Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.

As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

If you think of question that is not on this list, please click on "Ask a Question" and let us know what you're thinking. If enough people ask the same question, we'll post the answer in this section for future visitors.

1. What is the normal turn-around time for an order?
2. What types of files do you accept?
3. What is vinyl sign lettering?
4. How do I remove vinyl lettering?
5. What are the advantages of laser engraving?
6. Where can I install vinyl lettering?
7. Why should you use acid-free materials?
8. Can you engrave full bottles of wine/champagne?
9. How should I properly handle my artwork until I can finally get to a professional framer?
10. What do you mean by "having the image mounted"?
11. Is there more than one kind of glass?

1. What is the normal turn-around time for an order?

   Turn-around times vary for each order. Contact us with a specific inquiry. Rush service is available, however in many instances we finish engraving projects within a couple of days, and full custom framing projects within 10-14 business days. We always contact our customers when their orders are ready. If a customer is only in need of a simple mat and the board is in-stock, we may be able to cut the mat by the next business day.

2. What types of files do you accept?

   We accept Corel DRAW and Corel PHOTOPAINT files, Adobe Photoshop, .pdf, .tiff, .eps, and .bmp files. We prefer not to use JPEG files if at all possible, as they are prone to pixelation. If a JPEG must be used, please send it through our "send a file" link on the home page or bring it to us directly on a disc or thumb drive.

   WE DO NOT ACCEPT MICROSOFT PUBLISHER FILES. Microsoft Publisher files are not compatible with any other design programs and are therefore not suitable. We ask that you please publish your files as .PDF before sending them.

3. What is vinyl sign lettering? Using a high grade vinyl similar with an adhesive backing, our computer can create most any design by simply cutting the pattern that we prepare on our computer. A machine connected to the computer cuts the letters into the vinyl. We then remove excess vinyl, leaving the prespaced vinyl letters on a wax backing paper. Next a layer of application tape is applied over the entire area. When the application tape is lifted from the wax backing paper, the sticky side of the vinyl letters is exposed. When pressed to the sign surface with a supplied squeegee, the letters are permanently stuck to the surface. The application tape is then removed. VOILA! The vinyl sign is created.

4. How do I remove vinyl lettering? Its not easy, but you can peel the vinyl letters off when the sign is no longer needed. Remove any remaining glue with citrus based goo-remover according to the manufacturers instructions.

5. What are the advantages of laser engraving?

   Laser engraving has many advantages. -Laser engraving will not distort or otherwise damage sufaces the way stamping and conventional engraving can. -Laser engraved marks will not come off the way painted or screenprinted marks do. -Laser engraving requires no corrosive chemicals to come in contact with the part as with chemical etching, eliminating the possibility of corrosion or staining. -Laser engraving marks generally have a better contrast than typical mechanical engraving. -Laser engraving is capable of making much finer detail than any other method.

6. Where can I install vinyl lettering? Vinyl letters work well on most any smooth non-porous surface. Glass, vehicles, fiberglass, painted wood, plastic and painted metal are all excellent surfaces for pre-spaced vinyl letters. Application instructions will be included with your order. An application squeegee may be purchased from us for the nominal price of $1.00.

7. Why should you use acid-free materials?

   Acids ruin artwork. Wood contains acids. Paper is made from wood. Ordinary generic mats are made from paper. NO CREDIBLE FRAMER SHOULD EVER USE ORDINARY PAPER MATS. Insist that matting and mounting materials are acid-free (that is, pH-neutral) and lignon-free. (Lignon is what makes inexpensive paper turn yellow).

   Acid free paper mats are manufactured by adding calcium carbonate to "buffer" the acidic characteristics. It works like the way an antacid tablet calms the stomach!

8. Can you engrave full bottles of wine/champagne?

   Yes we can!
   NOTE: We are NOT an authorized alcohol retailer, therefore if you'd like a bottle engraved, you must supply the bottle. Also, we do not engrave rare or irreplaceable bottles of wine.

9. How should I properly handle my artwork until I can finally get to a professional framer?

   Handling your artwork is something that can frequently be overlooked, resulting in devastating damage. There are a few things to remember that can help you take good care of your piece. Also, different mediums require different cautionary techniques. For starters, never stack paintings on top of one another. The paint could scratch upon contact, and even fall off in chips. Avoid touching the canvas or board whenever possible, especially the surface. Handle a canvas by the edges, as you would a photograph. Avoid rolling artwork, including canvases and paper-based creations. Travel with loose artwork in an acid-free paper folder. Finally, never try and clean a piece yourself. Introducing any product to the surface of your artwork is asking for trouble unless you're absolutely sure what you're doing. Ask a professional before you do anything.

10. What do you mean by "having the image mounted"?

    Mounting is the process that secures the image (artwork, print, poster, photo, needle art, etc) to a more rigid backing or support. Some techniques are permanent (that is, non-reversible), while others allow the image to be restored to its original configuration without evidence of mounting. Professional framers typically use the following techniques, depending on the situation.

    Dry Mounting - Uses heat sensitive thermoplastic adhesives to bond the image to a substrate.

    Wet Mounting - The use of either water soluble glues or spray adhesives.

    Conservation or Museum Mounting - The use of a process absolutely allows the image to be returned to its original condition without damage. The mounting is reversible. Thus, it is appropriate for original and limited edition works of art.

11. Is there more than one kind of glass?

    YES!
    Glass is generally made from sand, soda and lime…just like it was hundreds of years ago. But quality varies, as do features. There are several types of glass:

    Regular Picture Framing Glass - Clear glass of a higher quality, and usually is thicker, than window glass.

    Non-Glare Glass - Picture framing glass that has been lightly etched on one or both sides. It refracts the light to make the surface less reflective. However, it does slightly dull the image under the glass…especially if there are multiple mats.

    Conservation Glass - Filters up to 97% of ultraviolet rays with a silica coating bonded to the inside of the glass. Ultraviolet light causes fading and deterioration of artwork.

    Museum Glass - Better than Conservation Glass, Museum Glass is coated with a quartz-like substance that not only blocks UV rays, but does so with no loss of clarity.