To Frame or Not to Frame? An Honest Look at What Belongs Behind Glass (and What Doesn't!)
Okay, collectors, gather 'round. This might seem a little… unconventional, coming from us. At MVP Authentics, we live and breathe custom framing. We believe in the power of a perfectly matted, expertly framed jersey to transform a wall and tell a story. However, even we admit there's a time and a place for everything. And sometimes, the best framing solution for your cherished piece is... no frame at all!
Yes, you read that right. In this installment of "The Framer's Playbook: Calls from the Cutting Mat," we're going to tackle a crucial, often-overlooked question: When to frame, and when not to frame. Because while we specialize in custom framing, our ultimate goal is for your memorabilia to look its absolute best. And for certain items, that "best" might just involve an acrylic case or a prominent spot on a shelf.
The Golden Rule: If It's Thicker Than a Hockey Puck...
As a general rule, we say this loud and clear: anything thicker than a hockey puck probably shouldn't go in a traditional frame.
Now, before you panic and start measuring all your prized possessions, let's clarify. Can we technically create a deeper shadowbox-type frame for items like baseballs, boxing gloves, or even those oddly shaped championship rings? Yes, we can. Our craftsmanship knows very few bounds! However, just because we can, doesn't always mean it's the best solution for your item, or your wall.
Here's the (laundry list) of downsides you'll encounter when trying to shoehorn a truly three-dimensional item into a frame:
- The Cost Factor: The frame moulding itself is significantly more expensive. Think about it: creating that extra depth requires a lot more material. This isn't just a minor upcharge; it's a substantial jump in cost compared to our standard framing.
- Material Mayhem: Beyond the moulding, there's the intricate dance of materials involved in building out the matting and foam core within the frame. This internal architecture is crucial to make the item look cohesive and securely mounted, rather than just floating awkwardly in a void. More materials, more specialized construction – more cost.
- The Weightlifting Challenge: Given all this extra material and depth, these deeper frames can become surprisingly heavy. This often requires stud mounting on the wall, as standard drywall hangers simply cannot reliably handle the increased weight. Unless you fancy your prized possession crashing to the floor like a deflated dreams balloon, you'll need to locate those studs!
- The Lighting Lament: Because of the extreme depth, if your item is placed in a shadowbox without a direct, close light source, it can look incredibly dark and be tough to see. You've got this amazing piece, but it's lurking in its own shadowy cavern.
- The Hidden Treasures Dilemma: This is a big one for collectors. If your item is mounted inside a deep frame, the vast majority of it (the rear two-thirds, usually) is completely hidden within the back of the frame. This means if the item is only signed directly on the front, great! But any interesting logos, inscriptions, or unique marks on the back or sides of the item will be completely obscured. You lose the 360-degree view that makes three-dimensional items so special.
- The Wall Projection Problem: Last, but certainly not least, consider the sheer depth of the frame itself. Your framed boxing glove isn't just going to sit flush against the wall. It will essentially be a 6-10 inch deep box mounted to the wall! Unless your plan involves cutting out the drywall to flat-mount it (which creates an entirely different, complex set of problems involving structural integrity and future wall repairs), it's going to protrude significantly.
The Honest Truth: Embrace the Shelf (or the Case!)
Given this laundry list of considerations (and we probably even forgot a few!), the main idea is this: if you have an item that is thicker than a hockey puck, in 95% of cases, it makes far more sense to display it on a shelf or get a high-quality acrylic case.
Why?
- Better Aesthetics: It will simply look better. Acrylic cases offer crystal-clear visibility from all angles.
- 360-Degree View: You get to appreciate every facet, every inscription, every unique mark that makes your item special.
- Versatility: Items in cases can be easily moved, rearranged, and admired up close.
Framing, in its purest and most effective form, is truly meant for flat or mostly flat things. Jerseys, photos, tickets, cards, flat flags – these are the items that truly sing when professionally framed. They look absolutely fantastic when done that way, creating that seamless, artistic look on your wall.
The Power of Combination: A Visually Dynamic Duo
Instead of trying to force a round peg into a square hole (or a thick baseball into a flat frame), consider the powerful impact of combining display methods. A framed baseball jersey with a small, elegant shelf directly below it that features a signed ball in an acrylic case creates a visual variety that is far superior to trying to push the frame out deep enough to mount the ball within the same frame as the jersey. This dynamic duo tells a more complete story, adds visual interest, and respects the unique qualities of each piece of memorabilia.
Ultimately, we're here to help you showcase your passion in the most stunning way possible. Sometimes that means expertly framing. Other times, it means offering honest advice on the best display method. So, leave the 3D items in a case, and let your flat treasures shine in a frame. The combination will create an even more eye-catching, professionally curated display on your wall.