Frequently Asked Questions:

Established in 1954, Peterson Picture Co. offers our clients the highest quality custom framing, artwork, and materials at fair prices, while maintaining turnaround times that continuously exceed our customer's expectations. We carry one of the largest selections of picture frame mouldings in the Midwest, and each of our experienced staff members excels in the fine art of customer service. Our professional team includes artists, experts in custom frame design, graphics personnel, and art-handlers.

Whether it's a matter of choosing a mat and frame solution, restoring an artwork, preserving a valuable heirloom, or something completely out of the ordinary, Peterson Picture Co.’s consultants will use their knowledge of aesthetics, materials, and production methodology to guarantee that you make the best choices for presenting your valuable works of art.

There are many factors that affect the price of a custom-framing project: The finished size of the piece, the price of the moulding material, the type of matting, the type of glass, the mounting method, and if any special conservation treatments are involved. Peterson Picture Co. takes great pride in our designer's abilities to work with you to find a framing treatment that meets both your vision, and your budget.

As most people know, custom framing can be comparatively expensive, especially if you are in the habit of purchasing pre-fabricated and ready-made frames off the shelf. However, the quality of the materials, the design of the piece, and the care with which our production personnel handles your artwork will justify the relative expenses, once you see the finished product. Custom framing is about you, your design taste, and creating a unique look made to your specifications.

The best way to estimate the cost of your framing project is to bring your items to our showroom. One of our design specialists will customize a design for your piece and provide a quote. There is no charge for a consultation, and it is a fun experience to explore all of your design options!

The amount of time that it will take for Peterson Picture Co. to finish your custom order depends on several factors. Whether or not we have the specific materials you choose in stock, how many pieces you are having framed, how many other projects we are currently working on, and your desired completion date. All of these elements help determine how quickly we can finish your project. In general, we ask for a week to complete the work, and rarely more than two.

Peterson Picture Co. happily offers rush service if you are in need of a fast turn-around!

At Peterson Picture Co., we look forward to helping you create a custom framing treatment that fulfills all of your expectations. Our trained and experienced staff is ready to help you determine what moulding style, matting, and hardware will best showcase your artwork and creative vision.

Feel free to Contact us to set up an appointment for a custom consultation.

Our highly trained design specialists are happy to assist you in finding the right design for your artwork. It is recommended that you bring in the project so we can discuss the many options that are offered.

It is important to consider the colors, style of the image, the dimensions of the work, and the room in which the work will be hanging. All of these elements should be factored in while considering your matting and moulding options. Our experienced staff is ready to help you with all of these factors, and help create a design that is uniquely yours.

The purpose of matting is both protective and cosmetic. Using a mat helps create a transitional space between the artwork and the frame, while providing a neutral setting in which the image can be appreciated. Also, matboard creates a space between the glazing (glass or plexiglas) and the artwork. This adds a level of protection to the piece, while allowing air to circulate around the framed item.

You can also use mattings to bring out a specific hue in the artwork, to compliment the environment it will be displayed in, or to accent the moulding. Our dedicated team of specialists will work with you to create the perfect design that completes your vision.

There is no formal set of rules when it comes to custom framing. However, taking the width of the moulding you choose and the dimensions of the artwork into consideration will help enhance the balance of your piece, and create a smooth transition from the artwork to the frame.

The designers at Peterson Picture Co. are ready to help you select the right matting materials, sizes, and colors for your project.

There are a number of factors to consider when framing special works that you want to protect and preserve. The matting and backing materials should be preservation-grade, acid- and lignin-free, and the artwork should be mounted in a way that is reversible, and does not alter the original in any way. The glazing (glass or acrylic) should be UV-protective, to help prevent damage to your item from ultraviolet light. Also, the glass should be spaced away from the surface of the art, which is accomplished by using spacers or with the use of matting.

Aside from these basic guidelines, our design specialists can help determine an approach that will best fit the needs of your piece.

Mounting is the method by which your artwork will be held inside the frame. The two most common methods are permanent Dry Mounting and Conservation Mounting.

Permanent Dry Mounting is the irreversible mounting of your artwork onto a backing board by using a heat-activated, adhesive film. We offer a variety of Dry-mounting substrates including: Foam-Core, Gator Foam, Illustration Boards, and Acid Free options. This process flattens and permanently mounts the artwork using a method that does not require wet adhesive. Dry mounting is used for works that will not be reduced in value by being permanently attached to a backing board, and is not generally used for original artwork, limited-edition prints, collectibles, or antiques.

Conservation Mounting is not a permanent mounting process. The artwork is typically held in place with an archival quality, adhesive, tape, or Mylar corners, and can be entirely removed from the framing treatment in its original condition. This is recommended for valuable, antique, and limited-edition artwork.

Museum Glass - This is the best choice for any type of artwork, document, photo or keepsake that is considered valuable, or work that is highly detailed. This glass effectively blocks 98% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. It has the lowest reflection rating available, and will not glare or produce distracting reflections on your art. This option offers greater clarity for true color transmission with extremely consistent quality. Although this glass is highly recommended, it is not a budget item.

Conservation Clear Glass - Could also be used for valuable artwork. This glass effectively blocks 98% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. The main difference being that you will see a reflection. Conservation Clear glass has virtually the same appearance as regular glass, but blocks nearly all harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays.

Reflection Control Glass - This is the best choice for artwork hung opposite a window or lamp, aside from Museum Glass. Reflection Control Glass is chemically finished to scatter light as it strikes the glass. This subtle, matte-like treatment protects artwork from unwanted glare or distortion and is also available with ultraviolet coating.

Plexiglas - Is perfect for heavy, large artwork because it will reduce the overall weight of the piece. It is also ideal for work that will be hung in public spaces, or any other area where broken glass would be a hazard. It is also a good idea to use Plexiglas if your artwork is extremely valuable or irreplaceable because it won't damage your artwork if it is broken. If you plan to ship artwork, Plexiglas is also a good option because it is far less likely to break during transit. Plexiglas is available with UV filtering and conservation properties.

Peterson Picture Co. does not offer touch-up or art restoration services in our production facility. We do however work closely with several well-established artwork conservators, if repairs and restorations are required. The relationships we've built with conservators over the years ensures that we receive preferential pricing and turnaround times, which we proudly extend to our clients.

Repairing frames requires experience, great skill, and special equipment. We'll be happy to assess your damaged frame to determine if a repair is possible, and whether or not it would be cost effective to complete the work. If your frame is an antique or is extremely valuable, we provide access to professional restoration services.

Yes, please inquire with our staff to determine pricing!

Yes! If you are an artist or designer, please let us know.

We also offer a wholesale price structure to retailers, contract purchasers, GSA buyers, and high-volume clients. Peterson Picture Co. is well equipped to handle large-scale projects, delivery, and installations. Please Contact us to discuss your volume purchasing needs.

Peterson Picture Co. accepts Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express for your convenience. For large quantity and custom material orders, a 50% deposit is requested.

Yes! Peterson Picture Co. offers gift certificates in any amount. Gift certificates are valid for one year after the purchase date.