F

Framing Terminology

Fillet

A moulding designed to edge the aperture of a mount (mat) or to add a sight edge to another moulding.

Fillet Tape

Narrow self adhesive double sided tape, mostly used to fit mount (mat) fillets. Usually 5 or 6mm wide, acid free.

Fit

(v.) To secure artwork including, if applicable, associated mount(s), backing, and glazing into joined picture frame. Fitting may also include application of hanging hardware and dust cover (tape and/or paper barrier).

(n.) The reaction of a customer to the cost of custom picture framing.

Flumb

Foreign object found under glass after sealing frame back.

Researchers have concluded that in their native state, flumbs are transparent. Through a process not well understood, these invisible pieces of debris become visible only after the frame has been completely assembled i.e. the art package (most frequently with mount board and glazing material) has been secured into the frame, the frame sealed with backing tape or a dust cover, and the hanging hardware applied. Without such processes, flumbs resist metamorphosis and remain unseen.

Under these ideal conditions flumbs transform into one of two visible states: white debris become visible when in contact with dark surfaces; while dark debris become visible when in contact with light surfaces. Some scientists postulate that this process may be a reverse phototropic phenomenon while other suggest that flumbs appear because of some transient, dimensional shifting, “worm hole” event.

Investigators continue to study these occurrences.

Foamcore

(Foam core/Foamboard) A very light weight but rigid board with an extruded polystyrene foam centre and face papers both sides. Many different brands and specifications/thicknesses. Most commonly with white/white or white/brown face papers, usually acid free facings. Many uses, most obvious use is as a backing board.

Fall-out

The offcut material from window mount (mat) centres.

Foxing

(from Ferric OXide) is the effect on certain papers of the oxidation of iron or other substances in the pulp or rag from which the paper was made and/or the inks or paints used. It is responsible for the spots and browning seen on old paintings, prints, books, documents, postage stamps, and so forth.