COVID-19 Update: Please note, we have temporarily suspended our On-Site Installation Service until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Our Picture Framing Services

At Kennedy Picture Framing we offer a wide range of services and can cater for all needs, large or small. Our long standing experience in picture framing of all kinds means that we can offer the very best finish no matter what the subject matter is, artwork or a prized collection, our creativity has no limits.

Custom Framing

At Kennedy Picture framing we specialize in custom framing, priding ourselves on being able to offer the highest quality solution to almost every picture framing need, giving our customers the perfect setting for their precious pieces. We are experts in both wood and metal frame choices, each of which are available in full custom sizes, as well as a selection of in-stock, ready-made frames.

Wood and metal frames are used in different applications with each option having different benefits, visit us today and we will be happy to determine the optimal frame choice to suit your specific needs.

Wood Frames

Wood Frames are available in a wide variety of widths, depths and finishes. For larger works, it is important to select an adequate size of frame to accommodate the weight of the glass. Wood frames provide the client with an almost endless selection of styles, finishes, depths and character, from traditional to contemporary; ornate to simplistic. Although wood frames tend to be priced higher than aluminum options, there are a wide range of price points available to accommodate almost any budget. Depending on the size of your picture and the visual style that you are looking for, we can help you to determine the perfect wood frame for your project.

Metal (Aluminum) Frames

Metal frames have come a long way in style and variety since the basic gold and silver poster frames of the past. They now come in a wide variety of thicknesses, depths and styles from the basic ¼ inch edging to 2 inch wide frames with more substance. Metal frames are available in depths that can accommodate canvases or shadow boxing and are sometimes reinforced with metal channels making them good choices for mirrors and heavy items. Metal frames tend to be priced lower than wood frames providing an economical alternative to wood frames.

Conservation & Preservation

Conservation framing is incredible important when framing those more fragile items. Here at Kennedy Picture Framing we are very experienced in the latest conservation framing techniques.

Whether you are framing a photograph from a recent vacation or an antique work of art, all of the materials used in our framing projects are designed to preserve and protect the item being framed. We only use high quality conservation matboards, acid-free backing boards, and either wood or metal frames (never plastic). All of these materials are designed to promote protection for the item being framed and minimize the damage caused by pollutants and acidity found in paper and fabric items. 

There are different levels of conservation quality available in all materials used but even the most basic framing job is performed without using acidic or destructive materials. Details on higher levels of conservation quality materials including UV protective glass, rag boards and conservation quality backing boards are outlined below.

Matboards


At Kennedy Picture Framing we use Alphamat Artcare mats exclusively for our picture framing projects. Artcare technology provides one of the highest levels of conservation quality available and is endorsed by the Library of Congress and many museums worldwide. For case studies, click here.

The use of a high quality archival matboard is important for the preservation of any item being framed. Alphamat Artcare mats are 100% acid free and contain tiny microchambers within the board, that draw out pollutants from the environment within the framed piece. These microchambers lock away and neutralize harmful gases and help to prevent long-term environmental damage to the framed item. We stand behind the Alphamat product with 100% confidence and are happy to provide literature on the high quality and strong reputation of this product.

Customers should remember that there are many varying levels of quality in matboards available on the market. Many matboards are labelled “acid free”, “museum” or “archival”, but just because a mat claims to be one of these things, does not mean that it is necessarily a high quality product. We are happy to look at any existing framed items that you have purchased elsewhere in order to determine the quality of the mats, backing and glass to ensure that your artwork is sufficiently protected.

Glass

There are a variety of glass options available and different projects may require different glass choices. Glass provides the final protection between the framed item and the environment and it is important that the right glass is selected for each project. Choosing a good quality glass can protect framed items from harmful UV rays and prevent both fading and discolouration of artwork over time. Come into our store to see visual examples of the different types of glass available. Click the tabs below for more information. 

Regular Clear Glass

Regular glass provides clarity and is reasonably priced but provides minimal protection from UV light. It is a standard choice for basic framing projects providing the item will not hang in direct light.

Non-Glare Glass

Modern non-glare glass is etched on only one side to provide better clarity than the non-glare glass produced in the past. Although it still affects the colour vibrancy of artwork, the difference in appearance is minimal. Non-glare glass is especially effective when framing darker items such as black and white photography, and images framed with black mats. Non-Glare glass provides minimal protection from harmful UV rays and this glass should only be used if the item will not hang in direct light.

Conservation Clear Glass

Conservation clear glass provides great clarity along with 99% protection from UV rays. It is the perfect choice for valuable items, collectibles, fragile antique paper documents, or any item that needs protection from light damage or fading. Any item that will hang in direct light should be framed using a conservation grade glass such as conservation clear.

Conservation Reflection Control Glass

Conservation reflection control glass provides 99% protection from UV rays as well as being etched on one side to provide a non-glare finish. This glass provides a beautiful matte finish and prevents distracting reflections on darker images and images hanging in direct light. As with all non-glare glass, conservation reflection control will marginally affect both colour intensity and clarity of the image being framed. For those clients looking for reflection control, UV protection and maximum clarity, see Museum Glass.

Museum Glass

Museum Glass provides the highest level of UV protection at 99%, as well as being virtually invisible. This glass provides the ultimate in reflection control without being etched (non-glare) and provides incredible clarity with no loss of colour intensity. Although this glass is priced significantly higher than all other conservation glass options, it is the ultimate choice for those looking to preserve, protect and enjoy anything with special value. Come into the store to view the different glass options and prepare to be amazed by the ultimate clarity that Museum Glass provides.

Acrylic Glazing

Acrylic can be used as a lightweight, break resistant option to glass. Customers should be aware that acrylic is more prone to scratching that glass and requires specific care and cleansing products when cleaning and transporting. There are a variety of acrylic options including conservation products. Please contact us directly for information and advice regarding this type of product as well as alternative options for lightweight, break resistant finishing choices.

Laminating

We offer a matte finish laminating option for those clients looking to frame without glass. Laminating is sometimes used for photographs or posters and provides a non-glare alternative to standard glazing. It is a good choice for items that will be shipped or that are required to be lightweight. Clients should be aware that lamination is a permanent process that should never be used on anything collectible, valuable or with any legal association (eg: diplomas, certificates or degrees).

Object Framing

At Kennedy Picture Framing we are not only experienced in framing one-dimensional items, but we also have extensive experience framing objects and collectibles of all shapes and sizes. From baseballs to hockey jerseys; tennis rackets to jewellery; medals to golf balls… we have seen it all… and if you have something unique to frame, we are always ready for a new challenge. 

Object and collectible framing is always framed with the same attention to conservation and preservation as used in all of our traditional framing projects. Our intention is to consistently protect the items that we are framing without damaging or impacting the lasting value of the item.

Please contact us if you have a unique item that you would like displayed on the wall for all to see. Professional framing is a visually attractive alternative to keeping special items locked away in a drawer for years to come. No matter what prized possession you are hoping to show case, we will be able to find the perfect setting for it!

Picture Mounting & Stretching

We offer Plak Mounting as well as Needle Craft and Canvas Stretching, so please get in touch to see how we can help!

Plak Mounting

Kennedy Picture Framing is proud to be partnered with a local Plak Mounting company who offer consistently high quality products to our clients. Plak Mounting can generally be done within a week and is an economical alternative to traditional picture framing. Clients should be advised that Plak Mounting is a permanent and durable treatment that involves permanently bonding paper items to an MDF backing board. Plak Mounting is irreversible and should never be used for anything valuable or for official documents.

Needlecraft Stretching

Kennedy Picture Framing has extensive experience working with needlework and fabrics of all types. Our needlecraft stretching is performed using acid free materials, which will not damage or discolour fabrics. Fabrics should never be placed directly against glass to avoid damaging the delicate fibres and to allow the material to “breathe”, therefore we would always recommend using a mat or channel spacers to create an air space between the breathable fabrics and the glass. Alternately, many needlework projects can be framed without glass providing they are sprayed with a stain prevention coating to protect the material from the elements.

Canvas Stretching & Stretcher Bars

Kennedy Picture Framing can stretch canvas paintings onto a variety of thicknesses of stretcher bars. Stretching can be performed in two styles; either to go into a frame or to hang frameless on the wall. If the canvas is to go into a frame then the item will be stretched to the sides of the canvas. Alternately, for those who prefer the “frameless” finish, the image can be wrapped around the sides of the canvas and stapled at the back. Artists looking to create custom sized paintings can bring their blank canvas in and have stretcher bars made to any specification, including oversize.

Delivery & On-Site Installation

COVID-19 Update: Please note, we have temporarily suspended our On-Site Installation Service until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Kennedy Picture Framing offers complimentary home and business delivery on large orders, and for oversize pieces up to a maximum dimension. Pick up and delivery on smaller orders is also available for a nominal fee. Whether or not your framing was done with us, we are happy to come to your home or office to professionally hang your artwork. Please contact us for information regarding rates, regions and appointment availability.

Security installation is available for offices and hotels, as well as for large mirrors and any item that needs to be “locked” to the wall. Our security hardware comes with a customized wrench that the client can later use to remove the item from the wall. Security installation prevents theft, prevents pictures from tilting on the wall, and provides peace of mind to the client.

Our home and business installation services takes away the headache of getting that perfect installation which can make or break a room! Contact us to find out more.