No Panicking! These tips are for the customer who loves to do their research before taking the plunge. You can always count on our Foursided team for guidance in every area of custom framing. We won't steer you wrong! But you can be mega-prepared by reading through these top five framing 'don'ts':

1. Choosing a super skinny mat with a heavy frame. 

The general rule of thumb in framing is that the matboard should be wider than the frame itself. Choosing a super skinny mat and a large, chunky frame in most cases will look disproportionate on the artwork. A more spacious mat gives a piece 'room to breathe' and added drama. If your instinct is to use a skinny mat, consider removing the mat option altogether.

2. Monotonous framing. 

Sometimes folks think that every frame in their home needs to be the same color in order to create interior design unity. Decorating trends come and go, but if you let the artwork be your guide to choosing color and frame profiles, it will fit in any place. You're the sovereign of decor in your home… rule. If one color frame is truly your vibe, try mixing up the depths and detail of the frames for more interest. Like a shadowbox frame next to a shallow frame, or a textural finish alongside a matte finish.

3. Attempting to use a skinny, thin frame on an oversized piece. 

So you have a large (or very large) poster and you want to frame it on the cheap, so you pick out the skinniest frame sample you can find from the custom frame wall. A good framer will tell you that you're throwing away your money. It will be cheaper for sure….until you bring the piece back in 3 months because it has started to warp, sag, bubble and bend. You want to choose a frame that is structurally stable for your piece.

4. Comparing the cost of the framing to the cost of the artwork. 

These days you can find highly 'frameable" artwork everywhere from the thrift store, online, student shows and more. You may have picked up a print for fifty cents, that doesn't mean it shouldn't look like a million bucks! You're paying for the expertise, product, time, knowledge and skill of a professional who will handle your artwork from start to finish. The materials and labor involved still price out the same whether you frame a two dollar print or a two-thousand dollar lithograph.

5. Not considering conservation. 

When it comes to conservation, there is an overwhelming amount of information available about the best way to preserve a piece. Custom framing is your chance to do it right from the get-go , especially with a one-of-kind piece. Modern day framing techniques open up a whole spectrum of options. Trust your framer in this matter to guide you and make sure you get the longterm results you're hoping for.

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