FAQ

The passepartout is a fundamental element for framing works of art, photographs and prints.

It is a cardboard that is inserted between the work and the frame, creating a sort of breathing space around the image and giving it a more elegant** and refined appearance. In addition to its aesthetic function, the passepartout also plays an important protective role, preserving the work from dust, dirt, humidity and accidental damage.

How to choose the right passepartout

The choice of passepartout depends on several factors, including:

Style of the work : For a classic work, for example, a simple and elegant passepartout is recommended, while for a modern work you can opt for a more colorful or textured passepartout.

Color of the work : The color of the passepartout should be in harmony with the colors of the work. For example, for a work with warm colors you can choose a passepartout in shades of beige or brown, while for a work with cold colors you can opt for a passepartout in shades of gray or blue.

Dimensions of the work : The width of the passepartout should be proportionate to the dimensions of the work. In general, we recommend a passepartout of at least 3 cm for small works and 5 cm or more for large works.

Material : Passepartouts are available in different materials, including cardboard, wood and linen. Cardboard is the most common and economical material, while wood and linen are more expensive but offer a more premium look.

To highlight a small work : A wide passepartout can help make a small work stand out within a large frame.

To create a contrast : A passepartout in a contrasting color with the work can create an interesting visual effect.

To complete a decor : The passepartout can be chosen to match the decor of the room in which the work will be displayed.

Some useful tips:

• If you are not sure which mount to choose, ask your framing expert for advice.
• Make sure the passepartout is made with acid-free materials to prevent the work from deteriorating over time.
• For an optimal result, it is advisable to have the passepartout mounted by a professional.

In conclusion, the passepartout is an important element for framing works of art, photographs and prints.

By choosing the right passepartout it is possible to enhance the work, protect it and create an aesthetically pleasing result.

To establish the right dimensions for a frame, it is important to know the dimensions of the work or subject to be framed. In a classic frame, it is always necessary to consider that the work will be covered by about 0.4 cm on each side. This overlap will serve to support the work on the frame so as to correctly see the work from the front without seeing unpleasant edges around it.

Size matters.

Being able to compare measurements, as in this example,
helps you choose.

Finishes refer to the final treatment applied to the surface of a material, in this case wood, with the purpose of protecting it, enhancing its aesthetic appearance, and modifying its tactile characteristics. In the context of picture frames and photo frames, finishes determine not only the visual appearance of the wood – which can be glossy, matte, satin, or antiqued – but also the feel and resistance of the material. Finishes can protect wood from wear, moisture, and scratches, as well as enhance or tone down the natural grain and texture. Choosing a finish means deciding the final effect you want to achieve, influencing the style and character of the object, which can range from rustic to modern, from natural to sophisticated.

Decapé: The decapé finish is a decoration technique that gives wood an aged and worn look. The term "decapé" comes from the French "decapare", which means "to remove". The process consists of treating the wood with varnishes or paints, which are then partially removed to reveal the natural colour of the wood underneath, especially in the grain and grooves. This effect highlights the grain of the wood and gives a vintage look, often associated with styles such as Provence, shabby chic or country. It is an ideal choice for those looking for a rustic and decorative look.

Open pore: The open pore finish, on the other hand, enhances the natural structure of the wood while keeping the pores and grain visible. In this type of treatment, the wood is treated so as not to fill the pores with paints or covering finishes, thus allowing the texture and naturalness of the wood to be appreciated. This type of finish gives a more natural and material appearance, maintaining a sensation of authenticity to the touch. It is often used on woods with a marked grain such as oak or ash, and is appreciated in modern and minimalist contexts.

Matte: A matte finish is characterized by a non-glossy surface. This type of finish is smooth to the touch but does not reflect light, giving a more sober and discreet appearance. It is ideal for those who prefer a more natural and less reflective effect on the wood.
Finish - Satin: A satin finish, on the other hand, has a slight sheen. This type of finish is glossier than a matte finish but less shiny than a glossy finish. The satin surface reflects light very slightly, creating a slightly more elegant effect without being too shiny.

Glossy: The glossy finish is distinguished by its extremely shiny and reflective surface. This type of treatment enhances the appearance of the wood, making it smooth and polished to the touch, with a shine that captures and reflects light in a decisive way. The glossy finish gives the wood a sophisticated and visually striking appearance, accentuating the details of the grain and shades of the wood. It is often chosen for elegant or modern environments, where a brighter and more refined effect is desired compared to matte or satin finishes.

Types of frames

Frame typology refers to the classification of frames into different categories, based on their structural, decorative and functional characteristics. This subdivision allows you to easily identify the various styles and shapes, facilitating the choice based on the desired aesthetic or the type of work to be framed. The main types of frames include:


Cassette frames : they can belong to one of the three types mentioned above (flat, pastel or shaped), but they differ in their greater depth. This feature allows to accommodate more mats or thicker works and to create a three-dimensional effect, further enhancing the framed work.

Flat frames are the simplest and most versatile, characterized by a smooth and square surface. Thanks to their essential design, they easily adapt to different styles of furniture, from modern to classic. They can have various finishes, such as glossy, matte or aged, and can be made of different types of wood or synthetic materials. They are ideal for those looking for a discreet frame that highlights the work without adding decorative details. Perfect for photographs, prints or minimalist drawings.

Pastel frames are distinguished by their embossed decorations, often with geometric or floral motifs. These decorations can be painted with bright or more delicate colors, hence the name "pastellate". Although the term may make you think of pastel colors, it can actually refer to a wider range of shades, both light and intense. They are perfect for those who want a frame that adds an artistic and decorative touch to the environment, without being too invasive.

Shaped frames have a non-linear profile, characterized by curves, bulges or other decorative details. This type of frame is perfect for those looking for something more distinctive than flat frames, as it adds movement and visual character. The variety of shapes available offers multiple styles, from classic to bold, making them ideal for framing traditional works of art or for more sophisticated design environments.

This classification helps to better understand which typology best suits the work, the stylistic context of the environment or the desired visual effect.

The batten is the internal part of the frame, or the depth that is created between the front part (the one we see) and the back part (the one that rests on the wall). Depending on the depth of the batten, frames are distinguished with a low batten (ideal for prints and photos on paper), medium and high (suitable for thick works or to support a double passepartout).

The swing allows you to create a distance between the artwork (or photo) and the glass
protective. This is particularly important to prevent the work from adhering to the glass and being damaged by humidity or temperature changes.
Thickness of the work: The door must be deep enough to accommodate works of
different thickness, such as paintings on a frame or prints on cardboard. There are frames with different heights of battens. Frames with higher battens are usually used for works with passepartout.

It is the cross-section of the frame rod.
the cutting plane is perpendicular to the main axis of the rod.
The cross-section of a frame rail highlights the profile of the rail, i.e. its shape and internal structure along the cutting plane perpendicular to the length of the rail. This profile is essential to better understand:
The decorative design of the rod, such as grooves or reliefs (such as pastel frames)
Indicates the thickness of the rod at different points. (For example, for frames with a high hinge, it indicates how much of the frame will be visible and how much space is available to accommodate the glass, passepartout and rear support.

The frame style:
It refers to the aesthetic aspect and design it conveys, influencing the framed work or photo. Each style, defined by elements such as shape, decorative details and finishes, is associated with artistic movements or design trends. Classic frames are elegant and ornate, modern ones are linear and minimalist, while the Shabby Chic style has a lived-in and romantic look. The style of the frame helps integrate the work into the environment, enriching its aesthetics and creating a harmonious visual effect.

Shabby Chic (and Vintage) Style: The Shabby Chic style is characterized by a romantic and lived-in aesthetic, which aims to recreate the look of times gone by with a touch of elegance. Frames in this style often have a pickled finish, where the paint is deliberately chipped or worn to reveal layers of color underneath or natural wood. This effect gives an antiqued and delicate look, perfect for environments with a vintage, Provencal or rustic charm. The lines are soft and sometimes elaborate, with details that recall the past, creating a welcoming and nostalgic atmosphere.

Modern Style: stands out for its simplicity, cleanliness and essential lines, aimed at enhancing functionality and minimalism. Modern frames mainly use glossy, matte or satin finishes, which give a contemporary and elegant look. A glossy frame adds a distinctive shine, while a matte finish offers a more sober and discreet look. The satin finish, with its light shine, gives a refined touch without being excessive. The modern style is perfect for contemporary spaces where geometric shapes and neutral or bold colors predominate.

Classic Style: The classic style is synonymous with timeless elegance and sophistication. Frames in this style often feature satin or open-pore finishes, which enhance the natural beauty of the wood without overpowering it. The satin finish offers a subtle, sophisticated shine, while the open-pore finish highlights the grain and structure of the wood, maintaining an authentic, natural look. The lines of classic frames are generally rich in decorative details, with ornamental motifs that recall traditional art, making them perfect for formal and refined environments.