SUMMARY

Properties of Framing	Types of Display	How to Order?
A custom-designed framed offers a unique and personalized look that can't be found in-store. While matting is optional, it's recommended to include a complimentary mat, as well as the right backing/mounting and protective glass to ensure your document is well preserved. Encasing your document behind a glass protects your document.	Between wood and metal frames, there are a variety of options to choose from.	Custom Frame and Plaque Mounting

A custom-designed framed offers a unique and personalized look that can't be found in-store. This is great for choosing the style and colour you like, such as a sleek, modern, black frame or a classic mahogany thick frame. A key benefit in having a custom-frame is that it can easily be removable and switched out for use in other frames. It can also be inserted back into the frame after reproducing the document for your potential employer or for professional usage. While purchasing a ready-made frame would be convenient, cheaper, and faster to get, ready-made frames may not be made of the same archival quality as custom-made frames. This can lead to your document deteriorating over time.

Matting & Backing

While matting is optional, it's recommended to include a complimentary mat, as well as the right backing/mounting and protective glass to ensure your document is well preserved. For backing, make sure to choose an acid-free or archival-grade backing, as well as an archival mounting method to mount your diploma. For more information on frame backing boards, this article outlines the different backing boards available, and also provides some information about their alternate use as mounting boards.

When choosing a mat, it's one thing to choose a complementary color to the certificate and the frame, but it's another to choose a high quality conservation core or museum core/museum quality mat. There are different types of mat material such as cellulose, linen, suede, and cotton rag. Be cautious of choosing a coloured mat, as the dyes in select mats may not be archival. Archival-quality matting will preserve and ensure longevity of your document, as well as prevent it from touching the frame's glazing. For more information on frame mat, this article discusses the different materials and attributes of picture framing mats, as well as a brief outline on matting your own images.

Plexiglass & Glass

Encasing your document behind a glass protects your document. While a mat can ensure the document will not touch the glass, a high-grade protective glass can protect the document from light, residue, UV rays, and humidity. Frame coverings usually come in plexiglass or regular glass, however regular glass is usually the more expensive option. Like matting, glass comes in conservation-grade and museum-grade. When choosing a glass, opt for a UV non-glare glass to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time.

Read on to learn more about the differences between Acrylic(Plexiglass) and Real Glass.

Custom-design your frame with Frame Liners and Mat.

Wooden frames are a common option and offer a classic and traditional look. Wooden frames are complementary to most documents as they showcase the formality and professionalism of the piece. Wooden frames look best when placed in a room with traditional decor and furniture that complements the style of the frame. In contrast, metal frames offer a more modern and sleek look. Metal frames are ideal in rooms that house minimalistic and simple decor. Metal frames make the diploma the focal point with its sleek look.

Snap frames are a sleek and cheaper alternative to custom-made wooden and metal frames. Snap Frames are made of sturdy aluminum with a front loading display. The benefit of snap frames is the ability to change your diploma and certificate easily. This is a great option if you're looking to temporarily place your diploma on the wall.

Common Diploma Sizing

Not all certificates are made the same. It is important to measure the actual document size of the diploma to ensure the mats will be cut precisely. The mat opening will be cut accordingly so that the frame will not overlap or cover up the diploma. The most common diploma sizes are 11x14", 8.5x11" (standard letter), 7.5x9.5", and 12x15". If you're unable to find the exact frame sizes for your certificate in store, another benefit of having a custom-made frame is designing a frame that will work for the exact size.

Engraving/Embossing

Embellish and personalize the look of your diploma by getting an embossed or engraved seal of your alma mater! The official seal and school name can be added and customized to the mat of the frame. Engravings and embossments are usually done from a gold or silver engraving.

Cleaning your frames

Whether you go for a wooden frame or a metal frame, it's important to take care and clean your newly made frame. For wooden frames, they can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or special wood cleaner. Be sure to spray only a small amount of polish, as the wood can be absorbed and seep into the wood. You can also use a soft toothbrush to clean the face of the frame. For metal frames, you can clean the glass and molding by using an ammonia-free cleaner. It's best to use a mild soap to gently clean the plexi or regular glass. If your frame is made of silver or has silver detailing, use a polish made for cleaning silver. Ensure the frames and the glazing is fully dry before mounting or re-mounting your certificate.

Plaque Mounting

Plaque mounting is a great option to display your diploma or certificate. Plaque mounting is generally the cheaper alternative to custom-framing and offers a frameless look. They are also lighter than a custom frame and can easily be transported and changed to a different placement. The certificate/diploma is mounted onto a high-density wooden board (MDF plaque) and is then sealed in with a UV-protected laminate so that the document is protected from residue and UV rays. Plaque mounting can come in different styles: flat/standard, box/flush, combo/raised, matted, and float. This option offers more of a permanency to displaying your document, as you are unable to remove the document once it has been sealed. This is not ideal if you're wanting to switch out your document or use it in another frame. Additionally, mildew and moisture, and even mold can build up and disintegrate the plaque if it is placed in an area exposed to humidity.

Aluminium Snap Frame w/ Round Corners.

Metal Black Snap Frame w/ Mitered Corners.

It's important to take care and clean your newly made frame.

Types of Plaque Mounting. Plaque Mounting is a great option to display your diploma or certificate.

If you prefer to have your document plaque mounted, we offer MDF Plaque Mounting services! Mail your diploma and certificate to us, choose the plaque style, and choose the edge color that complements your diploma and we do the rest!

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