5 Tips to Get Your Gallery Wall Started (1 of 5)

Gallery walls are a fashionable way to display your personal photos and memorabilia. You can display as many photos as you want in a way that’s both effective and visually appealing. These dynamic displays appeal to our natural human preference for symmetry and balance. They make a room feel full without making it feel overwhelming.  

But, finding the right balance can be tricky. At Fastframe of Santa Monica, our professional designers and framers can give you the ultimate insight on your project.

1. Choose a Central Theme/Color Scheme

Not all your photos or art pieces have to contain the exact same colors. However, we do suggest picking a central theme and sticking to it, particularly surrounding color temperatures.

Try to avoid mixing warm and cool tones, and maintain a solid theme across pieces. Use colors from your room decor so your gallery wall looks at home.

For example, the gallery wall in this room is centered on black and gold hues, the room’s existing furniture and accents. The pieces chosen are diverse, but the central color theme pulls them together.

WHAT ABOUT FABRIC MATS?

The use of fabric mats can really add a distinct elegance to your framed art. Whether it is suede, linen, silk or various other fabrics, the colors and textures of fabric take your framing design to a new level. There is a wide range of fabric types and colors that come precovered onto alpha cellulose and rag mats. The majority of these mats, though, are not preservation grade. This is because the fabric does not meet standards for bleed resistance. Some fabric mat boards are preservation quality and can be used on higher forms of artwork. If you cannot find a precovered fabric mat to suit your needs, we can hand wrap any fabric over an existing mat. We have a large selection of fabric from which to choose. You may also bring in your own custom fabric for us to wrap.

WHAT KIND OF MATS SHOULD I USE?

For the highest protection for your artwork, you should only use mat boards that are preservation or museum grade. There are three basic types of mat boards used in picture framing. The first is a regular or paper mat board. These mat boards, while being cost effective, contain a product called lignin. Over time lignin breaks down creating an acidic gas that can leave a burn mark on your artwork. The color will also fade over time, and the cream-colored bevel will begin to darken. Some paper mats have a bleached white core, but the overall degradation of the mat will be the same. The second type of mat board is made using alpha cellulose. Cellulose is the chief material in all plant life. Alpha cellulose is the purest form of this material. These mats are buffered to maintain a neutral pH. They are considered to be preservation quality. They will not harm the artwork, nor will they fade or “bleed” over time. This type of mat is the primary, in-stock mat at FastFrame. The third type of mat is a rag mat. Made from cotton linters, rag mats are naturally lignin-free. They are made with a colored surface paper, which are preservation grade, or can be 100% rag mat, which is museum grade.

WHAT IS A MAT?

A mat is a border, usually made from mat board, placed around the artwork. The purpose of the mat is, first, to provide a spacer or separation between the artwork and the frame or glass. If the glass comes into contact with the art, there could be a risk of damage to the artwork. This damage may come in the form of mold, or the artwork adhering to the underside of the glass. Second, the mat, particularly the color of the mat, draws the eye into the picture. By altering the colors in the mats, we can make the colors in the art stand out. Mat boards come in a variety of colors and textures which will allow your FastFrame design consultant to select the mats that are just right for your picture. And third, the mat hides the mechanics of the framed piece. For instance, the mat will cover the mounting method used such as a hinge or dry mount.

The standard size of mat board is 32 x 40 inches, but some colors will come in an oversized 40 x 60 inches. The standard thickness of a mat board is 4 ply, which is about 2 mm. Mat boards are also made in a limited color range of six, eight and twelve ply thicknesses. These thicker mats create a dramatic presentation, drawing the eye directly to the art.

SHOULD I GET A WOOD OR METAL FRAME?

The type of artwork to be framed, the room where it will hang and your own personal preferences will determine the answer to this question. There are, though, some basic differences between wood and metal frames. Within the framing industry, wood is the preferred frame material. There is a much wider selection of colors and styles from which to choose. Wood frames also afford more protection for your artwork. Their sturdy construction and the ability of the framer to properly close the back of the frame prevent environmental and insect damage from occurring. Metal frames have a modern, sleek type of styling. Available in many colors and styles, they, for the most part, afford a minimalist type of framing. New trends in metal mouldings blend modern technology with a design flair not seen in metal mouldings for many years. Whether you choose wood or metal, what is ultimately important is that the frame meets your design requirements.

WHAT IS A STANDARD SIZE FRAME?

Common, mass-produced frames come in a variety of standard sizes. Generally, such sizes below 11 x 14 inches are called photo frames. Above that size, we call them ready-made frames. These frames are created to allow the purchaser the ability to frame standard-sized art with relative ease. There are downsides to using a ready-made frame. First, artwork comes in a variety of non-standard sizes and will not always precisely fit into the frame. Second, ready-made frames make it difficult to customize a design for the artwork using mats and other embellishments. Also, many inexpensive ready-made frames are created using substandard moulding also known as “seconds”. At FastFrame of Santa Monica, since we manufacture your frame, we have the ability to customize it to suit your design needs and the size of the art.

WHY DO I NEED A FRAME?

A frame is an essential way to display your artwork. It provides protection for your artwork, keeping it safe from the environment, insects and other physical damage. It also creates a focal point in your room, focusing attention on the artwork. Frames may be selected to formalize a setting or to create a mood or theme. Whenever you have a piece of artwork or memorabilia that you want to display with pride, have it professionally framed, and you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

Do you build my frames, or must I do it?

At FASTFRAME OF SANTA MONICA, our professional design consultants do all of the frame construction for you. In most cases, all of the component parts are created on site, in our production facility. From the cutting and joining of the frame, cutting of mats and glazing materials, mounting of the artwork and fitting the artwork in to the frame, our design consultants insure that your job is done right. We have all of the state of the art machinery required to properly frame your artwork. While the majority of the work we do is framing entire projects, we are happy to supply you with component parts only, such as mats or a piece of glass. We can also create and fit component parts into your existing frame. Whatever your framing needs, we can accommodate you at FASTFRAME OF SANTA MONICA.

What is wet mounting?

Wet mounting is a permanent mounting process that uses liquid glue as the adhesive. The glue is applied to a backing board; then the artwork is placed on top of the glue surface. The piece is placed into a vacuum press, with the heat turned off, to completely flatten the art. Since liquid glues are water based, there is a chance of the backing board warping as the piece dries. To counteract this effect, a second piece of kraft paper is mounted onto the back of the board. Since the process is permanent, you should not mount any original, limited edition or collectable art that you would ever need to remove.

What should not be dry mounted?

Any artwork of value, either monetary or sentimental, should not be permanently dry mounted. This would include original, limited editions or collectable art. In some cases, this type of art may be semi-permanently mounted using a product such as Artcare Restore®. Also any artwork that is susceptible to melting should never be dry mounted. This would include wax or pastel-based art, color copies or signed posters and prints. There are alternative, permanent mounting products that may be used in these cases.

What is dry mounting?

Dry mounting, through the use of a vacuum or mechanical heat press, attaches and flattens artwork onto a backing board. The process is primarily aesthetic, removing small wrinkles and creases as well as reducing the continual effects of “cockling.” The process can be either permanent or semi permanent. There are several methods and products that may be used for dry mounting. Our design consultant will select and explain the method best suited for your artwork. In any case, there are no “wet” materials, such as glue, used in the process. At FASTFRAME of Santa Monica, we use a vacuum press method. The artwork with backing board and adhesive material is placed into the press. The heat of the press melts the adhesive while the vacuum removes the residual air, creating a bond between the art and the backing board.

What is mounting?

Mounting is the method used to hold your piece of art in place within the frame. In general there are three categories of mounting. The first method is permanent mounting. This method is not reversible and should be used only on artwork of little value such as open edition prints and posters. It should be noted that permanently mounting a piece of art will jeopardize the value of the artwork, either current or future. The second method is semi-permanent. In this method, the artwork can be removed at a later date through the use of heat. While it is not a recommended method of mounting expensive artwork, it can be used on moderately priced open, original and limited edition prints. The primary purpose of permanent and semi-permanent mounting in is to flatten the artwork, removing small wrinkles and creases. The final type of mounting is hinging. In this method, the artwork is attached to either a backing board or mat using small pieces of tape or other hinging material. The hinges should be made from either an acid-free self adhesive, water-activated tape or Japanese paper using wheat or rice starch adhesive. By using a hinging method, the artwork will be less likely to “cockle,” or ripple, with changes in the humidity.

What is Preservation Framing?

Preservation framing (or conservation framing) is the method where we envelope your artwork in a completely acid free environment. We use the highest quality mats, mounting boards and framing techniques to shield your valuable and sentimental artwork from the effects of acid degradation and harmful UV light. Our preservation framing allows you to remove the artwork from the frame at a later date, unharmed and unaltered. This will preserve the value of your artwork for years to come. In addition to preservation framing, we offer museum framing, which is the highest form of protective framing available. Our design consultant will help you decide which method is right for your artwork. Our preservation and museum standards are very high and have been independently scrutinized by industry experts for content, use of materials and framing techniques. With our preservation and museum framing we also offer free inspections every three years. With your valuable and sentimental artwork, you can be sure it will be properly framed at FASTFRAME of SANTA MONICA.

What can I frame?

We pride ourselves on our ability to frame practically anything. From prints and limited editions to original works of art and even 3-D objects of all kinds, our dedicated owners have seen it all. They have framed plasma screens, musical instruments, sports equipment, artifacts, memorabilia, mementoes, prizes, awards, ribbons, prints, certificates, mirrors and more. Virtually anything you want to preserve or display, can be framed. Our design consultants take the utmost in care when framing your treasures. You can trust us with your most fragile family photos or even a favorite piece of your child’s precious art.

FASTFRAME of SANTA MONICA has all the right materials, techniques, training and know how to properly frame all of your certificates, memorabilia, historical documents, artifacts and awards. We also specialize in framing 3-D objects of all kinds from sports memorabilia, your spoon collection, antique plate or grandpa’s war medals. Whatever you need framed, bring it to us and we will frame them in a shadow box that you will be proud to display in your home.

Can you help me design my frame?

We are thoroughly trained in the latest custom framing technology including all the essential techniques of color and design. With thousands of choices in frames, mats and glazing, our design consultants will make sure your frame design is perfect for your art and the decor in your home or office. Every framing decision begins with your personal tastes, your style, your likes and dislikes and of course, where the piece is going to hang. Only after our design consultants know what your requirements are, will they show you the selection of mats and frames that best enhance your art and your decor to provide an irresistible focal point in your room. Depending on the piece, they might suggest using a number of mats to enhance the artwork for a more dramatic look. Even the choice of frame, from ornate classic and traditional looks to sleek and simple modern styles will be tailored to fit your art, your taste and your room. Finally they will help you choose the perfect glass or acrylic glazing to protect and display your piece. We use only the highest quality glazing products available. With our exclusive training and techniques, the frame you select will be one you’ll love – Guaranteed. If you get your piece home and are not thrilled with the design, return it within 30 days, and we will replace it using equal quality materials, for FREE.

What makes FASTFRAME of SANTA MONICA different?

In a phrase, our exclusive

“Design & Craftsmanship Guarantee.”

This is our industry-leading 30-day guarantee on design and lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship. If you are not completely satisfied with the design of your finished framed artwork, we will re-craft or redesign your piece in the same price range, within 30 days of the sale – for FREE! We couldn’t offer such an extraordinary guarantee if we weren’t absolutely sure we could meet or beat your expectations.

We are thoroughly trained in the latest custom picture framing technology to give you the look and style you want to display in your home or office. Because we carry so many materials in our stores, our response time is unbeatable – often you can get your piece framed the same day.

FASTFRAME of SANTA MONICA dedicated to quality, craftsmanship, fast turnaround and our Design & Craftsmanship Guarantee.