1

PART I: Frame Size

Your Frame size is dictated by two Questions:
1. What size is the image or object I want framed?
2. Will the image or object be matted?

No Matting: Matted Image:

Picture Size: 8x10 Picture Size: 8x10
*Frame Size: 8x10 Mat Opening: 8x10
Frame Size/Matt Size: 11x14

*Frame Size does not equal the outer dimensions of a frame, but the opening for the picture…In reality,
the opening is always fractionally smaller than the picture (8x10 = 7 ½ x 9 ½ ). The lost ½ inch is hidden
in the “Rabbet,” the recess behind the frame where the picture, the glass, the backing &/ matting is
positioned.
The same is true for a mat opening. But the mat size is accurate.
 2

Part II: Matting

Why Mat your image or object?

 Matting helps emphasize tones and colors which complement the framed object

 Matting helps separate the object from the glass, preserving it and protecting
against moisture.

 Matting adds aesthetic pleasure with a beveled edge around the image.

Choices: Basic Matting

Conservation Museum Quality Matting
Double Mats Just over double the cost of single matting
V Grooves $8
Multiple Openings $8 per opening
Basic Conservation Double V Grooves
Available in many colors fewer colors Shows an extra mat edge Decorative line
around the mat
80% protective (decades) 97%(100 years)
 3

Matted Image Double Mat Grey Mat with V-

Groove
Part III: Glazing
Glazing?
Both Glass & Acrylic protect your framed object from the elements and deterioration.
Glazing can also be non- glare or UV protective which is a deterrent to fading. They also
help hold an object in position. While glass is often used in small sized frames, it is very
often replaced by acrylic in the larger sized frames.

Glass Acrylic
Pros
Very rigid Shatter resistant
Easy to clean Much lighter
Less expensive Slightly Clearer
Safer
Cons
Easily Breaks Scratch & Dust Prone
Heavy Can Bow on larger pieces
Can be dangerous Static
Hard to get in Larger Sizes Taken from the
Matshop.com

Both Glass and Acrylic are available in Non-Glare & Conservation (97% UV
protection). These upgrades are reflected in the prices
 4

Part IV: Style, Finish

Style:
Our frames generally use two major styles which encompass a large range of looks,
finishes, and functions:
Rustic Classic
-A basic oil, urethane, or weathered paint finish -A refined oil or
painted finish
-The weathered and wooly characteristics -Fully sanded and
smoothed
of the wood are still present -Shaped with softer and
subtler lines
-The boxy shape of rough milling, saw marks,
nails, nail holes and worm holes may be present

Finish:
We use a variety of finishes, from a simple oil coat to Classic Milk Paint and oil stains.
A basic package includes a Tung Oil or Poly Overcoat. Painting, staining, and more
complicated oil finishes require an upgrade.
Tung Oil: A natural matte finish created from the seeds and nuts of the Tung Tree, it
penetrates deeply into the wood to enhance character and water resistance. A truly Green
finish
Milk Paint: Versatile and easy to use, an environmentally friendly paint. Made from 100%
organic material, milk paint had its beginning thousands of years ago time. It has been
used for centuries not only for artwork, but to paint furniture, homes, barns and other
structures. It is colored by natural pigments.
 5

General Finishes’ Oil Stains: Oil based Wood Stains made from the highest quality oils,
resins, several woodworking magazines have awarded GF Stains their highest
recommendations in national competitions. They have been foolproof for over 40 years!
Clear Coat: A Clear cover to protect the wood from water and damage. Such a coat can
have a Mat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss quality.

Part V: Theme, Molding, Wood

Molding (Moulding):
Molding is not the slow process happening in the back of many a refrigerator. Molding
is the shaping and contouring of wood. Please look over our sample frames to get a sense
of what we can do here. Molding is included in the basic package.

Themes:
Theme frames include those shaped like the sun, surrounded by waves, or some other
unusual shape. Some frames are constructed around a theme such as hunting, fishing,
outdoors, wedding, etc. These frames are priced individually and are made with the input of
the customer. Along these lines, we also make:
Shadow Boxes
Display Cases
Collector Cases
Diploma, Certificate, Award Displays
 6

Wood:
Our frames are, of course, made of wood. But here too you have a choice: Oak, Pine,
Maple, Walnut, Purpleheart, Poplar, etc. Again, please see the samples to choose.
Remember, only oak and poplar are part of the Basic Package.
Part VI: Mounting
Front of frame (seen as cutout from above) glazing

matting
framed object

backing
dust cover

This is the opening called the rabbet

Mounting & Backing:
This is the process of fitting and attaching your object in the frame. Besides the
choice of conservation vs. basic, you need to decide if you want to be able to change the
photo in the frame. Though a frame can often be opened, the matting may not be reusable.
Spunwood offers five options for Mounting:

1. Basic Picture Insert Insert picture in frame Fully reversible

2. Small Matted Image Image attached to Matting Semi-reversible
3. Large Matting Hinged Mat & T-hinged image Non-reversible
4. Conservation Matting Acid Free Backing, non-contact fixing process for image Fully
Reversible
5. Float (with conservation or standard backing &/Mat) Reversible or
Non-reversible
 7

Backing : Holds image firmly against matting or glass: Basic or Acid Free

Dust Covers: An Optional cover for the back of the frame. $1.50

Spacers: For projects that need additional room between art and glazing

Hangers: A Variety of Hanging Options is Available.

Part VII: Ordering
All Prices are subject to change with market. Larger Frame prices are comparable to a
higher end frame at Joanne’s or Michael’s. Smaller frames are a bit higher than these
stores.* Matting and Mounting fees are wholly comparable to these stores.

Basic Unmated Frame Basic Matted Frame

Includes Basic: Includes Basic:
Frame Frame
Molding Molding
Glass Glass
Backing Backing
Mounting Mounting
Finish Finish
Matting
Upgrades:
Frames: Special Theme, Special Framed Object, Plugs
Glass: UV Protection, Non-Glare
Backing: Conservation (Acid Free)
Mounting: Conservation techniques & Materials, Spacers, Dust Cover
 8

Finish: Double Basic, Milk Paint, Oil Stain

Matting: Conservation, Double Mat, V-Groove, Multiple Openings

*When comparing Spunwood to Joanne’s or Michael’s basic matting and custom

frames for 16x20, the stores came out at $88 and $118. A non-custom 16x20
frame ranged from $30-60.

Prices: 1
Standard Frame (No Mat)

Frame Base
Size Wood

& Base
Dimensio
ns
4x6 $22
5x7 $25
8x10 $31
8½x $33
11
9 x 12 $34
11x14 $39
 9

14 x 18 $42
16x20 $55
18x24 $65
20x24 $72
20x30 $80
22x28 $90
24x30 $102
24x36 $120

Prices: 2
Standard Frame with BASIC Matting & Mounting
Frame Matt My Price including:
Dimensio Opening frame , mounting,
ns backing, glass,
hardware
 10

5x7 4x6 32 or 35
8x10 5x7 42
11x14 8x10 70
11x14 8 ½ x 11 77
Use this 16x20… 11x14 90
dimension to 14x18
92
determine
20x24.. 16x20 103
what you
need! 20x24… 18x24 110
24x30… 20x24
24x30… 20x30
24x36… 22x28
30x40 24x30 185appx.
30x40 24x36
Custom Poster
Custom Art
Custom Certificat
e
 11

Custom Shadow
Box
Other Options: Custom opening (oval, stepped), Custom Size, Multiple Openings,
V Grooves, Double Mat
CONSERVATION FRAMING SUBJECT TO SEPARATE CHARGES!

Prices: 3
Upgrading Glass or Acrylic
Size Acrylic Non- Glass Non- Glass Glass
Glare Glare conservation Conserv
CONSERV non-glare

4x6

5x7

8x10

11x14

16x20

18x24

20x24

20x30

22x28

24x30
 12

Prices: 4
Upgrading Backing
Size Reg ACID FREE +shipping

4x6

5x7

8x10

8 ½ x 11

9x12

11x14

16x20

18x24
 13

20x24

20x30

22x28

24x30

24x36

Poster, art,
certificate
shadow bx
Art,
Certificate
Shadow Box

Upgrading Finish:
Double Base Milk Paint Distressed Milk Oil Stain
Paint

Choice of T. Oil & Includes a Choice

of color Paint
Includes black or Choice of Stain and
choice of
a Shellac or white undercoat & Polyurethane finish
Polyurethane choice of overcoat

Paint & sealer 2xPaint & Sealer Stain & Sealer

Upgrade:2.75 Upgrade: $4 Upgrade: $6.50 Upgrade: $6