What Custom Framing Covers
Custom framing is more than placing an image into a frame. It starts with the item itself, then the wall it will hang on, the light in the room and the level of protection it needs. A pastel drawing in a sunny lounge needs different care to a family photo in a passage or a print going into a gallery in Rosebank. We cut each frame to size, prepare the mount if needed, and finish the piece so it sits square, clean and well supported.
Our custom framing service is used for artworks, photographs, sports shirts, certificates, fabric pieces, maps, medals, children’s art and mirrors. If the item is fragile, we can advise on spacing, backing boards and glazing that reduce dust and handling. For coastal homes in Durban, we often recommend materials that cope better with humidity. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, where summer sun can be harsh, we pay close attention to UV protection and glare.
- Frame sizes cut to exact measurements, down to the millimetre
- Choice of moulding styles for classic, modern or gallery presentation
- Mount board options for single items, multiple images or deeper layout work
- Glazing choices for standard, low-reflection or UV-reducing protection
- Hanging hardware selected for the weight and wall type
How We Handle the Framing Process
The process is straightforward and handled in-house by our studio team. Sipho Maseko oversees the standard of work, while Naledi Khumalo and Pieter van Wyk guide the technical side of the build. Ayesha Patel helps with style and finish choices when the piece needs to sit well with a room or collection. We keep the process clear, with each step explained before anything is cut.
First, we look at the item and take measurements. Then we discuss the look you want, the budget and the conditions where the frame will live. After that, we confirm the frame profile, mount colour, glazing and backing. Once approved, the piece moves into production, where Thabo Ndlovu and the workshop team cut, assemble and check every corner. Before collection or delivery, Lerato Molefe confirms the details and keeps you updated if there is a delay due to special materials or high seasonal volume.
- Assessment and measuring of the artwork or object
- Material and style consultation in plain language
- Cutting, assembly and finishing in the studio
- Final check for alignment, spacing and surface marks
- Collection from Parkhurst or arranged delivery to nearby areas and other major centres
Materials, Glazing and Build Details
We work with framing materials chosen for looks and durability. The frame profile can be slim, deep, painted, stained or metallic in appearance, depending on what suits the piece. For important artwork or signed items, we can build a frame with acid-free mount board and backing so the work is not held against reactive materials. That matters for paper items that are stored for years, not just displayed for a season.
Glazing choices depend on the item and the room. Standard glass gives a clear finish and works well for many indoor spaces. For brighter rooms, low-reflection glazing reduces shine from windows and downlights. For pieces that need more protection from light, UV-reducing glazing is often the better option. Acrylic glazing can be used where weight is an issue or where a safer option is needed for larger frames. In coastal areas with salt air and higher humidity, we also consider sealing and backing choices so the frame holds up better over time.
- Common frame depths for light works, shadow boxes and deeper objects
- Mount board cut with clean bevels for a neat edge around the artwork
- Spacer options for items that must not touch the glazing
- Backings suitable for hanging in homes, offices and gallery settings
- Optional conservation-minded materials where long-term care matters
Turnaround Times and Pricing Approach
Turnaround depends on the size of the job, the materials chosen and how much cutting or assembly is needed. A single photograph in a standard size frame can move quickly, while a large artwork, memorabilia piece or multi-opening mount may take longer. In busy periods, especially before exhibitions, school events and year-end gifts, we recommend allowing extra time. If a frame is needed for a gallery hanging in Cape Town or a delivery to Midrand, we will discuss timing up front so there are no surprises.
Our pricing is based on the actual work involved, not on guesswork. The main factors are frame length, moulding type, glazing, mount board, complexity of the layout and any special finishing. Simple jobs are priced differently to conservation-style work or large presentation pieces. If you bring in several items, we can quote each one clearly so you can choose where to spend more and where a simpler finish is suitable. The aim is to give you a frame that matches the value and use of the item, not to push you into something unnecessary.
- Small ready-to-frame pieces usually take less time and cost less overall
- Large or fragile items may need extra handling and materials
- Multi-opening layouts and shadow boxes involve more cutting and setting out
- Urgent work can sometimes be accommodated, depending on the studio schedule
- Quotes are explained item by item so you can make a proper decision
Choosing the Right Frame for the Room
Good custom framing should suit both the item and the room. A dark timber profile can give a photograph more weight in a formal lounge, while a slim neutral frame can sit quietly in a modern flat in Sandton or a corridor in Pretoria. For family pieces, certificates and school awards, we often suggest a clean finish that keeps the focus on the content. For art galleries, the decision may lean toward a more restrained profile that does not pull attention away from the work itself.
We also think about placement. A frame close to a window may need more UV protection. A corridor with foot traffic may need stronger hanging hardware. A mirror in a bathroom or entrance hall may need careful edge treatment and proper fixing. If the wall is uneven, or if the piece is unusually heavy, we can advise on the right hardware and installation method. That practical check is what saves damage later, and it avoids the common problem of frames shifting out of level after a few weeks.
Care, Cleaning and Maintenance Intervals
Once the frame is installed, a little maintenance goes a long way. Dust the frame lightly with a dry microfibre cloth and avoid spraying liquid directly onto the glass or the moulding. If the piece is in a humid area, check it every few months for signs of moisture or movement. In dry interiors with air conditioning, paper items may still need inspection once or twice a year, especially if they sit in direct light. The goal is to catch small issues before they become lifting, warping or discolouration.
We recommend a quick check every 6 to 12 months for most domestic pieces, and more often for items in busy public spaces, restaurants, schools or gallery settings. If the glass becomes marked, or if the mount starts to show ageing, the frame can often be cleaned or refreshed without replacing the whole piece. When needed, we also offer reframing and glass replacement for work that has been up for a long time. A well-made frame should last, but it should still be looked after.
- Keep framed work out of direct sun where possible
- Avoid hanging above heat sources, stoves or damp walls
- Check hooks, wire and wall fixings at least once a year
- Wipe the frame dry, never soak it or use harsh cleaners
- Bring the piece in for review if you see fogging, lifting or surface movement
Key facts
| Service area | Parkhurst, Johannesburg plus Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban |
|---|---|
| Typical frame builds | Standard, deep, shadow box and multi-opening layouts |
| Glazing options | Standard glass, low-reflection glass, UV-reducing glazing and acrylic glazing |
| Mount options | Acid-free mount boards with single or multiple openings |
| Turnaround | Depends on size and complexity, with faster turnaround for simple items |
| Maintenance interval | Check every 6 to 12 months, more often in humid or high-traffic spaces |
