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Framing Terminology

Canvas Wrap

The practice of stretching a canvas around a deep stretcher bar set, often to be hung without a frame. Fashionable in the early 21st century. Also known sometimes as a gallery wrap, or gallery canvas.

Chevron

90 degree V shaped Point of Sale sample of moulding or mount board (mat board)

Clearance

(or Allowance) the space left between contents of the frame and the inside of the rebate to allow for expansion and contraction.

Clip-Frame

A preperation of glass, picture and backing board (with mount if required) are held together by clips along each of the four sides.

Close Framed

Frame around a picture without a Mount.

Closed Corner Frame

A frame finished after joining, making the mitres appear 'seamless' or concealed with ornamentation.

Close Mounted

Mount window covers the edge of the printed area, leaving no unprinted part showing (no white borders).

CMC

Acronym for Computerised Mountcutter (also known as Computerised Matcutter).

Cockling

The buckling of the art work, caused by the picture's natural expansion and contraction properties being restricted.

Compo

(Composition) Used from the 19th Century onwards as an alternative to carved frames. Older compo can be identified by cracks in the surface. It is made from linseed oil, resin, whiting (usually calcium carbonate) and glue. But there are various recipes. A putty-like material, it is forced into carved moulds and then glued to a wooden frame to dry. Mass produced compo mouldings are commonly supplied with a gilt finish. The actual compo parts of compo mouldings are very hard, and will blunt mitre guillotine blades quickly.

Correx

A fluted lightweight plastic board, typically used by the sign industry, but commonly used by picture framers as a backing board. Various brand names.

Cullet

Waste Glass.