Boston, Glossary Of Picture Framing Terms

Glossary Of Picture Framing Terms [42]

F Fabric mat A picture framing mat border that is covered with a fabric surface for a unique and textured look. Can be purchased or done by hand using a regular mat board. May also refer to a linen liner - a mat options for canvases, constructed from wood and covered with a cotton or linen surface and optional metallic lip. Intended for framed displays without glass.
Face Width The face of the picture frame (or molding) is the part of the frame you can see when standing directly in front of it while it hangs on the wall. It includes only the frame itself, not the space between the sides, nor the artwork within. The face is generally the decorated or sculpted part of the frame. The frame face width refers to the measurement from the outer edge of one side to the inner edge of the same side. It does not include the perpendicular edge (the height).
Fade Resistant A material that naturally, or when treated with a substance, resists discoloration and dulling over time. Many conservation-grade inks, mats and fine art papers are guaranteed to retain their original color for many years, therefore preserving the artwork in its original condition.
Fade(ing) To lose or cause to lose brightness or brilliance or definition of line, form and color.
Fastener Any piece of hardware that affixes one object to another. This includes, screws, clips, hooks and Velcro or adhesives. Order online: Framing Hardware
Felt Bumpers A small, soft square of self-adhesive felt that is placed in the bottom corners of a picture frame or canvas print to keep the artwork from scratching or scuffing the wall when hung. Rubber and foam bumpers are also available. May also be called bumps. Order online: Felt Bumpers, Black 100 ct Felt Bumpers, Black, 1000 ct
Fiber Paper Used in the creation of photographic prints, fiber-based papers are coated with a substance called baryta (a mixture of barium sulfate and strontium). This treatment brightens the paper, or tints may be added to subtle color. Fiber paper usually has a gelatin layer as well, which protects the paper during processing. Most often, these kinds of paper are used when the photographer requires high-quality, long lasting prints for exhibition or sale. Fiber-based papers are also available for digital printing, considered ideal for producing beautiful black and white photographic images with excellent grey tones. Baryta is added to the ink-receptive coating in order to achieve the same effect as traditional papers.
File Format The type of extension (the letters following the . ) applied to a computerized, digital file. The format determines the way the information is stored, and what program is required to access it. Popular file formats include: .pdf, .jpg, .doc, .txt, .zip
Filler Board The rigid backing inserted into a picture frame behind the image, in order to protect the image and use up the remaining space in the rabbet that isn't required for the glazing (glass), mat and artwork. Foam core and cardboard are common filler boards. The points or brads that secure the work within the frame will press against this board. If a dust cover is applied, it will be laid over the filler board.
Fillet Thin, decorative pieces of picture frame molding. They may be inserted between the frame lip and the glass, the canvas and the liner, or the mat and the artwork. A fillet adds an extra decorative element to a framed artwork.
Fillet chopper A machine designed to cut lip liners and fillets - additional decorative border elements in some picture frames. The blades cut the thin pieces of wood at a 45 degree angle so they can be easily inserted into the picture frame.
Fine art Any of the visual arts, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and some performance art. The term generally excludes other art forms such as poetry, literature, dance and music.
Fine Art Papers There is a huge variety of fine art papers available for digital printing. Much like fabrics, they vary depending on their intended application and the printer/ink that will be used to produce them. These papers will almost always be archival or conservation quality, which means they are free from acid, chlorine, and lignin (a natural polymer found in wood that causes deterioration), and buffered to achieve a neutral pH prior to being coating for the printer. Fine art paper is generally 100% cotton, though cotton blends do exist. It is available in many different surface textures from smooth to as rough as watercolor paper, and finishes such as matte, satin, and gloss. The color of the paper will also vary by material and manufacturer, from a cool blue-white to a soft, almost off-white. Order online: Fine Art Prints
Fine Art Reproduction The process of photographing or scanning original artworks and digitally color matching them, and then printing copies with a high quality - usually giclée - printer on conservation-grade (archival) paper or canvas. We offer high quality fine art print reproductions of your favorite artwork.
Finger-jointed Refers to the way pieces of molding and stretcher bar wood are connected. Shorter pieces joined by thin, interlocking teeth will produce a straighter, stronger length than a long, complete beam of wood. This method also reduces the waste of smaller wood pieces.
Finish nail Small, slender nails with a head barely wider than the body. Used for final attachments in carpentry, when the nail will remain visible.
Finishing The final processes in preparing a fine art print or wrapped canvas for display. This may include fitting the artwork into the frame, attaching hanging hardware and affixing dust covers or cloth tape to the back of the frame.
First Surface Mirror or FSM A first surface mirror or front surface mirror is a mirror with the reflective surface being above a backing, as opposed to the conventional, second surface mirror with the reflective surface behind a transparent substrate such as glass or acrylic.
Fitting The act of securing your artwork bundle (plexiglass, mat, art, backing) in the frame. Glazier points, thin metal tabs or nails may be pressed into the wood of the frame against the backing, using a hammer or other tool. Alternately, turn buttons can be affixed to the back of the frame, which allow for simple removal and replacement of the art. For more information, read our Frame Fitting article.
Flat Head Screwdriver A tool used for tightening and loosening slotted screws.
Flat Top Metal Frames Refers to any metal picture frame that has a flat face, rather than an arched, rounded or curved face.
Fletcher-Terry A company that designs and distributes framing production materials and machines. Point drivers, glass cutters, miter saws, underpinners, and more.
Float Glass A picture frame style with no backing. The image is sandwiched between two panes of clear glass or plexiglass, with extra glass left around as a border, so that the image appears to float within the frame.
Float Mounting A picture framing style that creates a shadow between the image and the backing. The artwork is raised off the backing with a panel concealed behind the image. The glass and frame are cut larger than the artwork so the backing (often mat board) is visible as a recessed border. A frame with a deep rabbet is required for this style.
Float(ing) A means of securing artwork to a rigid support so that all edges are visible.
Floater Frame (also called a "Canvas Floater") A style of frame ideal for a gallery wrapped canvas print or original painting. This frame overlaps the artwork from behind (instead of in front like a traditional picture frame), where the wooden frame of the canvas is affixed to the floater frame. The floater frame surrounds the canvas, separated by a gap of approximately 1/4 inch on each side, creating a “floating” effect. Floater frames are available in a variety of styles, including “stair step”, “tapered” and “L shape”. Order online: Canvas Floater Frames.
Floater Metal Frames A canvas floater-style frame constructed of metal. Generally consisting of simple, modern lines and a narrow face. A canvas is secured from the back in a floater frame, while the border sits around the canvas, but does not overlap. A small gap of 1/4" is usually left between the edge of the canvas and the frame. Order online: Metal Floater Frames.
Floreat hangers A type of metal hardware affixed to the wall and used to hang artwork. The flush edge is laid against the wall and nailed in place with one to three nails, depending on the size of the hanger and the weight it is required to support. A tab extends out from the wall, onto which the artwork's wire or hanger is hung. Floreat hangers are constructed so as not to damage the wall beyond the nail holes. Order online: Floreat Wall Hangers
Foam Board (Same as Foam Core) A light but firm material used as the backing in framed artwork. It is constructed of a thin (approximately 1/4”) foam sheet sandwiched between layers of thick, generally glossy, paper. Prints can also be dry mounted to the foam core surface. Order online: 3/16 inch Foam Board 1/2 inch Foam Board
Foam Core (Same as Foam Board) A light but firm material used as the backing in framed artwork. It is constructed of a thin (approximately 1/4”) foam sheet sandwiched between layers of thick, generally glossy, paper. Prints can also be dry mounted to the foam core surface. Order online: 3/16 inch Foam Core Board 1/2 inch Foam Core Board
Fotiou moulding A picture frame production and distribution company based in Ontario, Canada that offers high quality wood mouldings in a variety of finishes and colors.
Foxing The appearance of rust-colored spots on the paper of an artwork, caused by poor quality materials and mold growth. Caused by high humidity, light and the presence of acid in the framing materials.
Frame assembly The process of putting together a picture frame. In the case of wood frames, this involves the use of an underpinner to insert V nails, and is generally carried out by the framer. However, metal frames may need to be assembled - or re-assembled - by the customer. The process requires a screwdriver, measuring tape and the proper hardware, which will be provided by the framer. See our how to guide for detailed instructions.
Frame Height The distance between the back of the frame and the frame face, or the amount the frame will protrude from the wall.
Frame Size Refers to the dimensions of the matted artwork that will be placed in the picture frame. For example, if the artwork is 8x10", with a 2" mat, the frame size is 12x14". The framer will automatically add an additional 1/8" to both dimensions to allow for expansion of the art over time. This additional amount is not included in the frame size.
Frameless A style of framing that uses clips around the outside of the frame, or an adhesive, to hold the image between the glass and the backing, without the use of a frame border. Creates a clean, modern look.
Framerica moulding A maker of high quality wood and metal picture frame mouldings, wood flooring and architectural trims.
Freestanding Any object capable of supporting its own weight and standing upright without the aid of a secondary support or hanging wire.
French Mat A mat style that features additional decorative elements applied directly to the mat. The inner edge may be painted a different color, an inner groove may be cut approximately a 1/2 inch from the inner edge (a secondary bevel), or lines of varying thickness may be drawn to create in an illusion of depth and add interest.
FRP Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres.
Fugitive Colors Non-permanent pigment inks that will change color or their physical appearance when exposed to certain environmental conditions, such as light, over time. Intended for temporary projects or projects where fading is desired.
Full length moulding Picture frame mouldings as they are received by the framer. Generally shipped in lengths of eight or more feet. The framer will then cut the lengths down to the size required for the custom picture frame order.