Services

Mounting

Mounting artwork forms a key part of the framing process, a window mount can enhance a piece dramatically. For traditional works, a window mount is an essential element, both aesthetically and protective. The mount-board window forms a layer which keeps the glass away from the surface of the artwork as well as complimenting the piece. We use conservation grade materials, so the artwork is kept in a stable protective environment.

There are many methods and techniques in mounting artwork:

• Framed flush - Straight into the frame without a window mounting.
• Window mount - Single window, double window, triple window or multiple apertures.
• Float mounted - The artwork is raised away from the surface of the backboard on a thin platform. This casts a slight shadow and gives the impression the artwork (item) is floating in mid air. To accomplish this effect, mouldings with a deep rebate are used to create a box frame deep enough to accommodate the float mounted artwork.

Choosing the right type of mount board to complement your picture is important, there are a few things to think about! The colours of your artwork, the style of the decor and where your art will be displayed are a few things to consider. You can choose from a extensive selection of colour sample we have available, and we only use conservation grade mount boards which are PH neutral, and meets Fine Art Trades Guild standards.  

Framing

Here at Kinlee we prefer to be hands on. We cut and trim our mouldings to size with a guillotine, we pin the pieces together with a foot operated underpinner. We take pride in providing a quality hand crafted frame(s) to all our customers.

The types of frames we offer:

• Standard frame - Generally a shallow frame with or without a mount window, depending on the artwork/print/poster.
• Box frame - This is deeper than your standard frames, and generally used for 3 dimensional artwork, textile, craftwork or standard 2 dimensional prints to create a feeling of depth. Artwork can be float mounted within a box frame, with this technique the artwork is raised away from the backboard on a thin platform and 'floats' with a gap around the edge of the frame. These frames are fitted with spacers to lift the glass away from the artwork, forming a box frame.
• Tray frame - This is used for canvas work and sometimes for 3 dimensional objects like ceramic tiles. The canvas is set within the frame with a gap visible between the edge of the canvas and the inside of the frame. The gap between the edge of the frame and canvas can vary depending on the style of the work or depth of the canvas. When a large gap is shown, this is usually referred to as a floater frame. A tray frame would have a normal gap of about 10 to 15mm from the edge of canvas to the inside of the frame.

We stock a range of mouldings, contemporary through to traditional. These include natural woods like Ash and Oak, to more contemporary in flat black/white/various colours, or high gloss black/white lacquer.

N.B. If you would prefer a style of moulding outside our stocked range, you can choose from an extensive collection that can be acquired within a day or two.

Glazing & Reglazing

The glass used should be considered equally important as any other element of framing. The type of glass used depends on the size, type of work and level of UV protection required. 

We also offer a reglazing service! If you have damaged, scratched or cracked the glass in your picture frame, we can replace the glass and have it back to you, generally, for the next day.

We have various glazing options at our disposal:

Regular 

• Regular float glass - For your everyday general picture framing. [£]
• Diffused picture glass - Acid etched to give a non glare, diffused finish. Ideal for photographs especially in harsh light.* [£]
• Water White float glass - The ideal alternative to ordinary float glass, completely colourless clear float glass, offering outstanding colour reproduction. [£]
• Water White laminated float glass - Two sheets of glass bonded with a thin plastic film to create a glass ideal for large pictures where if broken the glass still retains some structural integrity. The lamination also provides a very high UV protection. [£]

Specialty

• Reflection Control - This glass is acid etched to scatter light as it strikes the glass, this subtle treatment allows a clear view of the framed work without distortion - for a sharp clear image. Unfortunately UV protection.* [£]
• Tru Vue Conservation Clear - A specialty glass which offers the highest level of UV protection available. Over time exposure to indoor and outdoor UV light rays can contribute to fading and deterioration of art, photographs and prints. Conservation Clear glass effectively blocks up to 99% of UV light rays to protect against fading and helps keep framed pieces brighter longer.** [££]
• Tru Vue Conservation Reflection Control - Enhances the beauty of your artwork with a matt finish that scatters light to minimize unwanted glare, it effectively blocks up to 99% of UV light rays to help protect art, photographs and prints from fading and deterioration caused by harmful UV light rays.* ** [£££]
• Museum glass - Anti-reflection picture framing glass with Conservation Grade UV Protection is the best glazing option available for art, photographs and other important personal keepsakes. With its nearly invisible finish, it effectively blocks up to 99% of indoor and outdoor UV light rays.** (N.B. Anti-Reflective AND Conservation Grade UV Protection) [££££]

Plastic Glass 

• Styrene - Low-cost lightweight and shatter-resistant glazing material. Ideal where safety is a consideration, but does require careful handling. (N.B. Unfortunately no UV protection) [£]
• Acrylic - A good quality, lightweight and shatter-resistant glazing material. Ideal for the larger frame or where safety is a consideration. Requires some care in handling, but small scuffs can be polished out. (N.B. Available with UV filter and or scratch-resistant coating as specialist products) [££ - £££]

* Not suitable for deep box framing or multi layered mounts over 3mm, image will be blurred

** UV protection, blocks 99% rays

Mirrors

Damaged, scratched or cracked your mirror, we can replace the mirrored glass for you. We can also custom build you a new frame to your specific dimensions or mirror size. You can choose a new moulding, from contemporary, ornate to natural woods. These can be ordered and delivered within a day or two.

Finishing

Kinlee takes pride in producing a high quality professional product, and every care is taken to ensure the final piece is to your satisfaction. Every frame is sealed with taped on the back, fitted with D rings for cord or cable hanging, picture plates or free standing brackets for smaller frames.   

For packaging, where possible, we try to use recycled paper, card and board.  

N.B. Some speciality items may need to be ordered in, this will take a day or two and incur a carriage fee from the supplier.