34 east 30th street
new york, ny 10016
212-685-6871
NOTE: LTI-Lightside provides mounting & framing services to our clients via a network of trusted vendors that we have worked with for well over a decade. We stand behind these services we and take full responsibility for the products we consult on and deliver.
Framing is one of the most sensitive steps in preparing a project for presentation. There are many aesthetic and practical factors to consider in determining which approach best compliments a given piece of art - or an entire exhibition. There is not one “right” way to frame a work of art, rather, framing is a highly customized stage in the chain of readying artwork for presentation or sale and LTI-Lightside helps clarify the process. As with mounting, we encourage the use of archival rated, PH level 7 balanced materials to insure maximum conservation longevity.
We offer spline built maple, oak, walnut and cherry wood frame stocks in a variety of profiles. All frames are constructed with removable countersunk strainers.
Opaque white or black shades in lacquer with gloss, semi-gloss, and matt finish options. Washed (transparent) white or black stains in varying densities to reveal grain pattern. Wide range of natural wood stain tones. Others upon request
Advances in framing grade plexi (acrylic sheet) and glass UV coating technology have narrowed the performance differences between these two materials. Both choices offer excellent light transmission and although acrylic materials are more neutral than glass and are shatter resistant; glass is more scratch resistant and easier to clean. Furthermore, there are practical factors to consider when choosing between acrylic or glass glazing for framed pieces such as: size of artwork, concerns of safety regarding the necessity for shipping, and final viewing context.
A note about Non-Glare materials
Non-Glare materials are a type of glass or plexi glazing manufactured with an etched surface to reduce light reflections and glare. A noticeable issue associated with non-glare materials is that unless the glazing is in full contact with the surface of the artwork there tends to be a slight hazing or diffuse effect when viewing. We generally do not work with non-glare material, however, we do offer a variety of coated (non-etched) anti-reflection control acrylic and glass products specifically designed to mute surface glare and maximize optical clarity.
Acrylic Sheet (Plexi) Glazing Options
Some acrylic glazing products are available as large as 72 x 120 inches. Restrictions apply, however, to certain options. Please inquire directly.
Standard (Regular) Framing Plexi
The most cost effective glazing available. Regular framing plexi offers optically clear light transmission with no perceptible tint. However, its UV protection is roughly 20% lower than OP-3 material
UV Protection Acrylic
Acrylite OP-3 plexi offers optically clear 92% light transmission and 98% UV protection.
Anti-Reflection Acrylic
Highest quality framing grade plexi available. Provides an excellent combination of 96% light transmission, 98% UV protection, and minimal (1%) reflectivity. Anti-Reflection plexi is available in limited sizes. Depending upon the manufacturer, these materials may have a slight pinkish or yellow tint and the heavily muted reflections may appear greenish. Note: Anti-Reflection materials can carry a 200% (+) surcharge above UV Protection glazing depending upon the overall size.
Glass Glazing Options
Glass glazing is generally available for framing up to 40 x 60 inches. Although quality glass sheets can be obtained as large as 60 x 72 there are very few practical uses for handling glass material of that size.
Standard Framing Glass
The most cost effective glass available. Standard framing glass offers approximately 46% natural UV protection. There is a slight, familiar blue/green tint inherent in this material.
UV Protection Framing Glass
Offers up to 97% UV protection. This glass has a slight grey tint from the UV protection coating.
Anti-Reflection Glass
Highest quality framing glass available, combining coated (non-laminated) layers of silica based and oxide materials for UV protection and reflection control. Museum glass offers 96% light transmission, 98% UV protection, and minimal (1%) reflectivity. Depending upon the manufacturer, this glass may have a slight pinkish or yellow tint. Note: Anti-Reflection materials can carry a 200% (+) surcharge above UV Protection glazing depending upon the overall size.
Framing is a craft that requires precision carpentry based on exact dimensions. Because of this, all framing quotes are made on a per project basis and require as much detailed information about the dimensions and usage (viewing context) as possible. Often, if a project is going to be mounted first, exact final dimensions are unknown until the mounting is complete. We are are able to make estimates based on partial information but therein is the real usage of the term estimate and prices may be subject to change upon completion.
We recommend an absolute minimum of two weeks for framing projects and a minimum of three weeks for projects that require mounting and framing combined, often longer for large orders. Please feel free to inquire directly for scheduling details, estimates, and with general questions.
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