F

fade(ing)
To lose or cause to lose brightness or brilliance or definition of line, form and colour.

fillet (wood)
A small molding with profile that may be used as an edging on a mat or frame lip. Profiles may differ somewhat. May also be called a slip.

fit(ting)
The process of assembling glass, mats, artwork and filler board into a picture frame, including the addition of a dust cover, hangers and bumper pads.

float(ing)
A means of securing artwork to a rigid support so all edges are visible.

float mat
A window mat raised or elevated off the underneath surface by spacers.

floater
A molding designed to give the artwork the appearance of floating within the frame. Floater frames have a rabbet in reverse; the artwork is fitted in from the front.

folio
A flat container for holding/storing artwork

 frame
That decorative or functional element which surrounds an item, providing protection and display functions. Typically made of wood or metal, a frame generally provides the architectural support element for a work of art.

frame design
1) The characteristic appearance of a frame, identified with a historical period or as being that of a particular frame maker. 2) The process whereby the appearance of a frame is planned, designed and executed. 3) The process whereby framing components are selected for a particular artwork.

G

gild(ing)
The art of adhering thin metal, silver or gold leaf to a surface.

glass mat
A style of matting, the mat is painted, etched or leafed onto the surface of a piece of glass.

glassine
A semi-transparent paper. A smooth, non-abrasive surface makes it ideal for interleaving or overlaying delicate artwork, such as a fragile etching or pastel painting, and it will not adhere to the varnish on oil paintings.

glaze(ing)
1) A protective interface between the environment and the work of art including glass and acrylic sheets. 2) In oil painting, a thin layer of a transparent coating applied to the dried painting. 3) In ceramics, a thin coating applied to a piece before it is put in the kiln. It functions as a means to waterproof the object, change its colour or generally alter its appearance. 4) On frame molding, a thin coat of colour applied over a base finish to change its appearance.

gold leafA very thin sheet of beaten gold used in gilding. Also referred to as "loose leaf." Gold leaf is available in 12-23 karat gold. Each leaf is cut to a standard 3 3/8 inches square and has a thickness of approximately 1/300,000 of an inch. Gold leaf is packaged in books of 25 leaves, each leaf separated by tissue paper. A pack or box of gold leaf contains 20 books, for a total of 500 leaves.

gouache
1) An opaque watercolour paint. 2) A painting done with such a medium.

H

hand-pulled print
A print that has been manually lifted from the printing plate.

hickory
A hardwood tree that grows throughout the eastern half of the United States; the wood is exceptionally tough, heavy, hard and strong.

hinge
A small piece of paper or tape generally used to attach paper art to a mounting board.

hors de commerce
Similar to an artist’s proof. Impressions pulled outside of the regular edition for the use by the publishers.

I

illustration board
A sheet of cardboard with a sheet of drawing paper mounted on one side. Illustration boards are mostly used by commercial artists

image
1) The printed or coloured portion of a print. 2) A physical likeness or representation of a person, animal or thing; photographed, painted, sculpted or otherwise made visible.

imprint
A mark or depression made by pressure.

intaglio
A term that includes all metal plate engraving and etching processes in which the printing areas are recessed, e.g., engraving, etching, dry point and aquatint.

J

 join(ing)
In framing, the operation of gluing and nailing the corners of a frame.