How to choose the right guide for your project
Start with the kind of item you want framed. A paper print, canvas, jersey, mirror or certificate all need different support, and the right guide will help you match the material, depth and finish before you come into the studio in Parkhurst or send details from elsewhere in South Africa.
If you are unsure where to begin, think about where the piece will hang, how much light it gets, and whether you want a plain finish or something more formal for a gallery wall. That choice affects the frame profile, glazing, mount board and even how the work should be installed.
- Choose measuring guides if you already have the artwork in hand.
- Choose material guides if you are deciding between paper, canvas, mirror or memorabilia.
- Choose care guides if the piece is valuable, sentimental or exposed to humidity, dust or strong sun.
Measuring artwork before you order
Accurate measurements save time and reduce rework. Measure the visible image, the full sheet size and any border you want covered by a mount. For stretched canvas, measure the outer edges, not the printed face only. If your piece has a tray or shadow gap requirement, include the depth as well.
For works already framed, measure the outside of the frame if you need a replacement or repair quote. If there is glass, note whether it is cracked, loose or fogging, and mention if the item will be collected from Johannesburg, Pretoria or Midrand. That small detail can change the advice quite a bit.
- Use a steel tape measure for longer pieces.
- Measure in millimetres where possible, not just centimetres.
- Check width, height and depth separately for canvas, mirrors and boxed items.
- Take a clear photo of the front and the back if you are asking for guidance through the enquiry form.
Picking frame materials for local conditions
South African homes and offices face strong light, dust and seasonal humidity, especially along the coast in places like Durban and Cape Town. A suitable frame material and glazing choice helps protect the piece and keep it looking neat for longer. Wood, aluminium and composite finishes each have different strengths, weight and appearance.
For sunny rooms, avoid placing delicate paper work in direct light. For coastal areas, check that fittings and hanging hardware are suited to humidity. For larger pieces in Sandton, Rosebank or Pretoria offices, consider weight and wall type before choosing a heavy frame. It is worth asking about mounting, too because a poor mount can shift over time.
- Wood suits classic interiors and warmer finishes.
- Aluminium is useful for lighter, cleaner lines and busy spaces.
- Perspex or glass choices depend on weight, handling and reflection.
- Conservation choices are worth considering for signed prints, photographs and originals.
When to reframe, repair or replace the glass
Not every tired frame needs to be replaced. Sometimes the existing frame can be repaired, cleaned and fitted with new glass or fresh mount board. Reframing makes sense when the style no longer suits the room, the frame is damaged, or the work needs better protection than it currently has. It also helps when older fittings have loosened, which happens more often than people think.
If the glass is chipped, the backing is warped, or the mount has browned with age, replacement is usually the cleanest option. For framed items moving between homes in Johannesburg and Cape Town, or being hung in a gallery, it is smart to check the fixings and weight again before installation.
- Repair the frame when the structure is sound but corners or fittings need attention.
- Replace the glass when there are cracks, scratches or visible haze.
- Reframe when the style, size or protection level no longer suits the work.
How to prepare canvas, mirrors and memorabilia
Canvas stretching, mirror framing and memorabilia framing all need a different approach. A canvas must be stretched evenly so the surface stays taut. Mirrors need accurate sizing and secure support. Memorabilia such as jerseys, certificates, medals or signed items often need mount cutting and spacing so the piece sits neatly without pressing against the glazing.
Bring as much information as you can about the item, including its dimensions, weight and any special handling needs. If it will go in a gallery hanging or a family home, tell us the room size and wall type where possible. That helps guide the final finish and installation method, and yes it saves a lot of back and forth.
- Keep jersey sleeves, badges and numbers visible when planning the layout.
- Allow enough depth for medals, badges and layered items.
- Ask about collection and delivery if the item is large or fragile.
Caring for framed pieces after installation
Good care starts with where the piece is hung. Keep framed work away from direct heat, damp walls and strong sunlight. Dust the frame gently with a soft dry cloth and do not spray cleaners straight onto the glass. If the item is in a high-traffic area or near a kitchen, check it every few months for movement or condensation. A quick look can prevent a larger problem later on.
For galleries and busy homes, make sure hooks and wall plugs are checked after load shedding power work, renovations or wall repairs, since vibration and wall movement can loosen fixings. If a frame starts to tilt or the backing sounds loose, book it in sooner rather than later.
What to send with your enquiry
When you use the enquiry form on our contact page, include the size of the item, a clear photo and a short note about where it will hang. Mention whether you need custom framing, ready-made advice, frame repairs, glass replacement, artwork installation or gallery hanging. If you are comparing options for a home, office or exhibition, say that upfront so the guidance matches the setting.
The more detail you share, the easier it is to point you in the right direction before you visit the Parkhurst studio or arrange service elsewhere in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town or Durban. A few plain notes are usually enough to get things moving, no fuss.
- Artwork size and type
- Room or location where it will hang
- Any urgency for installation or delivery
- Special concerns such as humidity, sunlight or weight