Frequently Asked Questions
Does framing make a good gift?
Everyone has someone on their holiday list who is difficult to buy for. Stumped for gift ideas?
Why not give a Gift Certificate from FastFrame of Wilmington?
Many people have artwork, photographs, or treasures just waiting for the perfect frame.
A framing package can be themed around a hobby or profession – perhaps a stamp or coin collection, medals, fly fishing, golf, music, Scouting, sports – the list is endless!
The best thing about giving a FastFrame Gift Certificate is that the lucky recipient can have their “something special” framed and put on display for everyone to enjoy... and they’ll also have the pleasure of choosing exactly the right colors and moulding to suit them.
That special print, photo, or collection will always be in view, not lost away in a drawer or closet. And whenever the recipient looks at their beautifully framed piece, they will think of you!
Here at FastFrame we will help customize the frame design to reflect and complement home or office décor, and suggest unique and creative ways to display items. Whether it’s an Olympic torch, a violin, military medals, a sheaf of dried tobacco, old treasured photos, or children’s art, we will take the time to develop the perfect design for each special piece.
It’s a lucky person who gets a FastFrame Gift Certificate!
Is there much difference between custom picture frame and a ready made frame besides the price?
There is a big difference between a custom built frame and a mass produced ready made frame. Here are some outstanding features of a custom made frame:
- All aspects of custom made frames are hand-crafted. Ready-made frames which come in certain standard sizes, make it difficult to customize a design for the artwork with mats and other design features.
- At FASTFRAME we cut the lengths of moulding, nail the pieces together, cut the mats, cut the glass, mount the pictures or objects, and finish the pieces with paper and wire. We do all that right on site; we measure, cut pound saw, score, glue, tape, place, and finally unveil the finished piece!
- FastFrame uses only the highest quality, acid free materials. Many inexpensive ready-made frames are created using substandard materials and are imported.
What does it cost to custom frame a picture?
The cost of your custom picture framing depends on many features and there is a great range of prices for different features. Some of the things that affect the cost are:
- The size of your piece
- The width of the frame
- The finish and decorative style of the frame
- The mat for your art – the type of mat, the number of mats, the width of the mats, or whether you choose to have a mat.
- Glass – the type of glass, conservation, non-glare, museum
- Mount – the way the piece is mounted, how many pieces are being mounted, and the time involved for mounting.
The friendly staff at FastFrame is happy to work with you to fully explore all your options with regard to price and design. All design and price quotes are free of charge; so come on in and let’s see what we can do.
How long does framing take?
We take pride in our ability to deliver quality workmanship in a very short time. Generally we will frame a piece within a week, and there are things we can do for you very quickly, the same day or within 24 hours. We carry a tremendous variety of in store custom frame moulding and mats so we can create a handmade custom framed piece very quickly if need be. If you choose a one of a kind handmade product, it may take a couple weeks to complete. Please let us know if there is a time constraint and we will be happy to accommodate you.
What is Preservation Framing?
Preservation framing (or conservation framing) is the method where we envelope your artwork in a completely acid free environment. We use the highest quality mats, mounting boards and framing techniques to shield your valuable and sentimental artwork from the effects of acid degradation and harmful UV light. Our preservation framing allows you to remove the artwork from the frame at a later date, unharmed and unaltered. This will preserve the value of your artwork for years to come. In addition to preservation framing, we offer museum framing, which is the highest form of protective framing available. Your FASTFRAME design consultant will help you decide which method is right for your artwork. Our preservation and museum standards are very high and have been independently scrutinized by industry expects for content, use of materials and framing techniques. With our preservation and museum framing we also offer free inspections every three years. With your valuable and sentimental artwork, you can be sure it will be properly framed at FASTFRAME.How do your prices compare to other framing shops?
Periodic market analysis shows that our prices are competitive; virtually the same or less than other professional frame shops offering equivalent products and services. At times, other frame shops may quote a job at a significantly lower price. We find that when this occurs, the frame shop is generally using inferior quality products. This would include paper mats, cardboard backing, plastic frames or “cheap” overseas knockoffs. At times, these shops are shipping your artwork to offsite production warehouses where the quality and experience of their staff are questionable. You must also ask yourself if this framer will be around should you encounter problems in the future. At FASTFRAME, all work is done on the premises by trained staff. And we back up our quality with our Design and Craftsmanship Guarantee.
What makes FastFrame different?
There are some things that you will receive when you come into FastFrame that don’t cost anything and they are things will not get at your local discount store. These include but are not limited to:
- Individualized attention
- Unlimited design consultation on how to best enhance and display your art.
- Professional advice about how to preserve and display your fine art, special personal objects, needlework, treasured photographs and hard earned certificates.
- The latest in design technology – a ceiling mounted camera and software that allows you to preview different designs for your framed piece.
- Advice and suggestions on how to mount and hang all different types of home and office accessories.
- A personal interest in the pieces you want to frame. A desire to help you preserve your memories, enhance your décor, display your credentials and let your treasured objects tell their stories.
Hole in One - Dye Course #2
Pam Marenko wanted a unique memento for her husband, Gary’s, hole in one at Landfall’s Dye Course. She had saved …
See this & more design ideas! »
Testimonial
My firm recently engaged FastFrame to custom frame several diplomas and certificates for our staff offices. The results are fantastic – beautifully finished custom frames for the firm’s most prized possessions. The professionals at Fastframe were extremely helpful, friendly and prompt. They worked extensively to ensure our happiness with the finished products. Their use of the “Picture It First” computer simulation technology allowed us to preview our framed pieces during the design process. We will certainly use them in the future for our office and personal framing needs.
Robert R. Thomas, Jr.
CPA
Practice Manager
Hardison & Chamberlain, CPAs, PA
1319 Military Cut-Off Road
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone - 910.256.1105
Email -