Feedback
Ok
Ok
What is the question
Cancel
LOG IN
FAVORITES
background image

Glossary Of Terms

#
4
8
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
#
Braided picture-frame grade wire that is ideal for hanging most picture frames.
Braided heavy-duty picture frame wire used for hanging heavy artwork and mirrors.
4
Mat board consisting of 4 laminated layers of material, and measuring approximately 1/16 inch thick.
8
Mat board consisting of 8 laminated layers of material, and measuring approximately 1/8 inch thick.
A
Loss of media caused by rubbing, scraping, or scuffing.
The capacity for material to soak up liquid.
A departure from realism in the field of fine art.
Supplementary components to a framing package, such as hanging hardware.
The acidic end of the pH scale, in which materials containing acid may degrade artwork over time.
Brownish discoloration in paper caused by the deterioration effects of acid and ultraviolet light.
A chemical process that produces a frosted finish on glass, diffusing reflections, and allowing decorative designs with proper masking.
The state of being neutral or alkaline on a pH scale, especially to prevent the deterioration of artwork.
The natural leaching of acid from an acidic material into an art material that affects the longevity of art due to degradation over time.
An alkaline treatment process that raises the pH level in art and framing materials to make them acid-free.
The natural release of acid from materials as they deteriorate over time.
Foam core that features an acid-free paper surface that is laminated to both sides of an inert foam center.
A mat board that is manufactured within a pH-neutral range, whether naturally of through a buffering and chemical treatment process.
A binding agent derived from acrylic acid (C3 H4 O2), and used in paints, adhesives, and the manufacturing of clear acrylic glass.
A type of plastic cleaner that is ideal for cleaning and polishing picture frame-grade clear acrylic.
See Face Mounting
Gesso that utilizes acrylic as its binding agent.
See Acrylic Glazing
A sheet of clear thermoplastic used to protect artwork as a shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
A water-soluble paint coating made of acrylic and pigment.
A primer compound made of acrylic and used to prepare a canvas to accept paint.
A thermoplastic substance formed by the polymerization of the esters of amides in acrylic acid.
A thin radial saw blade designed to cut acrylic sheets without chippage, breakage, or overheating of the material.
A sheet of rigid acrylic plastic that is used as an alternative to glass when cut to the appropriate size.
A canvas fabric or stretched canvas substrate that has been sealed and primed with acrylic.
A brand of picture frame-grade clear acrylic.
A substance that bonds two materials together.
A rigid sheet of foam core that has been coated with adhesive, such as sticky or heat-activated, and used for mounting posters.
A chemical that disintegrates adhesive for the purpose of removal and cleanup.
Acronym for the American Institute for the Conservation of Important and Historic Works
The base end of the pH scale, in which a material is not pH neutral, but rather, opposite of acidic on the pH scale.
Paper that has been treated with an alkaline wash to neutralize acid and bring the paper's pH to a level that is at or above pH 7.
The wiggle room added to a frame to account for sizing variables that are inherent in art and assembly processes.
A neutral beige color found in monochromatic color schemes such as Boho Chic.
A stable polymer derived naturally from wood pulp material that is used to manufacture archival and non-archival mat boards.
A line of buffered acid-free alphacellulose archival mats by Bainbridge.
A line of buffered cotton rag mat boards by Bainbridge.
The british spelling of the soft metal known in America as Aluminum.
Art prints or photos that are produced on a thin sheet of aluminum for durability and aethetics.
A soft metal used as a substrate for metal picture frames, rigid sheet goods such as Dibond, and as a foil barrier to prevent acid leaching from acidic materials to acid-free materials.
A machine-pressed method of producing aluminum mouldings, in which soft aluminum is extruded through a precisely-shaped opening.
A brand comparable to Dibond that manufactures rigid plastic-core aluminum sheets.
An electro-chemical process utilizing trisodium phosphate and voltage to chemically and permanently change the color on the surface of metal according to voltage.
A picture frame-grade glass with a special coating that reduces glare in a way that maintains visual clarity, similar to museum glass but without UV protection.
A picture frame that is old and collectible; or a replica of an old style.
Any finishing technique used for the purpose of making an object look old.
An outer garment used to protect inner garments from soiling caused by working with various ingredients.
A digital inkjet printer that sprays ink onto a printing substrate to produce a print.
A mat board featuring a decorative arch-shaped window opening cut into the center of the board to showcase a picture.
Materials and practices that are designed to extend the life of artwork through preservation techniques.
Components of a picture frame that are acid-free and that respect the best practices of archival or preservation framing.
Printer ink that is especially lightfast against harmful UV rays, to ensure longevity and fade-resistance.
Paper that is designed to resist degradation for long-term preservation.
Products that are used for preserving and archiving artistic, cultural, historical, or monetarily valuable objects and documents.
Materials and supplies that meet or exceed preservation standards for the purpose of long-term archiving and storage.
A technician that works at the direction of an artist.
The process of photographing or scanning artwork for reproduction purposes, often involving elaborate color-correction techniques to ensure color accuracy in the subsequent digital printing process.
A business that specializes in showcasing and selling the work of artists.
A rigid substrate sheet, in which the surface is prepared for fine art painting.
The production or reproduction of an art image using a printing device.
The overall size of an art object.
Canvas that is prepared with grounds for the purpose of fine art painting.
A durable and aggressive tape used to attach a mat to backing board in the form of a book hinge, and other miscellaneous uses.
Refers to the width, height, and depth of an art object.
The distance from the top to the bottom of a piece of art.
All the layers of material contained within a picture frame.
The width, height, and depth of an art object.
The distance from the far left to the far right of a piece of art.
Acronym for art securing hardware.
A hardwood species occasionally used to produce picture frame mouldings.
The proportional relationship of the width to the height of a rectangle that defines it's scalable shape.
The process of installing artwork into a frame and preparing the frame for hanging on a wall.
Acronym for the American Society for Testing and Materials, a global organization that establishes industry standards for materials, products, systems, and services.
A tool that rolls out ATG double-sided tape onto a target surface.
Double-sided adhesive used for attaching paper-based materials as an alternative to glue.
A pointed tool used to puncture soft wood to help a screw get started.
B
An L-shaped bracket used in conjunction with a tapped corner to join the corners of an extruded aluminum picture frame.
A rigid sheet of protective material placed in the back of the frame, often made of foam core, gator foam, or corrugated plastic.
A sheet of paper that is adhered to the back of a custom picture frame and trimmed to size, preventing dust and infestation from entering art materials.
A species of wood that is extremely lightweight.
Birch wood or plywood that is grown in the Baltic region, which includes Finland, Lithuania, Russia, and Latvia.
A decorative feature on a wood picture frame, in which the shape and texture of the profile offers the appearance of bamboo stock.
Wood that is repurposed from old barns, or wood finishes that resemble or are inspired by barnwood siding.
A historical period originating in Europe between 1600 and 1750 that emphasized dramatic contrast, elaborate ornamentation, and strong emotion in art.
A protective layer of material that protects against leaching of soil and acid migration.
A two-layer tape consisting of acid-free paper and aluminum foil, that is applied to wood materials to prevent leaching of acid and lignin onto art surfaces.
A substance containing strontium and barium sulfate that is used to brighten paper
A shallow 3-dimensional relief image protruding from a surface, such as coins or wood carvings.
A method of dying fabric, in which wax is used as a resist, to control the application of dyes, which allows complex patterns to be created.
A picture frame lip that features half-shere orbs in a linear format.
A moulding that features half-spherical orbs in a linear decorative pattern.
Hardware that gets embedded into the interior sidewalls of a picture frame in order to secure artwork in place, while having the ability to be bent up and out of the way during the art assembly process.
The edge of a mat window opening that is cut at a 45-degree angle.
A mat board with a window opening that has been cut at an angle, exposing the core of the mat.
A mirror glass that has been finished with a beveled edge to reflect light differently along the perimeter.
Ultra-clear plastic that is used in the making of artist display sleeves.
Glue-like ingredients within a paint coating that integrate all ingredients together into a single substance and allow the coating to bond to a surface.
A light natural hardwood with a slight yellow hue.
Art panels made of high-quality birch plywood.
A wedge used to join two mitered moulding rails together after the miters have been thumbnail routed. See also: Dovetail-Key Miter.
A matboard that is black throughout its core, so that when a window opening is cut, the bevel reveals a black line.
A chemical process used to whiten the core of alpha-cellulose mat board.
When ink is printed to the edge of a substrate, such as paper, or when a substrate is cropped so that ink reaches the edge.
The capacity for inks and mediums to resist smearing and smudging due to the moisture or other environmental factors.
Separation of a surface coating from it's grounds within a larger surface area, in which the surface coating remains intact but vulnerable to peeling.
A website dedicated to logging information, stories, or other content that may be helpful or entertaining to readers.
An art condition in which a cloudy or milky film appears on the surface, typically caused by moisture, heat, chemicals, or other environmental factors.
An acid-neutralized type of cardboard that is ideal for making archival storage boxes for long-term storage of fine art.
A style that emphasizes eclectic and free-spirited design choices, often grounded in muted color and natural earth tones; also called Boho.
The taping of a mat to a backing board along one edge, thereby allowing the mat to be opened like a book.
Acid-free tape that is used to attach a mat to a mounting board along one seam, so that it opens like a book.
The design choice to feature a larger border at the bottom of a mat.
A deep frame used to showcase objects that require three-dimensional space.
A pneumatic hand tool used to nail wire brads into a substrate to join two substrates
Old fashioned hardware used to nail two pieces of wood together, especially as part of an old-fashioned mitered corner joinery process.
A woodworking joint similar to mortise and tenon, where one piece of material is notched in the center of an endpoint, and the accompanying piece of material has two complementary notches, so that each piece fills the other's void.
The rippling contortion of an art surface due to warpage or other factors.
A mat board that has been treated with calcium carbonate to adjust the pH level at the time of manufacturing.
The process of treating a paper surface with alkaline to neutralize the surface to be acid-free and archival.
A treatment ingredient, namely calcium carbonate, in art materials used to adjust pH levels from acidic to neutral or alkaline on the pH scale.
A swelling caused by underlying pressure within or behind a surface.
A grouping of precut mats sold in a bundle that are ideal for festival artists selling reproductions.
Padded self-adhesive dots that go on the bottom corners of a picture frame to protect the wall from scuffing and prevent the frame from moving off-level.
See Bumpers
Art damage caused by fire, intense heat, or acidic deterioration over time.
The act of rubbing a surface with a burnishing bone in order to smooth out a surface or increase its sheen, or to adhere pressure-sensitive adhesive to graphic materials.
A handheld tool, traditionally made of bone, that is used for smoothing out protrusions in graphic arts materials.
A slang term for multipurpose craft paper, which is often synonymous with the
A joinery method in which two straight-cut lengths of wood are joined perpendicular to one another.
C
A pH-neutralizing agent found in plaster, chalk, kaolin clay, marble dust, and Tums.
An ancient writing practice that utilizes pen and ink to produce decorative text and markings.
Artwork produced on a canvas substrate.
A sheeted substrate for fine art painting, in which canvas is permanently mounted and wrapped around a rigid panel.
Metal fasteners used to secure canvas into the rabbet of a frame.
A picture frame for a canvas painting that utilizes a floating technique to display the entirety of the painting, as if it is suspended in the frame.
A frame that surrounds a canvas painting without mats or glass; also, a stretcher bar support frame in which a canvas painting is stretched around and stapled.
Wide-grip pliers that clamp canvas for improved leverage while stretching a canvas painting around a stretcher bar.
A reproduction of artwork printed on canvas.
Heavy-duty staples used to attach canvas to a wooden stretcher bar frame.
The process of wrapping a canvas tightly over a wooden stretcher bar support frame.
See Canvas Pliers
An outdated image lamination technique in which an image is removed from the paper it was printed on, and glued to a piece of canvas.
A canvas stretching method in which imagery from the canvas is wrapped around the sidewalls of the stretcher bar, for frameless display.
A board that is often corrugated and made of wood pulp fiber that is used in the packaging of picture frames for shipment in a soft or hybrid pack.
Paper that is more rigid than regular paper, and is occasionally used as an art substrate.
A French manufacturer of high quality picture framing equipment.
A document produced by an artist or authoritative body that claims or certifies the provenance of a piece of artwork.
A professional picture framer that has been certified by the PPFA (Professional Picture Framer's Association).
A suede cloth used for polishing smooth surfaces.
A dry drawing medium made of carbonized wood, that requires special care to prevent smudging.
A light to medium natural hardwood with a reddish-tan hue; also a color description for woods that are finished in red tones.
A hardwood species with a warm brown tone; also, a frame finish reminiscent of chestnut.
A term for a frame that has been cut to size but is not yet joined.
A manual or pneumatic machine used to precisely cut moulding at angles for framing, producing clean miters for joining.
Cibachrome
A now-defunct printing method that produced beautiful high-gloss photographic prints from slides.
A mat that is cut to fit a circular picture in a square frame, or a circular picture in a circle frame.
A landscape photograph or painting that features the downtown buildings of a particular city.
A device that grips material to hold it in a certain position, such as to allow glue to dry during a joinery process.
An aqueous finish coating applied to a surface to protect it.
An approach to environmental stability that favors low fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity.
Hardware that attaches glass and backing to a picture without a frame.
A lamination method that utilizes wet glue or pressure-sensitive adhesive film to adhere material to a substrate, especially with a cold vacuum press, weights, or cold roller press.
Paper that is pressed without heat during the manufacturing process, giving it more tooth than paper that it hot pressed.
A paste wax medium used in oil painting, mixed media, and wood finishing.
A multitude of images or elements that are combined for the purpose of producing a larger image presentation.
A picture frame for personal photos, featuring a mat with multiple window openings to display a variety of personal photos.
A mat board with multiple window openings to showcase a multitude of photos or documents.
A superficial frame that rests on a pedestal, covering security hardware along the base of a clear vitrine.
Ornamentation that is reminiscent of the Colonial era, including egg-and-dart, bead-and-reel, and acanthus leaf patterns.
The process and method of adjusting a computer monitor to reflect color as accurately as possible.
A physical color printout sample of an image, to prove how color presents itself in actuality on a given substrate.
A theoretical approach to color aesthetics, in which the color wheel is divided into three equal parts to identify a coordinated 3-part color scheme.
A color theory diagram that helps identify complementary and tertiary colors in a circular format.
Colors that are opposite each other on a color wheel, in which some theories suggest a sense of color activation when paired together.
A dough-like material applied to wood picture frames in a process to add ornamentation.
Various materials added to a custom framing package, such as glass, mats, and mounting board.
Frame moulding made from a mixture of resin, wood flour, or other materials, often molded to mimic wood carvings at a lower cost.
An industrial production machine used by picture framers to cut mat boards quickly and accurately according to software inputs.
The scientific work of a conservator, often requiring a doctorate in chemistry and art history, in which artwork and historical objects threatened by decay are treated for longevity.
Acid-free paper used to seal the back of a frame, protecting the contents from dust, insects, and environmental contaminants.
A picture frame-grade acrylic that has the appearance of regular glass, but is lightweight and protects against the harmful fading effects of UV light.
Picture frame-grade glass that is coated to protect against the harmful fading effects of UV rays.
Methods, techniques, and best practices that support the principles of preservation, longevity, and reversibility in the framing of an object.
Materials that are suitable for conservation purposes.
Acrylic that offers the combined features of non-glare acrylic and Conservation Clear UV acrylic.
A scientist, often with a PhD, that incorporates chemistry and history to treat and repair artistic and historical objects for long-term preservation purposes.
Any design style that does not pre-date the current era.
Oval-shaped bubble glass that was made popular with oval portrait photography, when an egg-shaped relief surface was common in portrait photography.
An etched plate used for intaglio printing, in which chemical is applied to a sheet of copper in order to accept ink.
The legal ownership of a creative or intellectual work.
The center layers of a multi-layered sheet good.
A rigid bulletin board made with a layer of cork to allow pins to properly adhere.
A physical sample of a picture frame or mat board, which is made to mimic the corner of a picture frame.
A brand of co-polymer wood glue used to join mitered picture frame corners.
A brand of corrugated plastic cardboard used in museums as a final backing board within a frame.
A cardboard sheet that features a fluted core to improve shock absorbsion and add structural integrity to the sheet for packaging purposes.
A natural resource that is pH neutral and is an ideal material for mat board and other art materials that are in close proximity to original artwork.
A type of gloves used for art handling.
Short fibers from cotton seeds, used in the manufacture of high-quality, archival-grade paper and mat board.
Acid-free paper that was historically made of recycled cotton cloth, but today is simply any cotton-based paper.
Picture frames that feature down-to-earth design characteristics, from rustic styles, to shabby chic, to western burl or rugged cowboy aesthetics, etc.
Visible breakage in the continuity of a surface due to age, expansion and contraction, temperature, relative humidity, and other environmental factors.
Visible breaks in a surface coating or paint layer, often caused by aging, environmental stress, or improper materials.
A wooden support frame mounted to the back of a rigid art panel.
A rigid art panel featuring a wooden back support for strength.
A multi-purpose roll of paper often used to make a dust cover on the back of a picture frame.
A network of fine cracks in a paint or varnish layer, typically resulting from natural aging or fluctuating environmental conditions.
A line or mark cause by folding or wrinkling.
A cardboard and mat board manufacturer specializing in the picture framing industry.
A brand and type of mat board that is made from alpha-cellulose fibers, and neutralizing and buffered during the manufacturing process.
Handheld pliers that are used to crimp or indent a metal crimping sleeve onto wire, as an alternative to tying a knot.
A metal cylinder that gets pressed into a wire, to prevent the wire from slipping.
Markings that are used to indicate where a picture ought to be trimmed.
The removal of certain edges of an image, which may change the aspect ratio and size of the overall picture.
A brand of artist display sleeves that are prominent among artists at art fairs and art festivals.
A form of warping in which a laminated sheet good expands and contracts to a greater degree on the non-laminated side, causing the sheet to form a cup-like curvature.
Picture frame measurements that are determined according to the specific measurements of the item being framed.
A picture frame that is produced according to the size and specifications required by the art being framed, or according to the desires of the buyer.
The relentless execution of support services to accommodate the shopping needs of a customer, such as website navigation, imparting of knowledge, and technical support.
Separation in a surface caused by slicing with a blade or sharp object.
A self-healing tabletop work surface that is ideal for cutting graphic materials.
D
A strap hanger with a D-shaped ring, which is used to anchor wire from one side of a picture frame to the other side.
A one-hole strap hanger system that installs on both sides of a frame, in which picture frame wire gets tied from side to side.
The state of being slightly moist.
A brand of inert film similar to visqueen that is used to cover artwork for long-term storage.
The art treatment process of neutralizing acidic materials.
The natural uncut edges of handmade paper, or paper that has been torn for decorative purposes.
Pertaining to the enhancement of decor and interior spaces utilizing design elements, creativity, and personal taste.
Separation of a mounted or coated layer from its substrate.
A recess caused by pressure.
A moisture wicking substance used to prevent mold and mildew near artwork.
The disintegration of materials through the forces of entropy and time, especially due to environmental factors, handling, and the presence of volatile factors such as acid, mold, moisture, and UV rays.
A patented method of face-mounting photographs to acrylic, in which a liquid gel adhesive is used to eliminate bubbles during the mounting process.
An aluminum-clad mounting board featuring a plastic core and used for permanent mounting of artwork.
A digital filing system to store and preserve data, such as historical and artistic imagery.
Artwork that is produced in the digital realm, utilizing programmatic tools to achieve a final image.
A computer document that contains information such as photography and other imagery.
Any digital file that contains imagery such as photographs, fine art renderings, illustration, or graphic design.
A miniature crease in paper caused by lifting the paper surface in a way that achieves a cone-like shape in the surface, resulting in a crease at the end of the cone.
A document frame that offers classy aesthetic features, and often includes a secondary mat window to display a tassel, plaque, or secondary document.
A clear envelope used by artists to display matted prints of their artwork at art fairs and festivals.
A finishing technique to give the appearance of age, wear, and potential damage on a surface due to perceived handling or heavy use.
Acronym for Do It Yourself, which refers to completing a hands-on project rather than hiring out the task to a professional.
A self-directed approach to handy crafts and project completion that can improve cost savings and personal enjoyment.
A picture frame that is suitable for awards, certificates, newspaper clippings, letters, diplomas, and other documents due to either the size or matting.
See Stacked Frame
A mat border consisting of two layers, in which a top mat covers a majority of the second mat, and the reveal of the second mat is exposed to emphasize visual separation of the framing components from the picture.
An industrial-grade production saw used in the picture frame industry to cut picture frame moulding with precision.
Plastic biscuit hardware used for joining a mitered corner as part of a routed slot joinery system, especially for cabinets and picture frames.
A mitered corner joint that is routed to accept a butterfly-style plastic dovetail key or thumbnail biscuit, which pulls the two mitered rails together during the joinery process.
A handheld power tool featuring a drill bit to carve a hole in a substrate, also serving as a driver to drive screws when paired with driver bits.
A method of permanently mounting a picture without the use of liquid glue, instead utilizing heat or pressure-sensitive adhesive to mount a picture.
A brand of dry-mounting tissue and laminate adhesives.
A heavy, tightly woven cotton fabric used for painting surfaces; stronger and more durable than regular canvas.
Aggressive tape originally used for ductwork, but is common for general heavy-duty uses.
A paper cover that gets glued or taped to the back of a picture frame to cover the back and prevent insect infestations.
A digital printing process where dye is infused into materials (like metal or fabric) using heat, producing high-quality, vibrant, and durable images.
E
A picture frame backing that features an easel support for table top display purposes.
A picture frame support bar that attaches to the base of a picture frame for table top display purposes.
A piece of hardware that gets installed on a small wall picture frame in order to convert it to a table-top picture frame.
A window opening method where the mat slightly overlaps the artwork, typically by 1/8", to help contain the art in its intended position.
A set number of identical prints made from a single artwork, often signed and numbered by the artist (e.g., 5/50).
A hygroscopic, natural, reversible high-tack adhesive used for specialty art hinging applications such as conservation work, gilding restoration, and baroque-era furniture-making.
The full array of radiation caused by electromagnetic fields, including visible light.
Hand-applied texture or detail added to a print (often canvas) after printing, enhancing its appearance and simulating original brushwork.
A raised or recessed design on paper or matboard created by pressing with a patterned die. Often used for decorative or branding purposes in framing.
A three-dimensional decorative element added to a frame's surface, usually molded or pressed, to enhance visual detail.
The process of pressing flat material against an inverted three-dimensional pattern to create decorative relief in the material.
A small sanding block used for precision sanding along an edge.
A glossy or matte finish coating used on frames, often made from powdered glass fused to metal or a resin-based paint, providing a hard, durable surface.
A painting made of wax, pigment, and often other mediums.
A beeswax and resin medium used for fine art painting and ancient ship-building, which involves heating the medium during the application process.
A printmaking technique in which lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Engravings are often highly detailed and valued in fine art framing.
A measure of disorder in the breakdown and degradation of art materials over time.
Printed materials (like tickets, postcards, letters) originally meant for short-term use but now preserved or framed for historical or sentimental value.
A high-solids resin made of 2-parts, resin and hardener, in which a finish coat is achieved through chemical reaction rather than evaporation.
The capacity for a medium to be removed from a substrate.
A printmaking process where acid is used to bite into a metal plate's surface, creating lines that hold ink. Etchings are commonly matted and framed for display.
A specific UV-filtering acrylic glazing material that offers 98% UV protection and is optically clear, used to protect framed artwork from fading and light damage.
Aluminum that has been forced through a die shaper to produce a stick of moulding according to a profile shape.
F
A frame covered in fabric (such as linen or silk), used to give a softer, textured appearance, often in high-end or classic designs.
A fabric-covered insert placed between the artwork and the frame to add visual separation and texture. Common in traditional and oil painting presentations.
A mat board featuring fabric across the surface, either as a custom fabric wrap or as a fabric-mounted mat in which the fabric gets cut with the cutting of the mat window.
A mounting method in which the front surface of a digital print is laminated to the back of a piece of acrylic using ultra-clear adhesive, causing the acrylic to become a permanent protective glazing.
A characteristic of materials (inks, papers, mats, glazing) designed to resist color fading over time when exposed to light.
The process in which color disappears over time according to lightfastness and environmental factors.
Any hardware (e.g., screws, clips, nails) used to secure framing components like backing boards, glazing, or hanging systems.
Pads made of felt that stick to the back corners of a picture frame to protect from scuffing the wall.
Small adhesive pads placed on the bottom corners of frames to protect walls and surfaces from scratches or marks.
A composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers (like fiberglass), used in durable or lightweight frame mouldings.
The type of digital file used for storing image data (e.g., JPG, TIFF, PNG); important in fine art printing for quality and compatibility.
A board placed behind the artwork and mat inside the frame to fill extra space and help secure components. Often foam board or cardboard.
A decorative wood strip that is finished for decorative purposes to enhance a picture frame, and surrounds a picture, either along the inside window of a mat, or along the inside edge of a picture frame.
A specialized cutting tool used to precisely cut fillets (small decorative frame inserts) to size and angle for fitting into mats or frames.
A small, often decorative moulding placed inside the mat opening or between the artwork and mat to add detail and visual separation.
The exact dimensions of the inner opening of a mat where the fillet will be placed, accounting for overlap and spacing.
Visual or multisensory works intentionally created by an artist to express aesthetic, emotional, or conceptual ideas, often inviting reflection or interpretation.
High-quality, archival-grade paper made from cotton or alpha cellulose, used for art prints and reproductions due to its texture, durability, and longevity.
A handmade or small-batch print that is produced by an artist using fine art principles; also, an art reproduction
The process of producing high-resolution, museum-quality prints using archival inks and papers. Often includes giclee printing for accurate color and detail.
A detailed and color-accurate copy of an original artwork, typically printed on canvas or fine art paper for display or sale.
A wood joinery technique extend the length of wood, in which a zig-zag shape is carved with a router onto the ends of two smaller wood lengths, then glued together to achieve a longer length.
The surface treatment applied to a frame or artwork (e.g., gloss, matte, satin, distressed) that affects its appearance and texture.
A small nail with a narrow head used in frame construction or joining; designed to be minimally visible or concealed after insertion.
The process of installing artwork into a frame and preparing the frame for hanging on a wall.
Extreme cracking in which surface fragments lift away from the substrate.
A filing cabinet for loose paper-based artwork.
A basic tool with a flat, wedge-shaped tip used to drive or remove slotted screws during frame assembly or hanging hardware installation.
A moulding profile that is rectangular and flat across its face.
Metal picture frames that are flat across the face, in contrast to rounded frames.
A brand of rigid tabs that secure artwork in a frame.
A brand of picture framing equipment.
Thin metal or plastic tabs used to hold artwork, mats, and backing in place inside a frame. These tabs can be bent up and reused for easy frame changes.
In framing, this can refer to either a floating mount or a floater frame that gives the appearance of the artwork "floating" within or above the frame.
A presentation method where the artwork is mounted so its edges are visible and it appears to "float" above the backing or inside the frame. Often used for works on paper or canvas.
A mounting technique in which artwork appears to be floating in the frame.
Specialized metal mouldings designed to create a floating effect around canvas or mounted artworks. The art is attached from the back, with a visible gap between the art and frame edge.
An art frame that does not feature a front lip, but rather, attaches to the back of a stretched canvas painting by way of a bottom flange, in which the side wall of the frame protrudes beyond the surface of the painting.
The visible gap area around the artwork within a floater frame, typically a small gap (1/8-1/4) that creates the floating illusion.
A framing technique where the artwork is elevated or separated from the background or mat, often using hidden supports, to give it dimension or visual emphasis.
A style of picture frame hook that features a decorative brass finish and multiple nails for hanging art on a drywall substrate.
A lightweight, rigid board with a foam core between paper layers, used as a mounting surface or backing board in framing. Available in acid-free, archival versions.
A rigid sheet used for mounting or backing board, consisting of inert foam that is laminated with paper on both sides.
A foam core riser that is placed behind artwork or behind a mat border to create a lifted shadow effect.
A metallic finish that is mechanically pressed onto the surface of a picture frame moulding during the manufacturing process.
A manufacturer of high-end picture frame mouldings.
Brown spots in a surface caused by age, acid, chemical reaction, and other environmental factors.
The wiggle room added to a frame to account for sizing variables that are inherent in art and assembly processes.
The process of joining frame components, inserting artwork, matting, glazing, and securing all parts to create a complete, ready-to-display frame.
Refers to the pre-cut moulding lengths (typically mitred at 45 degree angles) ordered for frame construction, ready to be joined.
The individual parts that make up a frame package: moulding, glazing, matting, artwork, backing, and hardware.
The measurements of the frame, including overall outer size, rabbet depth, and the frame's window or opening size.
Also known as frame depth; the distance from the front face of the frame to the back, indicating how much thickness it can hold.
Small, flat inserts (often wooden or plastic) used to align and reinforce the joints of a wooden frame during assembly.
An inner frame - often fabric-covered - placed inside the outer frame to visually separate the artwork, commonly used in traditional or oil painting presentations.
The shape and cross-section of a frame moulding, determining its contour, depth, and decorative features.
A specific framing job or plan, typically including the artwork, selected materials (mat, frame, glazing), and design choices to complete a custom or standard frame.
Lengths of picture frame moulding that have been cut to size with miters and are ready to be joined.
A retail or studio space where picture framing services are offered, including custom framing, material selection, repairs, and fine art mounting.
The outer dimensions of the frame (length x width), typically measured in inches or centimeters, not to be confused with the opening or artwork size.
The size of the visible opening inside the mat or frame where the artwork shows through. It's usually slightly smaller than the artwork to hold it in place.
A display method where the artwork is presented without a traditional outer frame - common in canvas wraps, acrylic face mounts, or clip frames.
A frame or display that can stand on its own without being hung, often used for tabletop picture frames or signage.
A sturdy bar for hanging a heavy framed object, traditionally made of wood, that features a beveled bottom, which attaches to the back of a frame and uses gravity to lock into an accompanying bar that is mounted to a vertical wall.
A decorative matting style featuring hand-drawn lines (wash lines) and color panels, often with watercolor or ink, to enhance the artwork's presentation.
A dark, high-gloss furniture finish that requires an elaborate finishing technique.
A brand of masking tape known for light tack and crisp edges, ideal for graphic arts usage.
A mirror with the reflective coating on the front side of the glass, eliminating double reflection and ghosting - used in optical applications and some artwork displays.
Pigments or inks that are not lightfast and will fade over time when exposed to light, especially UV. Not suitable for archival framing.
A printed image with ink extending to all the edges of the substrate.
A software program used by picture framing professionals to price out custom picture framing orders and invoices according to a multitude of sizes, components, and other variables.
A stick of picture frame moulding that that is usually 8 to 10 feet long and has not been cut or used.
G
A style of canvas stretching in which a canvas is wrapped around a thick stretcher bar, and then stapled from the back so that staples are not visible on the sidewalls.
Wire that has been coated in a galvanizing agent such as zinc, to prevent oxidation and rust.
A highly rigid foam core ideal for mounting large pictures that may otherwise be susceptible to cupping.
A medium with high viscosity that can be mixed with other painting mediums, or used as a top-coat over canvas prints to mimic real brush strokes.
A natural binder used in photographic paper emulsions. Gelatin-based prints require careful handling and conservation framing to avoid moisture damage.
A primer compound used for preparing canvas, gilding, and wood mouldings, that features pH-neutralizing ingredients such as calcium carbonate.
A fancy French term for high-quality inkjet print.
An inkjet print from a high-quality large format inkjet printer.
Picture frames that feature metallic foil finishes such as gold or silver.
The practice and application of gold leaf or other metal leaf onto a substrate.
A wax-based paste that features metallic colors, used to touchup, repair, or refinish a metallic wood picture frame.
Unwanted reflection or brightness on glazing (glass or acrylic) that obscures the artwork. Anti-reflective or museum glass can reduce glare.
A clear glazed sheet that protects artwork from exposure to environmental factors such as dust, soil, moisture, and in some cases, UV rays.
A cleaning solution that is ideal for cleaning both glass and acrylic, provided that the solution is ammonia-free.
A scoring tool used to scratch a straight line in glass, for the purpose of breaking the glass in a straight line.
A frosted or chemically treated finish on glass that diffuses light and reduces glare. May be decorative or functional in framing.
A photographic plate used prior to the invention of film, in which light-sensitive emulsion was applied to the glass for image capturing purposes.
A tubular plastic strip that tucks under the lip of a picture frame, resting between glazing and backing board, in order to create three dimensional space for an art object.
A thin smooth paper used as a protective layer in the storage of paper-based artwork, in which the paper layer comes in direct contact with the art surface.
Old fashioned hardware to secure glass in a window, and used for picture framing when no better solution is available.
A clear sheet of glass or acrylic that protects the surface of artwork from a variety of environmental threats.
A bonding agent that is applied in liquid or gel-form, and cures, dries, or hardens after it is applied.
An extremely thin sheet of gold that is applied to a prepared substrate such as a picture frame, artwork, or manuscript.
A ratio commonly found in nature, with a relationship of 1.618 to 1, and used in art compositions, especially during the Rennaisance.
A picture frame hook that is often provided complementary by a local custom picture frame shop.
A pigment-based paint similar to watercolor, but more opaque and often featuring filler material such as chalk to increase coverage opacity.
A drawing medium used in pencils to produce metallic gray markings
A retail display system often utilized by artists selling their work from a booth at an art festival.
Display panels used for showcasing products in a retail setting, and often used by artists selling artwork at a booth during art festivals and fairs.
H
A handheld pounding tool used for driving nails into a substrate.
A handheld tool used to puncture holes into a laminate surface to remove air bubbles caused by the lamination process.
Refers to products that are produced individually by an artisan.
Any hardware used for the purpose of hanging or installing artwork onto a vertical wall.
Hardware intended for hanging a framed piece of artwork on a wall.
A shipping crate made of hard, durable materials such as plywood.
A dense and rigid fiber board sheet made of pressed and compacted wood fibers, ideal for art panel painting.
Metal supplies that are used to complete the function of a picture frame.
Wood from deciduous trees that lose their leaves seasonally and tend to produce dense wood due to slow growth.
A machine that uses heat as an element while pressing or laminating materials together, such as a vacuum heat press or hot roller press.
A species of soft wood that is similar to pine.
An old-fashioned glue made from animal skins, that was historically used in the preparation of canvas and also for woodworking purposes such as violin-making.
A digital image file with a large number of pixels (typically 300+ DPI at print size), suitable for producing sharp, detailed prints for fine art reproduction.
An image with sufficient detail and clarity for large-scale or high-quality prints, often used in fine art printing and archival reproduction.
An art capture technique in which a digital file is produced with an extreme amount of detail, based on the number of pixels created during the scan.
Multiple tabletop picture frames that are attached with hinging hardware.
Archival paper or fabric strips used to attach artwork to a backing board or mat, allowing for secure but reversible mounting without adhesives touching the art.
The process of attaching paper-based artwork to a mounting board using hinges made of rice paper, pH-neutral paper, linen tape, or p90 acid-free tape.
Acid-free tape, either pressure-sensitive or water-activated gummed tape, that is used to make T-hinges, S-Hinges, and other types of attachments to paper artwork.
Hardware that gets attached to a wall and holds a picture frame from a wire.
The term for a Velcro-style attachment system, in which one piece features a multitude of miniature hooks, and the other piece features loops that cling to the hooks.
A lamination method that utilizes heat to activate adhesive during a pressing, such as dry mounting with a vacuum heat press or hot roller press.
A smooth watercolor paper that is pressed through hot rollers during the manufacturing process, to achieve a smooth, dense surface texture.
The relationship of a color in context to related color families, such as red, blue, yellow, green, violet, and orange.
A shipping box that is reinforced with hard, durable materials to strengthen the box.
The capacity for materials to absorb moisture from their surrounding environment; also, a characteristic of reversible conservation-grade glues such as wheat paste.
I
The process of photographing or scanning artwork for reproduction purposes, often involving elaborate color-correction techniques to ensure color accuracy in the subsequent digital printing process.
The actual width and height of a visual image, regardless of the width and height of the material the image is on.
A physical impression or depression in paper or board, often caused by mishandling or poor-quality mounting; can reduce artwork value or presentation quality.
Radiation close to the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic light spectrum, which causes art to fade.
Canvas fabric that has been specially-coated and prepared for fine art printing.
A digital printing process in which ink is sprayed onto a substrate at very close range.
A frame design that incorporates different materials, finishes, or wood types inserted into the moulding to create a decorative inlay effect.
A decorative technique in which contrasting materials are set into the surface of a frame or mat for visual interest or accent.
A second mat layered beneath the top mat to create a color border (or reveal), adding depth and visual separation between the art and frame.
J
Traditional handmade paper known for its strength, light weight, and use in conservation. Often used for hinging due to its long fibers and pH neutrality.
A deep shadow box frame designed to contain, display, and float a sports jersey in front of a mat board or backing board, with shadow box walls along the inside perimeter of the frame, to separate the glass from the jersey.
A tool used to hold materials in position during a production process.
The method by which frame corners are connected, such as miter joints, dovetail joints, or in the case of metal frames, tapped L-corners.
The process of assembling frame moulding sections at their mitred corners (typically at 45 degree angles) using glue, nails, or hardware to form a complete frame.
A digital file type commonly used to store image data.
K
A filler ingredient used in coatings and cosmetics, that is also used in the buffering process to coat foam core and mat board for neutralizing and smoothing purposes.
A decorative mat opening shaped like a keystone (wider at the top than the bottom), often used for certificates or artistic presentation.
A natural characteristic in wood, in which the growth of limbs and branches in a tree result in rustic variations in the finish of natural wood products.
A durable brown paper used to seal the back of a frame. It protects from dust and debris while giving the frame a professional, finished appearance.
L
The profile shape of a canvas floater frame, in which the bottom of the L rests behind the canvas, and the side of the L is parallel with the side wall of the canvas.
A non-invasive method of attaching needlework to a substrate, involving a network of threads across the back side of a substrate.
A clear or tinted protective coating applied to frame mouldings to enhance appearance and durability with a glossy or matte finish.
A durable finish layer that gets pressed onto a substrate.
The process of permanently bonding multiple layers of material together, such as mounting a protective sheet to the surface of a poster.
A painting or photograph depicting a natural environment across a vast horizon.
Artwork or frames that are wider than they are tall.
A basic woodworking joint where two pieces overlap one another. In framing, it may be used in constructing basic or rustic-style frames.
Frames constructed using lap joints instead of mitred corners. These have a more straightforward, overlapping look, often for utilitarian or rustic styles.
Visible lines or seams in a frame's finish where materials or coatings overlap. Usually considered flaws unless part of a deliberate design.
An international moulding manufacturer that caters to the picture framing industry.
The process by which acidic materials from backing or matting migrate into the artwork, causing discoloration or damage. See also Acid Migration.
A brand of wood finish, including gilt cream.
A brand of custom picture framing software used by local picture framers.
When parts of a print or mounted artwork separate or peel away from the surface or backing, often due to adhesive failure or humidity.
The naturally-occuring complex polymer found in the cellular structure of wood, which binds and hardens wood grain and releases acid as it deteriorates.
Materials that have had lignin (a natural substance in wood pulp) removed. Lignin causes paper to yellow over time, so lignin-free products are preferred for archival framing.
A finite number of prints produced from an original artwork, often signed and numbered by the artist (e.g., 15/100). Limited editions can have collectible value.
A canvas reproduction of an original artwork, produced in a fixed, numbered edition. Often enhanced with embellishments and artist signatures.
A fine art print that has been signed and numbered by the artist to ensure a limited supply and regulate monetary value.
Fabric cloth made from finely woven fibers of the flax plant or similar plants.
Finely woven fabric cloth made of flax fibers; also, cotton canvas that has an appearance similar to flax.
A decorative border, stacked between a canvas painting and it's frame, which features linen canvas over a wooden substrate.
Art hinging tape made from cloth for heavier duty applications.
A wooden moulding wrapped in linen fabric and stacked inside a wood picture frame, used as matting around a stretched canvas painting while maintaining structural needs within the frame.
A flange on the inside frontal section of a picture frame moulding, in which art materials rest in the frame.
A type of fine art print or poster that utilizes a stone or etched metal plate during the printing process; see also Offset Lithography.
A painting or print on canvas that is not stretched on a stretcher bar, and thus, is not prepared to be framed in a stretched manner.
M
A species of hardwood featuring a reddish-brown color; also, a description of frames in the mahogany color family.
A product ordering system that involves shipping products through the mail.
A light natural hardwood known for various grain patterns including birdseye maple; also a color description for finishes that resemble maple.
A tool that marks a surface with ink, pigment, or other mediums.
A multipurpose tape intended to cover and mask an area during painting.
A flat visual border separating a frame from the artwork within, made of cotton or alpha-cellulose paper.
A mat board that is cut to a custom size, but without a window opening, so that artwork may float on top of the mat rather than be covered along the edges.
A rigid sheet of paper or cotton rag used as a border to surround artwork in a frame, providing spacing and aesthetic appeal.
The surface color of a matboard, chosen to complement the artwork and frame. Available in a wide range of tones and textures.
A tool used to cut precise openings in matboard, often with a 45 degree bevel. Available in handheld, tabletop, or professional models.
The cut-out window in the mat through which the artwork is viewed. It's usually slightly smaller than the artwork to hold it in place.
The portion of an inner (or bottom) mat that's visible beneath the top mat, usually 1/8" to 1/4", adding color and depth to the presentation.
A small swatch of matboard used to preview color and texture before final selection. Helpful in matching with the artwork and frame.
Another term for mat opening; the area cut out of the matboard that displays the artwork.
The exact dimensions of the mat's cut-out window. It's usually slightly smaller than the artwork size to allow for overlap and secure positioning.
Smooth, rigid particle board made of fine wood fibers, which is not as dense as hardboard, but is relatively dense.
Ultra-thin archival tape designed to repair tears in paper-based artwork and documents.
See Mending Tape
A picture frame that features moulding made from extruded aluminum.
A digitally-produced art print that has been printed from a flatbed printer onto a sheet of metal.
A measuring system that is not commonly used in the United States, especially for picture frame measurements.
An enclosed chamber created when sealing materials together, potentially trapping moisture, VOCs, and other contaminants within the enclosure.
A soft, lint-free synthetic cloth used to safely clean glass, acrylic, and delicate surfaces without scratching or leaving residue.
A form of fungus that grows in humid environments, appearing as a powdery or fuzzy film. It can damage artwork, mats, and backing materials.
A brand of adhesive.
A canvas printing method in which the front edge of an image is printed in reverse where the canvas wraps around a stretcher bar support.
An angle cut in two lengths of material, in which the two angled lengths are joined to establish a corner.
A corner joinery style in which two frame rails are cut at 45 degree angles, to form a 90 degree corner.
A radial saw designed to cut lengths of material at an angle.
A joinery clamp featuring a 90-degree angle, for attaching mitered corners together.
Artwork that utilizes a multitude of mediums to achieve the final art image or surface.
Design styles made popular at the turn of the 20th century and after.
Fungi growth that produces enymes that dissolve or degrade the host material.
The material (wood, metal, plastic, or composite) used to make the outer frame. It comes in various profiles, finishes, and widths to suit different artworks and styles.
A conservation tool or material that captures and neutralizes airborne pollutants (such as acids or ozone) inside a sealed frame to protect sensitive artwork.
The process of correcting the visual appearance of colors on a computer screen to more closely match the true color of an image.
A non-electric guillotine-style cutting system for cutting miters in picture frame moulding.
A wood joinery style that is commonly used in the making of quality furniture such as dining room tables.
The structural component of a picture frame that is cut and joined to produce the frame and hold contents such as a picture, mats, glass, and backing board.
The 2-dimensional shape of a picture frame moulding when viewed directly at the end of the moulding stick.
The process of attaching artwork to a substrate, whether permanently or through reversible methods.
A rigid sheet of material used for mounting artwork.
A triangular pocket made of Mylar or pH-neutral paper, to secure each corner of a piece of paper artwork to a mounting board.
A strip of archival-safe material used to mount artwork to a backing board without applying adhesive directly to the art. Often used in conservation framing.
A type of pH-neutral paper, handmade from a flowering plant, and used for conservation-grade art hinging.
See Collage Mat
Mat board that is conservation grade and made of cotton.
Anti-reflective glass that may appear invisible from certain angles, that also features UV protection to slow the process of fading and preserve artwork.
A brand of plastic film that is ultra clear and used to protect art in various ways, including mounting corners, display sleeves, and protective layers for art storage.
A flexible plastic corner pocket designed to hold each corner of a piece of paper-based artwork.
N
A waxy filler used to camouflage mitered seams in a picture frame.
Small holes left by brad nails in a frame joined with an old-fashioned brad-nailing technique.
A relatively mild, fast-drying chemical used to disintegrate adhesives and clean non-porous surfaces.
Textile artwork made at the hands of a needle and thread.
Any textile art produced with a needle and threads.
Visual areas within an art composition that separate focal points and prominent areas.
To adjust the pH level of art materials so that they are not acidic.
A brand of extruded aluminum picture frames.
An international picture frame manufacturer and supply company, specializing in extruded aluminum picture frame mouldings.
A type of disposable gloves used for art handling as a non-allergenic alternative to latex gloves.
Glass featuring a slightly frosted matte finish that scatters light to minimize distracting reflections and softening the aesthetics of the imagery it protects.
Acrylic featuring a slightly frosted matte finish that scatters light to minimize distracting reflections and softening the aesthetics of the imagery it protects.
Art mounting methods and techniques that are reversible and don't threaten to harm the artwork.
Acid-free wet adhesive used for mounting and scrapbooking, similar to YES! Paste.
O
A species of hardwood known for it's durability and distinct wood grain.
The emissions or escape of volatile organic coumpounds caused by the degradation of artwork due
Hardware that is either proud or shy of a flat plane, in order to secure art into a frame according to the art's thickness.
Metal brackets used to secure artwork in a frame in which the art and frame are different thicknesses.
An industrial lithographic printing process used for mass-production of books, newspapers, magazines, posters, and marketing material.
Gilding that features oil-based size for quick adhesion and application, in contrast to traditional water-gilding, which involves a more elaborate application technique utilizing bole clay.
A paint coating made of oil and pigment.
A preparatory layer applied to a canvas or surface before painting with oil paints. It creates a suitable surface for paint adhesion and long-term preservation.
A moulding manufacturer that also produces closed-corner plein air frames in readymade sizes.
A type of hardware used on the back of frames for hanging. It has one mounting hole and a metal strap with a loop or slot for hanging wire or hooks.
A print that is not limited in number or signed/numbered by the artist. These are mass-produced and typically more affordable than limited editions.
A decorative cut into the surface of a matboard forming a "V" shape, with the core exposed. An open V-groove means the line is not connected to a mat opening.
The measured size of the visible window in the mat or frame through which the artwork is seen. It's often slightly smaller than the artwork to ensure overlap.
Chemical compounds added to some papers or matboards to make them appear whiter by absorbing UV light and re-emitting it as blue light. Not recommended for archival use.
A brand of ultra-clear acrylic engineered to be practically invisible from most angles.
A high-end museum quality picture frame-grade acrylic that is practically invisible from most angles, and features anti-static, scratch-resistant, and UV-protective characteristics.
Unique artwork produced by an artist that is not a reproduction.
Paintings that were uniquely painted at the hands of an artist, utilizing oil paint as the medium.
Decorative elements that are used to enhance or convey a style of artwork.
Possessing the characteristics of decorative ornamentation.
Any parallelogram in which the corners are not perfect 90 degree angles, or rather, the diagonal measurements of the parallelogram do not match.
The width and height dimensions of a frame along it's outer perimeter's edge.
Readymade frames that are made in the shape of an oval, mostly to accommodate old-fashioned oval portraiture.
A mat border inside of a picture frame that features a window opening that has been cut in an oval shape.
The edge coverage of a mat or frame lip over a piece of artwork.
A mat board featuring a window opening, in which artwork is positioned and displayed behind the mat, exposing only what can be seen visually through the window.
The effects of oxygen on an element over time, such as rust on metal.
P
A brand of pressure-sensitive acid-free art hinging tape.
Any fine art medium that incorporates pigment with binders to achieve a coating for an art surface.
Screws that feature a convex rounded head, in which the head sits proud of the substrate.
A landscape photograph or painting that spans a large width distance to emphasize the vastness of imagery along a horizon.
A floater frame that is specifically designed to accommodate thin art panels and canvas board paintings.
A standardized color matching system (by Pantone) used to ensure color consistency across different materials and production methods, including mats and prints.
Specific, numbered colors defined by the Pantone Matching System (PMS), commonly used in design, printing, and frame material color coordination.
A thin, soft, foldable sheet often made of wood pulp, cotton, or recycled materials, and used for writing, drawing, marking, and printing.
An art print that is reproduced onto paper.
Archival strips of Japanese or acid-free paper used to mount artwork to a backing board. They are applied with reversible adhesives and allow for safe removal.
Mat boards made of wood pulp fibers that do not meet conservation standards.
The raw material used in making paper and matboard, typically derived from wood or cotton. Archival products use purified pulp free of acids and lignin.
The physical dimensions of a sheet of paper. Common sizes include 8.5" x 11", 11" x 14", A4, and others used in printing, mounting, and framing.
Weights that are padded and designed to hold paper artwork in position on a table while designing a custom frame package.
An ancient type of handmade paper.
A method of sandwiching pastel artwork directly between museum glass and backing board; also, a French term for a mat.
The buttery state of certain mediums that are thicker than liquid, but lack hardness.
A heavily-pigmented medium that is used with little or no binder, and applied directly to a surface with marking actions rather than strokes of a brush.
Coarse paper that is engineered to accept pastel pigment.
A finish on metal surfaces that is caused by oxidation, weather exposure, or chemical reaction.
A digital file type commonly used for documents.
A piece of gallery furniture designed to elevate and showcase important three-dimensional objects such as sculptural artwork and historical artifacts.
A rigid hard board sheet featuring holes that are designed to hold handheld tool containers in a work area.
A marking tool used for writing and drawing, often consisting of hard graphite medium injected into a wooden casing.
Any mounting method that utilizes permanent, irreversible lamination processes to bond a piece of artwork to a substrate.
A brand of archival mat board.
A metallic gray color that is similar to silver, but darker and less reflective.
p
A measurement scale from 1 to 14 of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral and safe for art.
P
A screwdriver with a cross-shaped tip, designed to drive Phillips screws into a substrate such as wood.
An image initially captured by a camera device.
A standardized test that determines whether materials (like adhesives, papers, plastics) are safe to use in photographic and archival framing.
A process of engraving or etching a photograph onto a substrate, such as acrylic, aluminum, or wood.
An image captured by a camera device, in which light enters the device at a certain rate and duration, producing an image according to the exposure to light.
A software program used by graphic artists to manipulate images for visual communication, including for art, photography, marketing, and general business or hobby needs.
A durable, decorative container for the visual display and protection of a picture, photo, artwork, or document.
The overall size of materials that will fit properly inside of any given picture frame.
A software program used by picture framing professionals to price out custom picture framing orders and invoices according to a multitude of sizes, components, and other variables.
Refers to either the hanging hardware on the back of a picture frame, such as D-rings and wire, or to the hardware that attaches to a wall, such as picture hooks.
A piece of hardware that gets nailed to a wall so that framed art may hang from the hook.
A light fixture dedicated to the lighting of a framed piece of artwork.
A light fixture dedicated to the lighting of a framed piece of artwork.
A method of attaching needlework to a substrate using metal pins along the perimeter of the substrate.
A species of softwood common in the United States.
A manufacturer of picture frame-grade production miter saws.
Digitally-produced dots on a computer screen that produce an image when combined with other pixels.
The visual effect of having too few pixels in a digital file, in which an image may appear grainy or low quality.
A decorative metal plate featuring custom-engraved words for the purpose of conveying supplemental information in a picture frame.
A spacer that attaches to the perimeter of a piece of glass, to separate glass from the surface of a framed piece of artwork.
Plastic hardware pieces used to hang lightweight frames. They attach to the back of the frame and include slots or holes for wall mounting.
The physical impression caused when a printing plate is pressed hard into a piece of paper during the printing process.
A genre of painting that involves painting on location in a natural outdoor setting.
A wide gallery-style picture frame that is popular among plein air painters, often featuring finished seams in the mitered corners, and available in gold, silver, or black.
A common variation on the Plexiglas brand name, which manufactures picture frame-grade clear acrylic.
A brand of acrylic used as a glass alternative that is lightweight and shatter-resistant, often preferred in public settings.
A hand tool used to grip and manipulate small hardware.
Layers of material that are laminated together to achieve an overall thickness, such as 4-ply mat board, or plywood.
Pertaining to tools and equipment that utilize pressurized air to properly function.
Handheld tools and devices that require forced air pressure as a means to function.
A framing tool that uses air pressure to shoot points or tabs into a picture frame to hold its contents.
A framing tool that shoots points or tabs into a picture frame, whether pneumatic or spring-activated.
A tool that shoots points or tabs into the sidewall of a frame to secure all materials inside the frame.
Metal tabs that puncture the inside wall of a picture frame and hold the contents of a picture frame in place.
A durable plastic material used in some frame mouldings and artwork coatings. It is strong, glossy, and resistant to heat and impact, though not always archival.
A lightweight, durable plastic used in some storage sleeves, backing materials, and packaging. Archival-grade PP is inert and safe for artwork preservation.
A cheap plastic foam material used by manufacturers to produce low-grade moulding that is prone to warping, shrinkage, weak miter joints, and produces micro-plastics and emits harmful chemicals during the cutting and joinery process.
A rigid plastic sheet used as an economical glazing alternative to glass. It's lightweight and shatter-resistant but can scratch easily and may not be archival.
A synthetic resin used as a clear protective finish on wood frames or artwork surfaces. It provides durability and water resistance.
A type of white glue commonly used in framing. Archival-quality PVA is acid-free, flexible, and reversible, making it suitable for conservation mounting.
A species of hardwood that is softer than other hardwoods, more economical, and ideal as a painted or otherwise coated substrate.
A photographic or fine art rendering of a person, especially their head and shoulders.
Artwork that taller than it is wide.
The visual areas of a composition in which focal emphasis is intended.
Poster
A print that graphically incorporates words and images to communicate a message; often utilizing offset lithography for mass production, or screen-printing for fine art posters.
A picture frame that is suited for a poster, oftentimes featuring acrylic glass, foam core backing, and no mat.
See Conservation Framing
A mounting method using adhesive materials that bond with pressure rather than heat or moisture. Can be permanent or repositionable depending on the product.
Tape that adheres with pressure, without the need for heat or solvents. In framing, only archival versions (acid-free and reversible) should be used near artwork.
A proactive approach to framing and displaying artwork that focuses on minimizing deterioration through environmental control, proper materials, and protective enclosures.
The base colors (red, yellow, blue) from which all other colors can be mixed. Understanding color theory helps in selecting mats and frames that complement the artwork.
Canvas that has been pre-coated with gesso or another primer to prepare the surface for painting. Available in acrylic- or oil-primed varieties.
A coating that is applied to a substrate to seal and prepare the surface for paint.
The act of coating a surface in preparation for paint.
An image produced as a result of transfering ink or pigment from a pressed plate or digital printer.
The size or scale that a digital image file is printed at, regardless of the paper or canvas size, which could be larger than the print area.
A professional service that combines the printing of artwork, followed by framing it
The two dimensional shape of a frame moulding when viewed from the end of the moulding stick.
The front side of a picture frame moulding when viewing the frame's profile directly head on.
The width of a picture frame's moulding profile when viewing it head on.
Any webpage at WebPictureFrames.com that reads "Customize Your Design", in which a framing package may be configured.
A printed sample of a digital file, to prove how digital colors will translate to ink and paper.
A printed sheet showing a series of image thumbnails or print proofs used to check color accuracy, layout, and quality before final printing.
The aspect ratio, or rather, the relationship of width to height that determines a rectangular shape, regardless of scale.
A pliable substance used to fill imperfections in a finished wood surface such as nail holes and seams.
A picture frame that consists of components that are suitable for framing a two-dimensional puzzle made of a multitude of pieces.
Adhesive glue made of polyvinyl acetate and used for wet-mounting paper products and other porous materials.
A rigid poly-vinyl plastic sheet used for printing and mounting.
Q
Any feather of a bird used as a traditional pen-and-ink writing instrument.
A set of four sheets of paper or parchment, folded in half to make eight leaves of a traditional manuscript.
R
The material that has been removed in the shaping of a moulding, in order to produce a lip in a frame, thereby establishing space for art materials to be held within the frame.
The total thickness behind the lip of a picture frame.
A traditional adhesive and sizing used in the preparation of canvas artwork, especially prior to the Modern era.
A rigid mat board made of cotton.
An acid-free archival mat board made of cotton fibers, ideal for preservation framing and museum settings, that was historically made of recycled cotton cloth.
A brass hook that attaches a picture frame wire to a ceiling rail system, to eliminate the need for hooks in a wall, which could damage the wall.
An economical wood species commonly found in Southeast Asia and used in the picture framing industry to manufacture moulding.
A thin blade that attaches to a utility knife for the purpose of cutting, which is replaceable and gets discarded after it becomes dull.
A picture frame that has been produced at a standard size, prior to purchase.
A standard-sized pack of 500 sheets of office paper.
A square knot used for tying a rope securely around an object and then to itself.
Glass featuring a slightly frosted matte finish that scatters light to minimize distracting reflections and softening the aesthetics of the imagery it protects.
Markings that are used for aligning multiple layers of art accurately during an overlay or production process.
A glazing that is comparable to regular glass but is lighter weight and shatter resistant.
A rigid foam-core board that is buffered with kaolin clay for smoothness, but is not designated acid-free.
An economy mat board that is not acid-free.
The amount of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount of moisture that can remain in the air at a given temperature.
A removable overlay sheet that resists adhesion, for the purpose of protecting a surface while mounting or laminating.
A removable paper applied to sticky surfaces to protect their tacky qualities prior to use.
A glossy or matte synthetic layer applied to artwork or photo paper for protection and enhanced appearance. Common in photo printing and canvas finishes.
The clarity level of a digital image file, often measured in dots-per-inch (dpi)
The simple practice of cleaning up an old painting or photograph, which is often confused with the more academic and professional work of conservation.
The amount of visual exposure given to a component within a framing package.
A mat window opening that is cut in reverse in order to hide the core of the mat in the final presentation.
A tenet of preservation framing, in which an art treatment methodology can be reversed without damaging the art.
Mounting techniques that are not permanent and are capable of being undone without damage.
A digital workspace profile on a computer monitor that utilizes a color gamut consisting of red, green, and blue light.
Picture frame moulding that features a fluted pattern with repeating ridges.
A natural pH-neutral acid-free paper used for conservation-grade art hinging, as well as corner pockets to hold paper-based artwork to a backing board.
A backing board that is rigid.
Hardware tabs that gets shot into the interior sidewalls of a picture frame to secure materials into a picture frame.
A block of material used to raise or elevate an art object in a floating frame or in a display case.
A brand of speck-free museum-grade cotton rag mat board.
A press used for laminating artwork to a substrate with pressure-sensitive adhesive.
A moulding manufacturer based in Italy.
A picture frame featuring a decorative relief that mimics the pattern of braided rope.
Aluminum picture frames that feature a rounded face, often used to frame posters.
Frames with curved or arched shapes instead of traditional rectangular corners. Used for mirrors, specialty prints, or vintage artwork.
A metallic finishing cream used for touching up and refinishing picture frames and craft projects, often in gold or silver.
Pads made of rubber that are applied to the bottom corners of a picture frame to prevent scuffing and position a frame so that it remains level.
A rigid measuring device used for drafting straight lines at a specific distance.
A down-to-earth style that is rooted in pragmatism and rural simplicity, often exhibiting textures and features that are considered less refined.
Wood stylization that utilizes principles of utilitarian simplicity and natural weathering.
S
A mounting method in which art hinges travel through a slot on the mounting board and attach to the back of the mounting board for added strength.
An industrial paper featuring a gritty surface that is used for preparing surfaces for coatings.
The consecutive layers of material that get placed into a picture frame.
The vibrancy or intensity of a color within a given hue.
A cutting device used in woodworking and picture framing.
An agent such as oil or wax that is used to keep sawblades sharp and reduce friction in the precision cutting of materials.
A hanging bracket for small picture frames that features a zig-zag edge to help position framed artwork on a hanging nail securely.
A photographic method of digitally capturing an art image from the original source using a scanner bed.
A concave picture frame profile that protrudes out along the outer edge, drawing the eye inward.
To scratch a straight line in glass to enable clean breakage for the purpose of resizing the glass.
The act of using a scoring wheel to scratch a straight line in glass, so that the glass may break at the line with a clean edge.
A fine art print made by pressing ink through isolated areas of a mesh screen onto a substrate.
A printing process that involves pushing ink through a screen and onto a substrate.
A threaded securing pin used to attach hardware and materials together.
A screw that features an eyelet for tying wire.
A tool used for threading a screw into wood or other substrates.
A hanging system that attaches to the back of a picture frame that secures the picture frame to a wall in a theft-resistant manner.
A line of alpha-cellulose mat boards by Crescent Cardboard Company.
A rigid mounting board that features adhesive; for easy permanent mounting of a picture without the need for a press.
Mediums that are designed to flatten out on the surface as they cure.
A fine art print made using the screen printing process, where each color is applied with a separate stencil. Known for bold, vibrant colors and limited editions.
A pressure-sensitive cloth hinging tape that is used to hinge heavy paper art to a mounting board behind a mat.
A romantic-distressed style inspired by the principles of repurposing and refinishing, in which new coatings, often pastel colors, are applied to vintage furniture or picture frames to give them a new look.
A variation of a color created by adding black to darken it. Understanding shades helps in choosing complementary mat and frame colors.
A deep frame used to showcase objects that require three-dimensional space.
A picture frame that features deep shadow box walls to allow the framing of thick objects.
Strips of material that separate glass from a backing board in order to create three-dimensional space inside a deep frame.
A natural resin used for wood finishing that is derived from secretions of a lac insect, producing flakes that can be dissolved in denatured alcohol.
A retail display area showcasing picture frame materials.
An adhesive glue that is often removable; used to secure objects in a shadow box frame or to float-mount thin art panels to a floater frame.
A release paper designed to resist adhesion, for the purpose of laminating multiple layers of material together in a press.
A basic, uncomplicated, and efficient style that is conducive to minimalist contemporary art.
A mat border featuring a single sheet of matting.
A method of positioning a thick piece of art within a recessed cavity in foam core, to secure the art in position underneath a mat.
A brand of soft PVC sheet used in mounting and commercial printing.
A display board used in retail settings to easily rearrange products on a wall display.
A shipping box consisting of cardboard and padding material.
A brand of picture frame wire that features a plastic coating to prevent puncturing into fingers while tying the wire.
Wood from conifer trees that tend to produce softer wood due to relatively fast growth cycles.
Dirt, fingerprints, or other material deposits onto an art surface.
A species of soft wood that is commonly found throughout the United States.
A design style inspired by the colors and cultures associated with the desert landscape of New Mexico and Arizona.
Material used to lift or sink other materials in a frame, such as glass spacers to lift the glass away from the art, or foam core spacers to raise a mat and sink artwork.
A brand of software used by picture framers to price out and sell custom picture frames.
A mitered corner joint that is run vertically through a table saw with a 45-degree jig, to produce slots that are then filled and glued with a cross-grain wood for additional strength.
Microscopic reproductive units of mold and mildew. If frames are stored or displayed in damp areas, spores can grow and damage artwork and materials.
A display case for sports memorabilia, such as a shadow box or a pedestal with a clear vitrine casing.
Adhesive glue that gets sprayed onto a substrate from a rattle can, especially for laminating loose material to a rigid substrate.
Curved metal springs that fill the gap in a metal frame's channel, allowing art materials to be pressure-fit inside the frame.
The area of a 2-dimensional measurement in inches; for example, 8 x 10 equals 80 square inches.
An assembly of two or more frames combined into one to create a larger profile.
Braided picture framing wire made of stainless steel for strength, durability, and longevity.
A L-shaped floater frame that features a step where the sidewall and bottom flange converge.
A hanging method in which a rigid art material such as a sheet of acrylic or aluminum is bolted to a wall, with a spacer around each bolt to separate the art from the wall.
Clear acrylic glazing that appears like regular glass and does not feature UV protection or any other specialty features.
The industry-standard eighth inch of wiggle room that is automatically added to a frame so that art materials are not too tight in the frame.
Commonly manufactured sizes of readymade frames that are generally accepted by the picture frame industry to be standard, such as 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20, among others.
Pre-made frames in common sizes (e.g., 8" x 10", 16" x 20"), often mass-produced and more affordable than custom framing.
The typical method of assembling frame corners using glue and mechanical fasteners like nails, v-nails, or biscuits, usually at 45° angles.
A handheld tool that shoots staples into a substrate, which is used to stretch a canvas around a stretcher bar.
A hand tool used for attaching material to a substrate, such as canvas art to a wooden stretcher bar support.
A reversible, water-based adhesive made from wheat or rice starch, used in conservation framing for hinging delicate or valuable artworks.
Commonly available frame and mat sizes standardized to fit mass-produced photos, prints, and documents. Using stock sizes can reduce cost and turnaround time.
A traditional fine art printing process in which a slab of granite is etched for the purpose of accepting ink and acting as a printing block.
A wooden support frame that sits behind all art materials inside of a picture frame, and gets screwed to the frame, which adds structure to narrow frames.
A hanging hardware component that allows wire to be attached from one side of a picture frame to the other side.
A stretchy film used in the packaging of framing materials prior to shipping.
A piece of canvas that has been stapled and tightened around a wooden stretcher bar support, for the purpose of painting.
The wooden support frame used for stretching and stapling a loose canvas so that it becomes rigid for framing purposes.
See Stretcher Bar
A digital printing process in which heat and pressure convert dye into a gas that bonds with polyester-based materials. Used for vibrant, durable prints on metal, fabric, and other substrates.
A support material in which mediums, films, layers, or other finishes are applied.
A 2-hole bar-shaped hanger system that installs on both sides of a frame, in which picture frame wire gets tied from side to side.
Picture frame mouldings that are produced from materials that yield higher growth rates relative to resource depletion.
A curved moulding profile.
T
An T-shaped art hinge for hanging artwork off of a mounting board, in which the top of the T attaches to the mounting board, and the bottom of the T attaches to the back of the artwork.
A heavy-duty lag screw featuring a T-shaped head, which is used as a lock within a security hanger system, and utilizes a T-wrench as a key to unlock the frame from the wall.
Metal points, either rigid or bendable, that are embedded into a picture frame to hold art materials in the frame.
A sticky fabric used to remove dust when finishing a substrate with paint, varnish, or other coatings.
A small handheld iron tool used to bond heat-activated materials in areas that require careful attention to detail.
A handheld manual device that measures distance along a linear tape.
A method of attaching various materials together.
An L-shaped bracket featuring set screws, which is used as clamping hardware within a channel to join the corners of an extruded aluminum picture frame.
A wood species known for weather-resistance, durability, and beauty, often used in boatbuilding, that is also at risk due to global logging practices.
A separation in the surface of paper or fabric as a result of tugging tension.
A brand or type of high-quality, rigid mounting board used for professional photo and art mounting. Designed to be stable, flat, and compatible with various adhesives.
A wedge used to join two mitered moulding rails together after the miters have been thumbnail routed. See also: Dovetail-Key Miter.
A digital file type commonly used for printing due to lossless compression and retaining high resolution.
A variation of a color produced by adding white, making it lighter. Useful when selecting mat and frame colors to complement the tones in artwork.
A color modified by adding both black and white (or gray), resulting in a more muted version. Used in design to harmonize mat and frame selections with artwork.
The surface texture of paper or other surfaces, which assists art mediums in bonding to a surface.
The mat closest to the viewer in a multi-mat frame design.
A marking pen used to camouflage the seam of a mitered corner.
A protective wooden frame used in the museum industry solely to protect a painting inside a crate during transport, often utilizing strips of wood and soft ribbon to secure the artwork.
Three-mat combination that coordinates color or value with the artwork.
A popular brand of picture frame-grade glass, available with a variety of finishes.
A traditional primer made from animal glue, chalk, and pigment, used to prepare wood panels for painting. Distinguished from acrylic gesso, it's typically used in classical and conservation framing.
Small, swiveling metal or plastic clips used on the back of frames to hold backing boards in place. They allow easy removal and reassembly of frame contents.
A strap hanger with two screw holes for additional strength for heavy frames.
An engineered moisture-resistant film used in home construction and also as an inert protective layer used for archival art purposes.
A strong and durable museum-grade tape made out of Tyvek material for general archival purposes.
U
A range within the light spectrum that causes artwork to fade.
A portion of light beyond the visible spectrum that can cause fading and deterioration of artwork. UV-filtering glazing and conservation materials help protect against this damage.
A frame joinery machine that presses metal wedges or pins into the back of a mitered corner to join two sides of a frame together.
Wood that has not been sealed, stained, or otherwise treated, exposing the natural wood grain to air and relative humidity.
The sum of width plus height, which is often used to determine usage and pricing of picture frame mouldings.
Frame rails that have been cut and prepared for joinery, but are not yet attached to each other.
Canvas fabric that has not been sealed or prepared with grounds.
The formula - 2*W + H + 2*T, which is used by UPS to determine whether a package is within a regular shipping size, or oversized, or beyond oversized.
An acronym for Ultra-Violet; pertaining to the UV range of the electromagnetic light spectrum.
Acrylic glazing that is designed to filter and block UV rays from penetrating to a piece of art.
Film or material that protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, including fading and degradation of artwork.
Radiation within the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic light spectrum, which causes art to fade.
Acrylic glazing that features UV protection and non-glare properties combined.
V
A channel cut into mat board using a 45-degree angle blade, to produce a decorative V-shaped line.
A flap-style hinge for attaching artwork to a mounting board.
An underpinner that specifically uses V-shaped nails to pin a mitered corner.
V-shaped metal wedges that penetrate into the back side of a wood miter to join a corner.
An enclosed chamber that utilizes suction to permanently laminate sheets of material onto a flat substrate, such as posters onto foam core.
A protective resin-based coating used to finish wood.
A brand of hook and loop fasteners used to attach panel art to a floater frame, where the ability to remove the art is desired.
A prepared calfskin parchment used in ancient manuscripts; also, modern paper that mimics the surface texture of traditional parchment calfskin.
Thinly-sliced wood, usually with interesting grain patterns, that is laminated to a substrate.
A style of picture frames that are designed to look like they are from a previous modern era.
The thickness characteristics and consistency of a liquid medium such as paint, varnish, or glue.
A clamping device used to hold materials in position while working on or manipulating the material.
A clear box to protect and showcase important artistic and historic objects, often made of clear acrylic.
W
Image objects that are made by an artist, with the intention of being installed or hung on a vertical wall surface.
A triangular sawtooth hanging system in which each top corner of a picture frame features a hanger, so that the frame can be easily adjusted to be permanently level on the wall.
A picture frame suited for hanging on a wall, in contrast to table top frame, which are designed
See Wall Hook
A hook that gets nailed to a wall for the purpose of hanging framed art on the wall from an attached picture wire.
A medium-dark brown hardwood featuring beautiful natural wood grain patterns; also a color description for finishes that resemble real walnut.
A structural distortion of a flat substrate, resulting in unwanted twists, turn, or bending of the plane.
Any undesirable consequences of water coming into contact with art materials, including lifting, swelling, delamination, mold, and discoloration.
A traditional gilding process, in which bole clay is applied to a substrate, and then moisture is used to activate adhesion for metal leaf application, and then the leaf is burnished with agate to bring out the sheen.
A glue or adhesive solution that consists of water as a liquid ingredient that dries, such as acrylic and PVA glues, wheat paste glue, and hygroscopic hide glues.
A finely-ground pigmented paint that utilizes water as the primary vehicle to achieve a soluble medium.
A rustic style inspired by the discoloration and textural changes caused by outdoor environmental exposure of materials over time.
A term to describe a joinery biscuit or dovetail key.
A co-polymer or cross-polymer glue that is ideal for joining the corners of a wood picture frame.
A permanent mounting process that involves laminating material to a substrate using wet adhesive.
A reversible pH-neutral starch glue made of natural wheat starch and water, then heated to activate binding properties, and used in conjunction with rice paper or mulberry paper to hinge artwork to a backing board.
A conservation-grade hinge used for attaching artwork to a mounting board in a reversible and archival manner.
A natural starch adhesive made by cooking wheat starch with water, and used for archival art hinging in conjunction with mulberry or rice paper hinges.
A matboard that has has been bleached to establish a solid core of crisp white color, especially to enhance a bevel-cut window opening.
A framing service for artists and designers, in which prices are set low enough that resale is economically viable.
The visual sight size of a picture frame or mat opening.
Tissues or cloth used to clean up or remove soil from a surface.
A braided steel strand used for hanging picture frames on a wall.
A natural forest product used as a substrate in picture frame moulding.
A miniature wood moulding that is placed under the lip of a frame or mat, to enhance decorative qualities around the perimeter of artwork.
A picture frame that features moulding that is made of wood.
A hanging hardware set designed to attach to the back of a wood picture frame, including strap hangers, screws, bumpers, and picture frame wire.
A board or sheet of wood that is cut to size for the purpose of fine art painting.
Curved metal brackets intended to hold a stretched canvas painting in the back of a frame.
The various species of wood that are used in the manufacturing of picture frame moulding.
A thin ply of wood, usually featuring an interesting grain pattern, that is laminated onto a substrate for decorative purposes.
A set of two wooden strips of material featuring beveled edges that inter-lock for the purpose of hanging art on a wall.
An industrial table that houses tools and provides a flat surface for working.
A repeating decorative textile design utilizing thread and is often mimicked in other decorative surfaces.
X
A precision tool used in the graphic arts industry that features a fine-tip blade for highly detailed cutting and weeding of materials.
A fine art print made from a carved wood block.
Y
A decorative component or medium in textile art or mixed media.
The effect of discoloration on art materials that is caused by the presence of acid or lignin, and exposure to a combination of environmental factors such as UV rays, oxygen, and relative humidity.
A dextrine-based water-soluble adhesive used to mount paper
Z
Heavy-duty aluminum cleat that attaches to the back of an oversized frame for hanging purposes.
A dessicant used for moisture absorption.
A galvanizing agent on metal that prevents rust, and a buffering agent in art materials to adjust pH levels.