We explain our options, materials, and technical processes when custom framing your artwork. Note that this guide is not an extensive custom framing tutorial, it relates only tho the work that we do here at Riveros Art. There are many techniques and materials not covered here, but we hope to give you a quick insight into what it takes to make your custom frame.
Glass Choices
Glass is used in picture frames to protect art and photos from environmental damage, such as dust, moisture, and fading
We carry four distinct types of glass, to cover pretty well any framing need, as well as acrylic. See below for a more detailed view into each of these types.
Art Glass
UV70%
or
UV99% Museum
Artglass eliminates the problem of reflected light, as well as provides UV-protection. Your artwork will show an increase in contrast and saturation.
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Most Economical
Regular Glass
This is the most common, cost-effective, option for basic framing projects. It provides excellent structural clarity and basic protection from dust and moisture, though it offers limited UV defense (around 45%) and reflects a high amount of room glare. It has excellent scratch resistance.
best for showing clarity of artwork
Art70 Glass
Artglass AR 70 guarantees true colors, while the invisible magnetron sputtered coating virtually eliminates reflection. It is appreciated worldwide for its consistent quality, clarity, and elegant green reflection color.
For artists, we highly recommend this glass. Especially for exhibitions. If you are on a budget, it may be worth it to spend your money on this glass and downgrade your frame choice. The impact of reflection-free viewing through this glass is sure to make the viewer appreciate your art even more.
We've actually 'lost' the glass. It is so reflection-free, that sometimes we've lost it, on the workbench, and can only detect it by finding the edges.
More information here
For archival protection
Conservation Glass
Features
- Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
- No ripple or “orange peel” effect on glass surface
- Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence
- Premium 2.5mm thickness provides better strength and rigidity
This is our 'default' choice for glass. It protects your art and documents, and is clear, and strong. Note: This is not an anti-reflective glass.
More information here
99% UV protection and anti-reflective
Museum Glass
This is the top-tier. Has 99% UV protection, as well as an anti-reflective coating. Not as expensive as it sounds, and will give you peace of mind that you've protected your art and documents to the highest possible level.
- 99% UV protection
- Helps prevent treasured items from fading
- Crisp image resolution
- No “orange peel” effect surface distortion
- Meets requirements of the standard ISO 18902
- Conservation grade glass according to photographic activity test (PAT) ISO 18916
- Follows the standards of the Fine Art Trade Guild and Professional Picture Framers Association
- 99% conservation level UV block is certified by the national physical laboratory in the UK according to EN 410
More information here
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Acrylic - Plexiglass
We carry regular 2mm acrylic, as well as Conservation 99% UV blocking acrylic. Acrylic is great for large frames, as it will not shatter and is lighter than glass. All our shipped frames come with acrylic, to ensure no damage during shipping.
More information here
Matboard Usage and Types
As with most custom framing, there are two purposes for matboards.
-> Decorative
A matboard is a design element used to add dimension, color, and texture to the presentation of your image. We have over 150 colours to choose from, as well as textile matboards. Mats can be 'stacked' to show a main colour, as well as an accent colour, and to provide more depth.
-> Protective
A matboard protects artwork by creating a vital air buffer between the piece and the frame's glazing. This gap prevents moisture from becoming trapped—which can lead to mold or cause art to stick to the glass. Additionally, our high-quality, acid-free matting prevents chemical degradation and yellowing over time. We use Conservation Grade matboards for the vast majority of our framing, and reserve the lower-grade (but still acid-free) matboards for special orders where low pricing is most important.
Precision Mat Cutting: Flawless Openings, Every Single Time.
Our Wizard 8000 Computerized Mat Cutter
This is our secret weapon. Precise mat cuts everytime. With this machine, we are able to cut easily, and precisely, We can cut any shape, including ovals, multiple openings on a single mat, or just about anything else. With a maximum size of 40"X60", we can do it all.
Matboard Types
Whitecore
PPFA CLASS III
White Core is a high quality mat designed to give the impact of a bright white bevel that will not discolour but do not require the qualities or price of conservation matboard
We only offer a limited selection of White Core matboards, mostly for bulk orders where pricing is very important.
Conservation
These are PPFA CLASS II matboards and represent best value in conservation matboards.
These matboards use high grade virgin Alpha Cellulose as the main ingredient in the conservation core. Alpha Cellulose can be distilled from cotton or wood, the higher the Alpha Cellulose content the higher the purity of the board.
PETERBORO CONSERVATION core contains more than 90% Alpha Cellulose
The main difference with the conservation matboards is the composition of the core (the middle part of the matboard). We have had some of our frames come back for repair/cleaning after ten years, and the bevel on the conservation matboards have not discolored at all. This level of matboard is suitable for just about any application, and it comes in over 150 colours.
Conservation Solid Core
PPFA Class II
The Conservation Solid Core (CSC) matboards come in Natural, Classic White and Oxford White
The look of a solid core matboard is special, in that the inside ("core") of the matboard is not 'filler' material, so when a bevel is cut, there is no discontinuity in the colour of the mat.
100% Cotton Rag
PPFA CLASS I
These 100% Cotton boards are made from the purest form of natural cellulose, require little processing, are naturally acid free and maintain a history of performance. Every board of this premium line adheres to the Fine Art Trade Guild's and the Professional Picture Framers Association's stringent specifications for museum matboards.
Our Framing Shop
Unlike a lot of framing shops, we actually make the frames on location. (As well as being a full-service printing shop).
We keep thousands of feet of picture frame moulding in stock at our shop, allowing us to complete many framing projects quickly. We also work with a wide network of trusted suppliers, giving us access to more than 2,000 additional moulding styles that can typically be delivered within two to three business days.
Because we purchase in volume and take advantage of clearance opportunities from our suppliers, we're able to offer premium-quality custom framing at competitive prices. Our customers enjoy an exceptional selection of frame styles, outstanding craftsmanship, and excellent value.
Our precision Inmes double miter saw, paired with premium FS Tool saw blades, delivers consistently accurate, repeatable miter cuts for every frame. Each corner is then securely joined using our pneumatic AMP Miter Mite underpinner, ensuring exceptional strength and precision.
Because all frame cutting and assembly is done in-house, we can maintain strict quality control while responding quickly to custom orders and special requests. We also offer frame stacking (placing one frame inside another) to create unique, layered designs, and can build custom support strainer frames for oversized artwork to provide added strength and stability.
Only The Best
Equipment and Experience
We started nearly twenty years ago in a garage, hand-building frames one at a time. That hands-on experience has shaped who we are today. Through years of learning, refining our techniques, upgrading our equipment, and staying focused on quality, we have built the skills and knowledge needed to handle all your custom framing needs with confidence and care.
Canvas Stretching
For almost twenty years, we have been printing and stretching canvases in-house.
Manually or By Machine
Custom Sized Canvas Stretching
Whether stretched by hand or with our precision Tensador stretching machine, every canvas is carefully mounted for a clean, even finish. For original canvas artwork, we can use traditional blued tacks instead of staples to help better preserve the artwork. We cut all of our strainer bars in-house to ensure a precise fit, and for larger canvases, we add extra bracing to provide additional strength and long-term stability.
We are a family-owned business with a passion for craftsmanship, quality, and preserving the stories behind every piece we frame. While we may be a small studio, our standards are anything but small. We are committed to using the finest materials, proven techniques, and years of experience to create framing that meets the highest expectations.
Our journey began nearly twenty years ago in a small garage, where we built frames by hand and developed a deep appreciation for the craft. After ten years at our Oakwood location, we proudly moved into our own dedicated building, giving us the space and tools to continue improving and expanding our services.
Over the years, we have combined traditional craftsmanship with modern equipment and techniques, allowing us to deliver exceptional quality while maintaining the personal attention that only a family business can provide. Today, our knowledge and passion are being passed on to the next generation, ensuring that our commitment to quality will continue for years to come.
We are excited about the future and grateful for every customer who trusts us with their artwork, photographs, and treasured memories. If you have questions or would like guidance with your next framing project, please reach out. We are always happy to share our experience and help you create something truly special.