The primary responsibility of the picture framer is to preserve and enhance your work of art. The goal of the picture framer is that these works of art will be protected from damage for as long as possible, and that the framing process will be reversible so that the works of art can be restored to the same condition in which they were presented to the framer. In addition to this conservation responsibility, the framer must create an environment for the work of art which presents it in a visually interesting and pleasing manner. The Frame & I staff is trained in conservation framing practices and we use only the finest archival materials. Whether we are framing works of art on paper, paintings on canvas or other supports, or objects of value, we use careful conservation techniques for securing the artwork in a manner that is safe and completely reversible. We have many glazing options available to either reduce reflections and/or to protect artworks from ultraviolet light. Because of the danger of harsh lighting in Arizona, we recommend that you fight fading of your artwork with conservation quality glazing. Visit the Frame & I and our helpful, well trained staff will show you how to protect your artwork with the finest conservation materials available.

We can repair damage to most frames. We can perform many different types of repairs including re-gluing, re-finishing, and re-construction. Ask our skilled staff for more details on techniques and hourly rates for repairs and restorations.

In addition to mounting we offer surface lamination. In this process we heat apply a laminate onto the surface of a foamcore mounted poster. Our laminates can impart either a luster or linen finish to the mounted item, and gives it a durable protective coating which eliminates the need for glass. Surface laminates are a great option when glass isn’t desirable.

We offer drymounting and wetmounting when a flat, ripple-free presentation is required, if conservation of the item isn’t an issue.

• Drymounting is a heat process using a dry adhesive and a mechanical heat press.
• Wetmounting is a cold process using spray adhesives or wet pastes and a vacuum press.

Some items should not be mounted, especially if they’re collectible, limited editions, signed, rare, or one-of-a-kind, so before permanently mounting an item give careful consideration to its value. We’d love to show you some examples of different types of mounting and help you to decide what’s best for your project!

Our highly trained staff can help you determine if mounting is appropriate.

Bought a print on canvas, and it came to you rolled up? Have a painting that was shipped to you in a tube? We can stretch canvases onto stretcher bars so they can be displayed again! Some canvases can even be “Gallery Wrapped” so that they can be displayed without a frame. Let us help you decide the best way to stretch your giclee prints or originals.

A mat is more than a pretty color! Traditionally matting serves a twofold purpose – the first, and most recognizable, is the visual effect. A properly designed mat can enhance and even improve the beauty of the artwork. The second (and less obvious) reason for matting is to preserve works of art or photographs on paper. A mat provides the proper depth for airspace between the artwork and the glazing. This is important because temperature shifts can cause moisture to condense on glass, which can then cause mold, fungus, rippling or sticking of framed items to the glass! A mat also serves the function of isolating the artwork from environmental contaminants that can leach in from the edge of the frame.

The best mat boards are cotton or high alpha cellulose, archival, lignin and acid-free boards. Don’t settle for inferior wood pulp (also known as paper) matboards! They can damage your art or collectibles by off gassing acid as they age, causing fading and yellowing. High quality matting provides the best support for framed objects by protecting and enhancing it. Not only will proper matting help to protect and preserve your art, it will set the mood for the finished piece.

Decorative Matting

• A double or triple mat is a beautiful way to accentuate your artwork. A mat can reflect your personal style with additional decoration, such as a v-groove, decorative corners or cut art, French lines, or hand painted panels or bevels. Our skilled designers have over fifty years of combined experience to customize a look that suits your unique project.

InLay Matting

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A mat can be designed with inlays of alternating mat colors for a beautiful, refined custom look. Reminiscent of marquetry and fine inlaid wood furnishings, an inlay mat can add sophistication to that special project.

French Matting

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Traditional French Matting incorporates watercolor or pastel panels painted on the mat and enhanced with hand-drawn ink lines. This classic look can really set off antique to contemporary items. We work with you to come up with the perfect French mat, hand crafted to enhance your object d’art.

Fabric Mats


• Fabric mats come in a multitude of colors and textures. Suede, linen, leather, cotton or silk – we have a fabric to suit your particular style and taste. Some mats come pre-covered with fabric, while others are hand-wrapped with fabric from the bolt. Let us custom tailor a look for you.

Sometimes, less is more. We offer shrink-wrap to protect an item that doesn’t necessarily need framing but needs an economic, protective enclosure. Shrink-wrap is most commonly used on artwork or prints for resale, student works for shows or critiques, or anything that needs a low-cost means of protection and presentation. Shrink-wrap isn’t meant to be permanent. If your project requires archival materials, we can advise you on other means of presentation and preservation.

Do you have an unusual framed artwork that you need help hanging? Is it heavy or would you like it in a precise location? Call the Frame & I and ask for Russell to set up an appointment. Russell has five years experience hanging pictures and also had an internship at the University of Arizona Art Museum, assisting in exhibit displays. Rates vary depending on each situation. Russell would be glad to assist you with installing your picture, framed mirror, and any other art hanging projects you need help with at your home or office.

The Frame & I offers a wide selection of ready-made frames, including elegant gold leaf frames, ornate silver frames, sleek black frames, a rainbow of different color frames, and rustic frames from western to barnwood. You will find tiny frames, photo frames, canvas frames and large frames. Since we make many of our ready-made frames in our store, you will also find fine custom moulding made into ready-made frames in standard sizes and priced very economically. Let our creative staff help you select the perfect frame for your artwork.

Readymade frames are available in the following sizes…
●5×7 ●8×10 ●9×12 ●11×14 ●12×14 ●14×18 ●16×20 ●18×24 ●20×24 ●22×28 ●24×30 ●24×36

We also have an extensive collection of readymade frames, from as small as 4×6 to as large as 24×36, pre-cut mat boards in standard sizes up to 18×24, sectional metal frames, uncut mat board and foam core, hardware and supplies for most framing projects. Just ask us, we can help you find what you need to complete your project!

Readymade mats are available in the following sizes…
●5×7 ●8×10 ●9×12 ●11×14 ●12×16 ●14×18 ●16×20 ●18×24