Boston, Glossary Of Picture Framing Terms

Glossary Of Picture Framing Terms [23]

G Gallery wrap Gallery wrapping is the method of stretching an artist's canvas so that the canvas wraps around the sides of a wooden frame (called stretcher bars or strainer bars), and securing it to the back.The result is that the hardware (staples or tacks) used for securing the canvas is not visible from the front or sides. The sides of the canvas are prepared and primed in the same manner as the face. They may be painted a solid color, or painted to continue the image appearing on the face. This method of stretching and preparing a canvas allows for a frameless presentation of the finished painting. In canvas printing, the term “gallery wrap” refers to an image that appears on the sides of the frame as well as the front. The image on the sides is either a continuation or a reflection of the main image. Order your gallery wrapped canvas print online today!
Galvanized Steel Wire Galvanization creates a protective zinc coating on steel wire, which keeps the wire from rusting. In picture framing, galvanized wire is often affixed to the frame to allow it to hang on the wall. Order online today: Picture Hanging Wire
Gatorboard A panel composed of a thin sheet of dense foam sandwiched between several layers of thick paper. The result is an extremely rigid and durable base for dry mounting fine art prints and photographs, and lamination. Order online: 3/16 inch Gatorboard 1/2 inch Gatorboard
Gel Medium Also called acrylic gel medium. A thick, usually transparent substance that is used to alter the consistency or appearance of acrylic paints. Depending on the type used, a gel medium can add or reduce gloss, adhere mixed media or extend the amount of paint. Gel medium is available in matte, gloss and semi-gloss and some are self-levelling (when poured, create a smooth surface without manual smoothing). When used on their own, gel medium creates a textured surface on canvas prints that dries clear, effectively enhancing brush strokes and highlighting portions of the art where the application is thicker.
Gelatin A collagen-based substance made from animal by-products. It is best known in its gelatinous form, but actually beings as a brittle, translucent sheet or flakes. In photography, gelatin can be used in the gelatin silver process. This process involves silver particles mixed with gelatin, which then coat a surface such as glass or paper, used to record the image. The photographic material will be stable for many years with this coating, and the images can be developed after long periods of time.
Gesso A chalk-based paint mixture that is used to create texture on canvas surfaces prior to, or in lieu of, painting. Due to its absorbency, it can serve as a base for most types of paint. Modern acrylic "Gesso" is actually a combination of Calcium Carbonate with an acrylic polymer medium latex, a pigment and other chemicals that ensure flexibility, and ensure long archival life. It is also used as a base on sculptural work, wall paintings and wood panelling, or for priming blank canvas prior to oil painting.
Gesso True "True Gesso" is a brand that produces fine art canvas panels already treated with the protective gesso coating. The canvas is treated on both sides, and is suitable for painting with egg tempura and acrylics.
Giclée (gee-clay) A digital fine art print made with an inkjet printer. The term is derived from the French gicler (to spray), and refers to the spraying of ink from an inkjet printer onto the printed surface. The earliest giclées were made using Iris printers, which sprayed microscopic drops of color onto a fine art paper or canvas. Capable of displaying the full color spectrum, these artworks have vibrant, brilliant colors, and a velvety texture. This gives the finished product the look and texture of an original painting. Browse our selection of Giclée canvas prints, and order yours today.
Gilded frames A picture frame with decorative elements on the face created by adding gold - by the use of gold leaf, or paint - resulting in a high-sheen, classic finish.
Gilding The act of adding gold - by the use of gold leaf, or paint - to a picture frame face, resulting in a high-sheen, classic finish.
Glare The often-interfering result of the reflective properties of glass or plexiglass. Glare reflects light or images on the clear cover of a picture, obscuring the image within. Non-glare glass and plexiglass is available, which eliminates most of the reflection, but can also dim colors in the painting or photograph. It is not recommended for high color artworks.
Glass cutter A machine, generally hand operated, that is used to score glass or plexiglass with a sharp blade, along the desired edge. Once scored, the cover can be snapped along the indentation. Glass cutters can take many forms. Small, hand-held utility blades may be run along a straightedge. Tabletop and upright versions exist as well, which require the user to press and drag the blade along the glass.
Glass Etch A decorative picture framing technique which involves carving letters or images into the glass that will enclose the framed image. Various methods exist, including sandblasting, etching cream and hand etching.
Glass plate Another name for a sheet of glass. Refers to the complete piece of clear cover, generally once it is cut to size.
Glassine A thin, clear cover made of paper, that is used in archives to protect stored paintings. It it air, water, and grease resistant, while still allowing visibility. Glassine is similar to wax paper, and a tinted version is commonly sold as envelopes for stamps and food.
Glazing (1) A technique of applying oil or acrylic color in thin, transparent layers so that the color beneath shows through, modifying the color of the glaze. (2) The clear cover placed over an artwork within a frame; this may be plastic, plexiglass or real glass.
Glued plywood Glued plywood is a multilayer wood material, which is sheets of peeled veneer glued together. Usually plywood is formed from an odd number of veneer sheets.
Gold Leaf Real gold that is hammered into a thin, flat sheet and applied over a surface. Gold Leaf gives a picture frame or other art piece the effect of real gold, for a lower cost than a solid gold item. "Gilding" generally refers to the application of Gold Leaf.
Golden ratio A mathematical concept utilized in art to achieve a visually harmonious composition. It was largely used by Leonardo da Vinci. The radio of 1:1.6 results in a slightly asymmetrical layout that is widely considered satisfying to the viewer.
Gridwall A simple, commercial display system made up of a wire mesh screen. Framed artwork can be hung anywhere on the screen, which is generally self standing. Popular for trade shows and exhibitions, as well as show rooms, because they require no holes in the walls.
Gridwall panels A metal grid that can be hung on a wall and used for displaying goods.
Grooved moulding (1) A style of picture frame face that features undulations or dips carved into the wood. (2) Lengths of picture framing wood or metal with an indentation in the back, used to affix one piece to another.
Gsm Grams per square meter. A metric measurement of paper density or "weight".