Custom Framing Services
Need to get something framed? Sky Blue can design and make the perfect made-to-measure frame for your fine art originals and limited edition prints, memorabilia, 3D objects, photos, sports shirts and more.
We’re Bristol’s custom framing specialists and pride ourselves on providing exceptional framing services, including:
Conservation framing
Stained and hand painted frames
Box and tray frames
Window and float mounts
Canvas stretching
Dry mounting
Specialist glazing options
How we work with you
Are you ready to get something framed? This is how we go about getting things done with our customers.
Step 1: Consultation with you
The best way to get the perfect frame for your artwork is to bring it into our shop.
Every work of art demands something different. We can design a solution that suits your artwork and personal taste with you.
We treat every artwork as an individual project. We aim to create a solution with your full involvement that will protect your piece and show it at its best.
There’s no need to pre-book a consultation.
Step 2: Designing your frame
We normally start by suggesting a style of presentation. For example, this could be a conventional style frame with single or double mounts. Or a contemporary float mount in a box frame.
The format of your artwork or 3D piece usually indicates what will work best. We’ll outline the options that could work for you.
Step 3: Choosing your frame style
Next, we help you choose moulding for your frame.
We often recommend our specialist, artisan hand-stained and painted frames.
Or you can choose from our wide choice of quality, pre-finished mouldings.
Step 4: Mount and glass options
We only use conservation-grade mountboards and materials at all stages of a job. In particular where they are in direct contact with your artwork.
We highly recommend conservation glazing and discuss the benefits with you.
When you are happy with your choices, we give you a quote.
Step 5: Making your frame
All our frames are handmade by our artisan framers in workshops behind the gallery.
To protect your artwork we always use reversible processes.
We cut the conservation mounts and insert your artwork. Then we cut and join the frame before applying the bespoke hand finish if you selected this.
The glass is cut to size. Then we check to make sure there are no imperfections before finally sealing everything into its frame.
Step 6: Collection and hanging
Finally, in most cases we add D-rings and cord for hanging.
Or, if we’ve advised other hanging methods at the consultation stage we’ll use the appropriate fixings.
Your new work of art is now ready to collect and hang on the wall – and enjoy for years to come.
Frame and material options
We use only the finest, high quality framing materials to present and protect your favourite art, photographs and memorabilia.
Frame mouldings
Choose from a wide selection of pre-finished mouldings in contemporary and classic designs. Let us help you select a colour, finish and profile to complement the item you’re having framed.
Hand finishes
We’re experts in hand painting, staining and waxing natural wood mouldings for a unique finish. Choose from a variety of profiles in oak, ash, tulip, and obeche, each used for their distinct qualities.
Mounts
We use only conservation or museum grade mount and barrier board to preserve your artwork. We offer interesting design options including window, hand painted, float and shadow float mounts.
Glazing
As well as regular float glass, we offer specialist glazing options, including reduced reflection, anti-UV and premium museum glass. We offer acrylic for larger frames and where safety is a consideration.
Our Work: Showcase of Framed Artwork
Explore some examples of our framing projects. We work with individuals, businesses, galleries, artists and collectors. So whatever your project, please get in touch.
Happy customers
Michelle Lucking, ArtistAs a professional artist who can take over 100 hours on a painting, choosing the right frame is critical to protecting and complementing my artwork.
I’ve been using Sky Blue for six years and I can’t emphasise enough how professional and meticulous Mike and his team are.
I use soft pastel which is notoriously delicate but the team always handle my work with the utmost care and respect. In addition, they are always able to give brilliant advice on frames that suit my art.
Sakis Dinas, General Manager at Lucknam Park
Huw Lougher, Lougher ContemporaryCommon custom framing questions
Do I need to make an appointment?
No. Just come along during opening hours and we’ll be happy to discuss your framing requirements.
If you have several pieces to get framed, please phone in advance if possible as it allows us to keep our design area free.
How much does framing cost?
As our frames are designed and made to your individual requirements, the cost depends upon the choices you make for your frame.
Pop in with your artwork and we’ll happily help you with these decisions.
Once they are made our pricing software works out your price based upon the simplicity or a higher level of creativity.
A straightforward job will cost less, and increasing levels of gradually higher conservation will naturally cost more. But don't worry, we always like to make you feel that you are in control of how much you are prepared to spend.
What is custom picture framing?
It’s the process of creating a frame specifically designed and made to present and protect your particular artwork, photograph, or object at its best.
Every custom frame we make is unique and tailor made for you. You can choose from a range of different mouldings, mounts, colours and finishes to achieve your perfect frame.
Is there any kind of art or object that can’t be framed?
With more than 25 years of experience, there's very little we can't frame. We’re experts at coming up with solutions to framing problems.
We’ve framed everything from rowing oars to tennis shoes, a guitar signed by Amy Winehouse and even a plasticine model of the mischievous TV character Morph.
What are your turnaround times for framing jobs?
It depends on the number of frames, size of the frame, materials used and complexity of individual jobs. We generally work to a three to four week turnaround and will always advise you at the consultation stage if it is likely to be longer.
We do our best to fit in urgent jobs that are needed for special occasions. Please be advised this is at our discretion and can be dependent on the materials you choose being in stock.
What is conservation standard framing?
Conservation framing uses materials and techniques that have been proven to provide protection to framed works of art on paper or other items of high value or sentimentality. The techniques used are fully reversible, meaning the artwork or items can be returned to their original state.
There are different levels of conservation framing according to the quality and specification of the materials used. We offer conservation framing up to the highest museum level.
What types of picture glass do you offer?
We offer various options including:
- Standard float glass - the budget-friendly choice
- Reduced reflection glass - minimises reflection and blocks 70% of UV rays.
- Anti-UV glass - blocks 99.6% of UV rays.
- Museum glass - blocks 99.6% of UV rays and has an anti-refelctive coating for superb clarity
- Acrylic - available with UV protection. Suitable for larger frames and where safety is a consideration.
Get started
If you’d like to get something framed visit us in person to go through the options and get a quote. Or contact our friendly team by phone or email.