How To Inspect Your Frame

The main thing you have to watch out for when

inspecting your frame after the framer has finished the job is

what's called dye lot differences.  This notes the

difference between the color you first picked out and the

actual results on your purchase. It's entirely possible to

see over a 20 percent difference from what you

choose in the frame shop to what actually gets

delivered to you.

Once you've finished picking your frame, ask the

framer if it is likely to run a dye lot difference. Make a point

of asking to have the sample you picked matched to what

will be used to frame your work and if there's going to be

a significant difference have them call you and get

your approval before the work begins.

If when you view your frame for the first time at the

framers you notice a marked difference, it is really

incumbent upon the framer to change out the frame.

After you decide you like the color of your frame take

a second to review a few other points.  Look for open

corners, split ends, unevenly fitted corners, and look along

the edging for places where putty has been used to fill in

gaps. Less reputable framers who misalign or over

cut the frame will try to hide this by filling the empty

space with putty. If you don't like the putty you see,

discuss this with your framer and have them do the job

over.

When your canvas is stretched it is stapled or nailed

over a rectangle created from four pieces of wood called

stretcher bars. If the framer knows what they're doing,

they'll create stretcher bars which are appropriately