Boston, Glossary Of Picture Framing Terms

Glossary Of Picture Framing Terms [15]

E Easel backs A common backing in store-bought picture frames that has a fold out lip or arm against which the frame can lean at a suitable viewing angle, for tabletop display.
Easel mates A piece of hardware used to transform a wall hanging picture frame into a tabletop frame. The T-shaped metal rod is screwed in to the bottom back of the frame so that the extended leg can prop the frame up at a suitable viewing angle. Order online: Easel Mate
Easel Stand A stand commonly used for displaying framed artwork. A horizontal beam affixed to the front two legs supports the art. These legs meet a back vertical support at approximately a 20 degree angle, allowing the art to be propped against the two front-facing legs. Traditionally constructed from wood, but now available in a wide range of materials including aluminium and plastic. Order online: Artist Easels
Edition Refers to the run of a printed item, such as a book or artwork print. "Limited" edition prints and books will have only a set amount of copies produced. "First" edition is the first publication run or printing of a book or print. May also refer to different versions of a product (ie: 20th Anniversary Edition with additional pages).
Embellish(ing) The act of making a picture frame or other visual object more attractive by adding decoration or design. For example: a raised (relief) embellishment on the lip of a flat frame face.
Emboss(ing) The act of carving or sculpting a relief design out of a material. For example: a picture frame embossed with a scroll and leaf decoration.
Embossed Ornament Any picture frame with a relief (raised) design on the face. The design may be carved or stamped into the wood, or into a clay layer laid over the wood base. The resulting design is then painted or otherwise finished.
Emery A coarse mineral mixture most commonly affixed to a flat board to serve as an abrasive for smoothing or polishing rough edges/surfaces.
Enamel A high-shine, semi-transparent or opaque liquid coating applied to wood, plastic and other surfaces, which dries hard to provide protection and ornamentation. Also referred to as lacquer, varnish or glaze.
Engraving The process of carving or cutting an image or text design into a hard surface, most often wood, metal or glass. The result is a decoration in reverse-relief (cut in, not raised out) on the face of the object.
Epoxy resin A clear, viscous coating made from synthetic polymers that is applied to a surface. The resin hardens into a shiny, glass-like coating. Many epoxy resins are self-levelling, which means a flat surface will form without manually spreading the liquid. Order Online: Epoxy Resin Ex-74 Learn more about our variety of resin coating services. Read more in our article: Epoxy Resin Coatings
Etching Traditionally, a process of engraving - most commonly glass, stone or metal - by using a needle to scratch through a protective coating, then adding acid to eat away at the exposed sections, without affecting the protected area. Used on metal plates that were then inked and applied to paper to create a print. Also refers directly to the print created from an etched plate. Today, may refer in general to the act of scratching a design into a hard surface.
Euro Hanger Hardware used to hang metal picture frames. A hanger is inserted into either side of the frame, 1/3 of the height from the top. A screw is turned to hold the hanger in place, and wire is then threaded between the two hangers. Order online: Metal Frame Hangers
EX-74 Resin A liquid coating that, when applied to a flat surface, will harden into a clear, high gloss, protective cover that is resistant to fading and discoloration caused by UV exposure. It is waterproof and heat-resistant once set. Order Online: Epoxy Resin Ex-74 Read more: Epoxy Resin Coatings
Extrusion The process of drawing or forcing a material through a mold or die of the desired cross section in order to achieve the shape desired. This is done with metals, clay, ceramics and much more, and results in multiple copies of an identical item.