Most custom framing projects are unique. Different sizes, materials chosen, and types of art are all factors that play into what custom framing will cost. Art that requires glazing may have a different price point than one that does not. The best thing to do is to bring your art into the Capricorn design center and we can create a custom package for you and give you exact pricing at that time.

The main benefits of custom framing include not only presentation but also preservation of the art, documents, or whatever you are wanting to display. The use of conservation and archival materials and techniques will further enhance the longevity of the art. All of these things that create a comprehensive custom framing package does have an investment value. Proper materials you should only have to invest in framing your artwork one time.

Archival framing includes the materials chosen as well as the techniques used to complete the framing package. As far as the materials are concerned, acid free and buffered mats, acid free foam board, UV filtering glass/acrylic, and barrier tape placed between the frame and the artwork all help protect the life of the art. Mounting of the artwork should be fully reversible and this is the same standards that museums use. These techniques and materials will keep protecting your artwork for decades.

The biggest difference between Museum Glass and regular glass is the level of protection from UV rays. UV light is the primary source of fading for many watercolors and pigments as well as the acceleration of bridling paper so we use UV filtering glass and acrylic to protect art on paper from these harsh effects of UV. Regular glass filters out about 65% of UV rays while museum glass will filter out 99% of those harmful rays. The other advantage that museum glass has over regular glass is the clarity; all glazing is going to have some level of reflection, but Museum Glass and Optimum Museum Acrylic provide a significantly reduced level of reflection so that you can enjoy your art more clearly.

While Conservation/Museum Glass and Acrylic will both protect your art, there are certain situations where one would be preferred over the other. Glass is going to generally cost a little bit less and give you the same protection value, however it tends to be heavier. There are also safety issues to consider if there was an incident where the glass might break. Acrylic is about 30% lighter than glass and for art pieces greater than approximately 36 x 48 inches we would automatically recommend moving to the acrylic product. Certain oversized pieces will only be fitted with acrylic products because of the shatter-resistance and the weight. Shipping is another situation where we would use acrylic instead of glass especially for medium to larger size pieces.

Absolutely. We often frame original artwork, limited edition prints, family heirlooms, certificates, and collectible items that have sentimental value. The preservation of these items is why we use conservation/archival methods and so that these items can last practically forever.

Because many custom framing designs are unique, the lead time for finishing the projects may vary. Our standard lead time is about four weeks, however depending on the design the materials ordered and the mounting techniques it may take longer. We do have a ‘Rush’ option for time sensitive pieces, which can be discussed during the design process so we can accommodate your timeline.

We believe that your imagination is the only limit to what can be custom framed. Below is a list of commonly framed items. If you don't see what you want framed in that list, please give us a call or come by with your art so we can help come up with a solution for you.

● Paintings
● Prints
● Photos
● Sports Jerseys
● Diplomas
● Awards
● Wedding memorabilia
● Shadow boxes
● Textiles
● Maps
● Posters
● Children's artwork
● Sports memorabilia (balls, scorecards, golf tees, etc)
● Military medals

Choosing the right frame can seem overwhelming. However, when you come into our design center and work with one of our professionals, we can help guide you on the right style to fit your artwork, discuss your home décor, and any kind of size limitations you may have. We are also happy to work with your interior designer to help the framing become cohesive with what they are designing for your interiors.

Part of archival framing is the use of completely reversible techniques and materials. This is why everything we do is conservation based unless otherwise directed by you. We use acid-free materials, UV filtering glass, no permanent adhesives that will touch your artwork and all mounting is reversible.

Light containing UV rays is the single most detrimental influence to your artwork. By using UV filtering glass and acrylic, we help ensure the longevity of your artwork by protecting it from these rays. We always recommend that works on paper not be exposed to direct sunlight as it has the strongest UV rays. Temperature and humidity can also affect the longevity of your artwork. We generally seal up the backs of framing packages that contain art on paper to protect it from environmental influences. Paintings done in oil or acrylic on canvas are generally not subject to fading. However, again we recommend not to keep these pieces of art in the sun for very long.

The size of the mat depends on the artwork, the size of the finished piece, and the overall look you are trying to achieve. A wider mat can give artwork more breathing room and create a more dramatic presentation, while a narrower mat may work better when space is limited or a more compact design is desired. Double mats can also be used to introduce a subtle accent color and add depth to the design. Beyond appearance, matting serves an important conservation purpose by creating space between artwork and the glass or acrylic.

Yes. We regularly work with oversized artwork including large paintings, works on canvas, mirrors, photographs, prints, textiles, and commercial artwork. Larger pieces often require special considerations including the strength of the frame, the weight of the finished piece, the type of glazing, mounting methods, and how the artwork will ultimately be installed. We can create custom framing solutions and fabricate designs specifically for pieces that fall outside standard dimensions. For particularly large or heavy projects, we can also help with delivery and installation.

Yes. Capricorn Framing offers pickup and delivery services as well as home and office consultations. We can also assist with professional art hanging and installation. These services can be especially helpful for large or heavy artwork, mirrors, multiple-piece installations, gallery walls, commercial spaces, and projects being coordinated by interior designers. Our goal is to make the entire framing process as seamless as possible, from selecting the materials and designing the frame to getting the finished artwork safely onto the wall.

Absolutely. Oil and acrylic paintings on canvas are commonly framed without glass or acrylic. Depending on the artwork and the look you prefer, a canvas can be displayed as a gallery wrap, placed in a floater frame that leaves a small reveal around the artwork, or finished with a more traditional frame. Each option creates a very different presentation. The condition, medium, construction, and value of the artwork may also influence the framing and protection we recommend. We can walk you through the different options and help choose a design that complements the artwork while providing the appropriate level of protection.

Frame trends change over time, but we always recommend choosing a frame that complements the artwork first. Natural woods including walnut, oak, and maple continue to be popular because they add warmth and texture while working with many different interior styles. Simple black frames and clean, minimalist profiles remain popular for contemporary art and photography. At the same time, we are seeing renewed interest in gold leaf, ornate profiles, and traditional frames that make the framing itself part of the overall design. Custom framing gives you the flexibility to follow a current aesthetic or create something timeless. Our designers can help you find a frame that works with both the artwork and the room where it will be displayed.

Yes. We regularly collaborate with interior designers on residential and commercial projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As solution providers, we can work from artwork, room photographs, paint colors, fabric samples, material samples, and other design elements to develop framing that feels cohesive with the overall interior. We can also assist with larger projects involving multiple pieces, custom frame specifications, consultations, delivery, and installation. Our extensive selection of mouldings and custom framing options allows us to develop solutions ranging from understated contemporary designs to highly customized statement pieces. We are happy to become an extension of your design team and help manage the framing details from concept through installation.

Proper care can help keep your framed artwork looking its best for many years. Dust the frame gently with a clean, soft cloth and clean the glass or acrylic using a product appropriate for that specific type of glazing. We recommend applying cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the frame. Artwork should also be kept away from direct sunlight whenever possible and displayed in an environment without major fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Periodically check the hanging hardware to make sure everything remains secure, particularly with larger or heavier pieces. If a frame needs deeper cleaning, new hardware, replacement glazing, or other maintenance, we are always happy to take a look.

Yes. Reframing is a great option when an existing frame is damaged, the design feels dated, or the materials inside the frame are no longer providing adequate protection. We can replace broken or scratched glass, repair many types of frames, replace matting, upgrade to UV-filtering conservation or museum glazing, and improve the backing and mounting materials used in an older framing package. This is especially important for artwork that may have originally been framed with acidic mats, cardboard backing, or permanent mounting methods. Sometimes the existing frame can be preserved while the materials inside are upgraded. In other cases, a completely new design may be the better solution.

The biggest advantage of working with a professional custom frame shop is that the entire framing package is designed specifically for your artwork. At Capricorn Framing, you can work directly with an experienced designer who can see the artwork in person, accurately measure it, discuss where it will be displayed, and help you compare frame, mat, glazing, and mounting options side by side. We also understand conservation techniques and can recommend materials based on the type, condition, and value of the piece.

Custom framing also gives you access to a much wider range of mouldings, finishes, specialty materials, and design options than most online framing services. Just as importantly, the work is completed by experienced craftspeople who can address unusual sizes, valuable artwork, textiles, objects, shadowboxes, mirrors, and other projects that do not fit neatly into an online ordering system. You also have a local team available if you need repairs, reframing, pickup, delivery, consultation, or professional installation.

Yes. We regularly frame textiles including scarves, needlework, quilts, flags, fabric art, and other specialty pieces. Textiles require careful mounting so they are properly supported without causing unnecessary stress or permanent alteration to the material. Whenever possible, we use conservation-based and reversible techniques to help protect the piece over time. Depending on the textile, we may recommend float mounting, a shadowbox, spacers, or other custom solutions that allow the texture and details of the material to remain visible. We have also framed luxury scarves, including antique Hermès scarves, where both preservation and presentation are especially important.

Absolutely. Shadowbox framing allows us to display and protect three-dimensional objects, memorabilia, and meaningful collections in a way that is both secure and visually engaging. We can frame items such as medals, sports memorabilia, keepsakes, collectibles, wedding mementos, military items, and other objects that may not fit within a traditional frame. Each project is approached individually, with careful consideration given to the depth, weight, shape, and material of the object. We can also combine objects with photographs, documents, or other elements to create a cohesive display that tells a larger story.