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Why choose a ScrapFrames® Frame?
As a picture framer, I am fully aware of the importance of using archival grade materials of the highest quality to protect and preserve the photos, needlework and artwork belonging to my clients and I decided to offer a custom-made archival framing service to Scrapbookers. Because I have carefully selected mouldings and mat colours, you will be able find the perfect combination for your layout, but at a much lower cost than if you were to take a layout to your local framer for one-off custom framing.
I bring my experience as a custom framer, and my appreciation of scrapbook art together, to create the perfect setting for displaying and preserving your special pages.
Why Frame Your Pages?
Have you ever had a Scrapbook page win a prize, or published in a magazine? Be proud of your talent, and show it off to your friends and family. ScrapFrames are also perfect for all your special pages - wedding, baby and family layouts, and make a more personal and interesting display than a plain framed photograph. A ScrapFrame with a special layout would make an ideal gift for so many different occasions – the possibilities are endless!
How long does it take?
We endeavour to get your ScrapFrame to you as soon as possible, it is custom made just for you after receipt of your order. Sometimes a supplier may be out of stock of a particular moulding, and if this is the case we will contact you to advise you of the delay, and to arrange an alternative if necessary. If your ScrapFrame is an urgent request, please add the required date to the comments section on the ordering page and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
What is the difference between “acid free” and “archival” materials?
You will have noted that the materials you choose to use in your scrapbooking pages are labelled as “acid free”, “archival” or “acid and lignin free”. So, what do these terms really mean? Firstly, the term applies best when describing paper products. Paper is usually made of wood pulp, which contains fibrous material known as ‘lignin’. However, as paper ages, the lignin breaks down, producing acids that make paper turn yellow and brittle. Different grades of paper contain varying amounts of lignin, so newsprint, a cheap paper designed for a short life, ages and brittles very quickly – you will have noticed this yourself. Very high quality paper is made from wood pulp that has been treated to remove the lignin, and is known as “alpha cellulose” paper. Paper made from cotton is naturally acid free – cotton contains no lignin to start with. ‘In between’ grades of paper are partially purified to reduce the amount of lignin, and then have an alkaline chemical added to act as a ‘buffer’ to combat the release of acid over time by the lignin as it breaks down.
The term “acid-free” when applied to other products such as glue refers to the pH – they are either pH neutral (7.0) or slightly alkaline. Strong alkalis are just as damaging as acids, caustic soda is an example. To be accurately labelled “acid free”, the products should not contain anything which may become acidic over time. Anything can be made ‘acid free’ at the time of manufacture, by adjusting the pH, but it doesn’t necessarily stay that way!! Certainly something to consider if you purchase scrapping materials from $2 shops and similar outlets!!
UV blocking Glass
Special coated glass which blocks more than 98% of the damaging UV light is available as an option, at an additional cost. We use Tru Vue Conservation Clear glass, with TruGard UV Protection coating, which is made in the USA. Visit www.tru-vue.com for more information about this product, and about conservation framing in general.
So, why choose UV blocking glass?
Did you know that Ultraviolet light contained within ordinary daylight, as well as interior electric lighting can fade and irreversibly damage your pages, especially photographs?? Fluorescent light is especially harsh, resulting in noticeable colour fade within a matter of months.
UV blocking glass is essential to help preserve your most special layouts, such as those containing original photographs and memorabilia, and any layout that is intended for permanent display. You have selected your photos and coloured papers very carefully, so it makes sense to protect them and keep them in their original condition for years to come.
Even if UV blocking glass is used, it is sensible to choose lighting carefully, for your ScrapFrame as well as your other framed works of art.
- Do not hang your valuable artwork in direct sunlight. Even with protective UV-blocking glass, prolonged exposure to the sun’s heat can damage your art.
- Use incandescent bulbs to light your work. Incandescent lights have only 4% of their rays in the damaging UV range. Fluorescent lights, on the other hand, have a high concentration of UV rays and should not be used to light your framed work.
- Illuminate your art at the lowest light level possible for enjoyment.
- Unfortunately, the sun is not the only source of harmful UV light rays. All light sources, whether natural or artificial, have some of their components in the ultraviolet range. The most drastic visual effect of exposure to UV light is the dramatic fading of colours — especially those colours that contain red.
Other effects include the yellowing and/or bleaching of paper fibres, sizing dyes, brighteners and fillers. Some pigments may experience the opposite effect and actually darken to black when exposed to UV light. The materials that make up your artwork — the paper or fabric, on which the image is displayed, may become brittle. Photos may appear yellow or stained with ghostly silver deposits rising to the surface.
Once damage from UV light has occurred, it can never be reversed. That’s why it is important for you to understand what you can do to prevent this type of damage in the first place.
Your most precious photographic memories should be given the same treatment and protection that a piece of fine artwork receives.
Can you frame other items?
We certainly can! If you are located in Sydney, please give us a call on 9481 4263 to arrange a visit to our framing workshop for an obligation free consultation. We have framed items such as football and cricket jerseys, footballs themselves, tapestries and other needlework, oil paintings, watercolours and lots more, offering custom craftsmanship with competitive pricing.
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