The Custom Framing Process: What to Expect
Walking into a custom frame shop for the first time can feel a little like bringing your car to a mechanic where you know you need help, but you’re not entirely sure what’s about to happen next.
The good news? Custom framing is actually a pretty straightforward process.
Whether you’re bringing in artwork, family photos, memorabilia, or something completely unique, the goal is the same: create a finished piece that looks great, fits your style, and protects what matters most.
Here’s a look at what you can expect from start to finish.
Step 1: The Selection Process
Every project begins with design.
You can work with one of our Framing Design Consultants in-store or use our online tools to explore options on your own. Together, we’ll determine the look and feel you want to achieve, selecting elements such as:
- Frame style and moulding
- Matting options
- Glass or acrylic glazing
- Overall size and presentation
This is where your vision starts to come together. Whether you’re looking for something classic, modern, bold, or understated, our custom framing services are designed to help you find the right combination for your piece.
Step 2: Double-Checking Every Detail
Once your selections are made, the work doesn’t begin immediately.
First, your order is reviewed by a second Frame Center Design Consultant. Measurements, design choices, and specifications are carefully checked to ensure everything is accurate before production begins. If anything needs clarification, a team member will reach out. Once everything is confirmed, the project moves into production.
It’s a simple step, but an important one, and one of the reasons customers trust us with their most valuable artwork and keepsakes.
Step 3: Building the Frame
Now the craftsmanship begins.
Your selected moulding is retrieved from Frame Center’s climate-controlled storage area and inspected for quality before it’s cut to size. Using professional framing equipment, each piece is carefully prepared, assembled, glued, and joined by our experienced framers.
This stage is where individual frame components become a custom frame built specifically for your project.
Step 4: Matting and Mounting
Every piece requires a slightly different approach.
Depending on the artwork and its preservation needs, the piece may be:
- Mounted using specialized equipment
- Hinged with acid-free materials
- Backed with high-quality conservation boards
The goal is always the same: provide the appropriate support while protecting the artwork for years to come.
For valuable photographs, artwork, and documents, proper mounting is one of the most important parts of the framing process.
Step 5: Glazing
Once the artwork has been mounted, it’s time for glazing.
Your selected glass or acrylic is precisely cut to fit the frame, thoroughly cleaned, and prepared for assembly. Depending on your project, glazing options may include standard glass, conservation glass, reflection-control glass, or museum-quality glazing.
Beyond appearance, glazing helps protect artwork from dust, environmental damage, and UV exposure.
Step 6: Assembling the Project
With all the individual components complete, the project is ready for assembly.
One of our framing experts carefully fits the artwork, matting, glazing, and frame together, ensuring:
- Perfect alignment
- Clean presentation
- Proper fit
- Flawless appearance
Attention to detail is critical during this stage because even small imperfections become noticeable once a piece is hanging on the wall.
Step 7: Backing and Final Inspection
Before your project is finished, it undergoes another round of quality control.
The completed frame is inspected by another team member, the back is sealed, and appropriate hanging hardware is attached. This final review ensures everything meets our standards before it leaves the workshop.
Step 8: Packaging, Pickup, or Delivery
Once completed, your project goes through a final inspection process and is photographed and logged into the system. It is then carefully wrapped and prepared for pickup or packaged for delivery if shipping has been arranged.
This final step ensures your piece arrives in the same condition it left the workshop.
More Than Just a Frame
Custom framing is part design, part craftsmanship, and part preservation.
From the initial consultation to the final inspection, every step is focused on creating something that not only looks beautiful but also protects what matters most. Whether you’re framing artwork, family photographs, diplomas, memorabilia, or heirlooms, understanding the process helps you appreciate the care that goes into every project.
If you’re considering a framing project, stop by Frame Center, explore our custom framing services, or contact us with any questions. We’re always happy to walk you through the process and help you find the right solution for your piece.
