · Question Library  · Free Encyclopedia ·
More Picture Framing and Art Preservation Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Picture Framing and Art Preservation
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
About 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 4 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

   

You are here:  Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Picture Framing and Art Preservation

Questions Answered By Expert  Sara Tro 
In Category  Picture Framing and Art Preservation

SubjectDate Asked

Mounting an original watercolor7/3/2008
  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 textiles6/29/2008
  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 start6/28/2008
  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 picture6/12/2008
  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 stretching6/9/2008
  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 frame6/7/2008
  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 Artwork6/5/2008
  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 Job6/5/2008
  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 way6/4/2008
  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 Size5/30/2008
  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 it5/29/2008
  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 Stitch5/25/2008
  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 framing5/23/2008
  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 pictures5/22/2008
  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 framing5/22/2008
  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 ...
Framing5/17/2008
  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 staircase5/15/2008
  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 artwork5/9/2008
  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 decorating5/9/2008
  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 fireplace5/5/2008
  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 width5/3/2008
  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 guitar4/23/2008
  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 guitar4/21/2008
  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 watercolours4/13/2008
  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 frames4/11/2008
  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 frames4/10/2008
  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 art4/2/2008
  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 ...
framing3/27/2008
  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 Temporarilly3/23/2008
  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 piece3/13/2008
  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 WRAPING2/27/2008
  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 performance2/24/2008
  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 watercolors2/24/2008
  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 watercolors2/23/2008
  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 width2/15/2008
  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 width2/15/2008
  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 wall2/13/2008
  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 Collage2/8/2008
  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 frame1/20/2008
  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 ...
plexiglass1/19/2008
  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 frame1/15/2008
  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 ...
framing1/14/2008
  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 wall1/10/2008
  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 Liners1/7/2008
  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 litho1/4/2008
  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 framing1/4/2008
  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 fireplace1/4/2008
  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 framing1/3/2008
  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 framing1/2/2008
  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 art12/9/2007
  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 paintings11/11/2007
  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 decorating11/7/2007
  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 decorating11/7/2007
  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 Paintings11/3/2007
  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 wondering10/14/2007
  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-stitch10/2/2007
  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 ...

All Questions in This Category

     
About Us | Advertise on This Site | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About, Inc. All rights reserved.