Framing & printing questions, answered.

Most custom framing in Dubai takes 2–7 working days. Al Warda Gallery quotes 2–5 working days for most orders; Rafi Frames in Karama is open 7 days a week, 9:30am–10pm, for walk-in drop-off. Rush jobs depend on moulding stock.

Yes — studios such as Lumber Frames and Al Warda Gallery print giclée on archival papers and frame it in the same order, which avoids colour and sizing mistakes between two vendors.

Many do. Al Warda, Lumber Frames and Rafi Frames offer pick-up/drop-off or on-site installation for homes, offices and hotels across the UAE.

Use a shadow box deep enough to keep the fabric off the glass, mount the shirt on acid-free board with stitching (never glue), and choose UV glazing so colours don’t fade. See our jersey framing guide.

Matte 100% cotton rag (e.g. Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308) for paintings and illustration; baryta or semi-gloss fibre (e.g. Canson Platine Fibre Rag) for photography that needs deep blacks. See the fine art printing guide.

For originals, photography and anything in a bright room, yes. It removes almost all reflection and blocks up to 99% of UV. For posters in a dim corridor, conservation or standard glass is enough.

Typically 2–7 working days depending on moulding stock and complexity. Al Warda Gallery quotes 2–5 working days for most orders.

Usually no. Stretched canvas paintings breathe better without glazing; a floater frame protects the edges and looks cleaner.

Yes — box frames and shadow boxes are built for objects: jerseys, medals, ticket stubs, textiles, even small sculptures.

The board has a neutral pH so it won’t yellow or migrate acid into your artwork over time. Look for acid-free and lignin-free, ideally cotton museum board for originals.

Made with pigment inks on archival paper and displayed under UV glazing away from direct sun, giclée prints are rated to last many decades; some paper and ink combinations are rated beyond 100 years in independent tests.

Around 300 ppi at final size is ideal; 180–240 ppi is usually fine for prints larger than 100cm viewed from a distance. Studios can upscale carefully if needed.

Canvas prints can be giclée if they use pigment inks on archival canvas. Many cheap canvas prints use solvent or dye inks on polyester and fade faster.

Yes. Scan or photograph it properly, choose one paper for the edition, and print a test strip first. Number and sign limited editions and give buyers a certificate.

Metal (dye-sublimation) prints and pigment giclée prints under UV glazing are the most durable. Metal is also moisture-resistant, which suits humid rooms.

Canvas suits painterly images and large sizes without glass reflections. Framed paper prints show finer detail and are better for photography and editions.

Yes — UV flatbed printing prints directly onto wood, glass, acrylic, aluminium and other rigid materials.

Studios in our group deliver across all seven emirates. For international shipping, Lumber Frames offers art cargo and packing services.

Yes. Lumber Frames offers photo digitising, retouching and restoration, then prints and frames the result.

Al Warda Gallery has no minimum order for trade customers — designers, hotels, galleries and offices.