Quick answer
- Originals & valuables: conservation framing — acid-free mount, reversible hinges, UV or museum glass, sealed back.
- Objects & jerseys: box frame or shadow box.
- Canvas paintings: floater frame, no glass.
- Dubai rule: no direct sun, no AC vents, always UV glazing.
Frame types and when to use them
| Frame type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard window mount | Moulding + glass + a bevel-cut mount board framing the image | Prints, photographs, works on paper, certificates |
| Float mount | Artwork raised on a spacer so all four edges are visible | Deckled-edge paper, torn edges, textiles, small originals |
| Box frame | Deep moulding with spacers holding the glass away from the art | Anything with depth: textured paintings, objects, layered paper |
| Shadow box | Extra-deep box with a fabric or board backing for mounting objects | Jerseys, medals, memorabilia, wedding keepsakes, collections |
| Canvas floater (tray frame) | An L-profile frame with a gap around the canvas edge; no glass | Stretched canvases and acrylic/oil paintings |
| Acrylic sandwich | Artwork held between two acrylic sheets, often with stand-offs | Contemporary photography, offices, double-sided pieces |
| Conservation / museum framing | All materials acid-free and reversible, UV glazing, sealed back | Originals, signed prints, anything valuable or irreplaceable |
Glazing: glass and acrylic compared
Glazing is the single biggest decision in a frame — for how the piece looks and for how long it lasts. Light, especially UV, is what fades inks and yellows paper. Tru Vue is the most common premium glazing brand in the UAE.
| Glazing | UV protection | Reflection | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard clear glass | Minimal | High (~8%) | Low-value posters away from sunlight |
| Conservation Clear (UV glass) | Up to 99% | Like normal glass | Originals and signed prints on a budget |
| Non-glare (etched) | Varies | Diffused, slightly soft image | Rarely — museum glass has largely replaced it |
| Museum Glass (anti-reflective) | Up to 99% | Under 1% | Originals, photography, anything in a bright room |
| Anti-reflective acrylic | Up to 99% | Very low | Large pieces, children’s rooms, high-traffic spaces, shipping |
If a piece is worth framing properly, it is worth UV glazing. It’s the cheapest insurance in the frame.
Mounts, mats and spacers
The mount (called a mat in the US) is the board border between the art and the moulding. It does three jobs: it gives the eye room, it keeps the art off the glass, and — if it’s the right board — it protects the paper chemically.
- Acid-free and lignin-free board is the minimum. Standard wood-pulp board releases acid and leaves a brown bevel “burn line” on the art.
- 100% cotton museum board is used for originals and valuable prints.
- Width: 50–80mm suits most pieces up to A2; bigger artwork needs wider borders. A slightly deeper bottom border (“bottom-weighting”) looks optically centred.
- Double mounts add a thin reveal of a second colour; fillets are thin wood or gilt strips inside the mount.
- Spacers replace the mount when you want a full-bleed look but still need the art off the glass.
Mouldings: wood, aluminium and gilt
Solid wood (oak, walnut, ash) is warm and repairable; finger-jointed or MDF core mouldings are cheaper and fine when painted. Aluminium is thin, precise and stable in humidity — the default for photography and galleries. Gold and silver leaf mouldings are hand-finished and suit classical or Middle Eastern calligraphy work. As a rule of thumb, match moulding weight to the visual weight of the art, not to the room.
How art should be attached
Good framing is reversible. Works on paper should be hinged at the top edge with Japanese tissue and starch paste or archival gummed tape so they can hang and expand freely. Photographs and prints can sit in archival corners. Dry mounting (heat-bonding to board) is acceptable for decorative posters but never for originals or limited editions — it destroys their value.
Framing in Dubai’s climate
Dubai combines intense sunlight, high outdoor humidity and dry, cold air-conditioned interiors. The swing between them is what damages art.
- Sun: never hang works on paper in direct sunlight, even behind UV glazing. Floor-to-ceiling glass in apartments means “indirect” light is still very bright.
- AC vents: keep frames out of the direct airflow — rapid humidity change makes paper cockle (ripple).
- Humidity & moulds: in coastal homes and villas left closed over summer, sealed backs and spacers stop condensation reaching the art.
- Bathrooms and kitchens: choose acrylic sandwiches, metal prints or sealed frames with non-organic backing.
- Summer storage: if you’re away for months, leave AC on a moderate setting rather than off.
Hanging and installation
Villa walls in Dubai are usually concrete block and need masonry drill bits and plugs; many apartments use plasterboard partitions, which need cavity fixings or must hit a stud. Use D-rings and picture wire or, for heavy mirrors and large frames, a French cleat or security hangers. Centre artwork at about 145–150cm from the floor, and 20–30cm above a sofa or console.
What drives the price of framing
- Size — cost rises with the perimeter (moulding) and the area (glass, mount, backing).
- Glazing — museum glass or anti-reflective acrylic can cost several times more than standard glass.
- Moulding — solid hardwood and hand-gilded mouldings cost more than painted or aluminium.
- Construction — shadow boxes, float mounts and object mounting take more labour.
- Extras — installation, delivery, restoration and printing.
For an accurate figure, send the studio a photo, the outer dimensions and where it will hang. Try combinations first in the frame visualiser.
Frequently asked questions
Is museum glass worth it?
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.
How long does custom framing take in Dubai?
Typically 2–7 working days depending on moulding stock and complexity. Al Warda Gallery quotes 2–5 working days for most orders.
Should I frame a canvas painting with glass?
Usually no. Stretched canvas paintings breathe better without glazing; a floater frame protects the edges and looks cleaner.
Can you frame something that isn’t flat?
Yes — box frames and shadow boxes are built for objects: jerseys, medals, ticket stubs, textiles, even small sculptures.
What does acid-free actually mean?
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.