Other FAQ
FAQ
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How do I figure the total footage of a frame?

The easiest way to calculate the total footage of a frame is to use our footage chart. Simply add the height and width of the frame to get the united inches (UI). For example, a 16" x 20" frame is 36 UI. Then, round up to the nearest even number and follow that row to the column that corresponds to the width of the moulding.

Alternatively, you can use the following formula: [(4 x "the moulding width") + H + W] / 6.

Do you offer a chop line?

Yes, we offer a line of fine, hand-finished chop moulding known as Short Cuts, which can be viewed here. Offering the same trusted Old World quality as our finished corner frames, Short Cuts have the advantage of an in-stock program to assure convenience in shipping. For those customers who budget for both time and expense, Short Cuts afford a unique alternative to finished corners.

Short Cuts ship in one to two business days and are only available in the finishes shown. They can be sent as chop or joined as a frame for a small additional charge.

Each moulding is also available as a finished corner frame in any size and finish. (Corresponding finished corner numbers can be found underneath the chop number in the chop photograph.)

Do you offer ready-mades?

Yes, we stock a selection of already made finished corner frames in standard portrait sizes. Ready-mades usually ship within one to two business days. Please see our online catalog for our current selection.

A client has an old Husar frame and wants to order a new one. Can you match finishes?

Yes, we can match the finish of a new frame to that of a Husar corner sample or another Husar frame as closely as possible. The finish of fine frames, like the finish of fine furniture, changes with age, and the many variables of handcrafting create nuances in finishing. Thus, we cannot guarantee that finishes will match exactly but will create as comparable a finish as possible.

If you would like us to match finishes, please submit the order "AS SAMPLE" (e.g. 1192-4-M18 AS SAMPLE) and mail us the corner or frame you'd like us to use as a reference point.

I like the finish of a sample on your website, but the number isn't listed. How do I order that finish?

If the finish number isn't listed on a catalog image, it is for one of two reasons: 1) The photograph does not accurately represent the finish, or 2) the corner sample is very old (in some cases 40-50 years), and thus the finish has aged. In cases where the corner sample is old, we may be able to use our office sample as a reference point in creating the finish for the new frame. Please call us at (312) 243-7888 for more information.

Note: If you are ordering finishes based on the photographs, please keep in mind that colors can vary greatly between monitors.

What if the pattern I like isn't deep enough for my artwork?

If a pattern doesn't have a deep enough rabbet, we can increase the rabbet depth by adding a build-up. We extend the depth of the moulding with build-up material, joining the materials prior to finishing so that the seam is not visible (the frame and build-up appear to be one piece).

We offer two types of build-ups: structural and cosmetic. A structural build-up is added across the entire width of the back of the moulding, whereas a cosmetic build-up is only added to the back outside edge. Both build-ups are seamless; however, a cosmetic build-up is often used on wider mouldings to cut down on the weight of the frame. Both types of build-ups can be flush (to the edge of the frame) or stepped out slightly for added width and dimension.

What is a build-up? What is the difference between a structural and cosmetic build-up?

A build-up is used to increase the rabbet depth of a frame in the event that it is too shallow for your artwork. We extend the depth of the moulding with build-up material, joining the materials prior to finishing so that the seam is not visible (the frame and build-up appear to be one piece).

We offer two types of build-ups: structural and cosmetic. A structural build-up is added across the entire width of the back of the moulding, whereas a cosmetic build-up is only added to the back outside edge. Both build-ups are seamless; however, a cosmetic build-up is often used on wider mouldings to cut down on the weight of the frame. Both types of build-ups can be flush (to the edge of the frame) or stepped out slightly for added width and dimension.

What are my color options for a colored panel?

We offer a range of standard colors that can be seen on corner samples in our online catalog. These include:
  • BLK PAN, A4, A116 = black (antique varies)
  • BRN, A79 = brown (antique varies)
  • A1 = white
  • A2 = green
  • A3 = cream
  • A8 = seafoam green
  • A17 = orange
  • A26 = light blue
  • A46 = pastel green
  • A70 = dark green
  • A76 = blue
  • A422 = red
We can also customize a colored panel to match your artwork for an additional fee. Simply supply us with a paint chip or matt board color.

Note: The final shade and sheen varies depending on the finish's antique (which is applied after the panel is colored).

The pattern I like is too narrow. Do you offer a wider version?

In some cases, we offer different widths/versions of the same moulding. In those instances where a wider moulding is not offered, we can add a liner. A liner is a smaller frame which is nailed inside the main frame and is an excellent way to add extra width and dimension to a standard moulding without adding bulk. We offer a variety of liners (flat, flat and cove, beveled, and ornamented). Liners can be gilded to match the frame or hand wrapped in linen.

Please call us at (312) 243-7888 or
e-mail us for more information.

The pattern I like is too wide. Do you offer a narrower version?

In some cases, we offer different widths/versions of the same moulding. In those instances where a narrower moulding is not offered, we may be able to adjust the width of the moulding by cutting off the back edge.

Please call us at (312) 243-7888 or
e-mail us for more information.

Will the frame I order look exactly like my corner sample?

We strive for consistency when ornamenting and finishing our frames; however, no two frames (or corner samples) are ever exactly alike. This is the nature and beauty of hand made crafts! The many steps and nuances involved in crafting and finishing a frame by hand mean that every frame is unique and will bear slight variances in both ornamentation and finish.

In those instances when you would like the frame to match your corner sample as closely as possible, please mail us your sample when you place your order. We will use your sample as a point of reference when finishing the new frame.