Skip to main content
Harten Frameworks

Surface Finishes The Finishing Touch

You've chosen your frame, and have an idea of the colour and tone, but how does the surface finish make a difference?

Features

Features

We love the surface finish part ...

This is where everything starts coming together and the 'WOW' factor kicks in. You get the option to tweak the frame that little bit further to enhance the art or reference a theme or decor. We have tried and tested surface finishes for each material that add to our craftsmanship in all other areas. Playing with patination and metal for example is glorious, and we hope our passion for this subject shines through to the finished product.

  • Brushed

    A lovely finish on either brass or aluminium, giving the effect of a unidirectional brushed texture. This is often paired with a black internal or polished face on tray frames.

  • Burn Back

    Gives modern rustic aesthetic with deep texture and ageing effects. The process involves carefully burning the wood. Ash or obeche wood has the best grain effect for this technique.

  • Corten

    This unique finish is created though a careful chemical reaction on wood and metal. The result is a natural rust which is then sealed with clear lacquer to protect it.

  • Gesso

    A traditional method of preparing a frame surface for paint, gilding or custom finishes. Can be applied to wood, metal and even paper mounts. The craftsmanship and secret recipes involved create a stunning finish that speaks for itself.

  • Gilding

    After laying a gesso base, gilding can be applied using leafs of many metals, including gold, silver, bronze, copper & aluminium. This gives you a luxury finish with a huge range of custom styles including patination, scuffing, rub through and burnishing.

  • Hand Painted

    Your profile can be expertly painted in any colour required to match your artwork or environment. This cost-effective finish can be further enhanced with techniques such as stippling, veiling, patination and distressing.

  • Patina

    A chemical finish added to the metal to cause a reaction which creates a dark, rough finish. One of our most rapidly growing finishes in popularity!

  • Polished

    A reflective, bright finish achieved through a extended process of fine sanding to ensure that you are left with a mirror feel.

  • Sprayed

    Spraying is our most popular finish, with benefits including invisible frame corner joins, a smooth high quality effect and a choice of colours and glosses. It gives contemporary museum quality to any artwork.

  • Staining

    A versatile option that can be used to enhance grain, add colouring and even out natural surfaces. This is best used on natural woods.

  • Verre Églomisé

    In French it means "glass gilded". The glass has gold/silver leaf applied to the reverse to create a variety of pleasing effects such as an aged pattena or smoky clouds. The result is presence and character for your mirror.

  • Waxed

    We use wax when sealing raw wood, enhancing the grain and natural colours.

“I started using Harten Frameworks six years ago. These guys are the best framers in the UK, they focus on my needs and always deliver. ”

Lincoln Townley
Lincoln Townley
Artist

Related Pages

Artists Surfaces

Artists Surfaces

Give your art start-points the best chance of success with quality artists surfaces
Surface Finishes
You are here

Surface Finishes

Surface finishes are the final piece for making your ideal frame

Canvas

Canvas

Canvas framing (tray, box, float & stretcher) to make your artwork shine. 🥇 Artwork fully insured & canvas frames come with a 5 Year Guarantee.
Mirrors

Mirrors

Bespoke mirror framing for your next project. Over 50 years experience - chat to the specialists. 5 year guarantee on all custom mirrors.
Box Frames

Box Frames

Any size, any shape, any finish. Box framing is our speciality & we hand-make everything in the UK 🇬🇧 to create a worldclass enclosure for your picture.
Acrylic Panels

Acrylic Panels

Wall mounted perspex frames bring a clean, modern visual to any space. Your own image can be printed & acrylic framing comes with a 🏆 10 year guarantee.
Acrylic Boxes

Acrylic Boxes

Get an acrylic box frame to your specification by museum grade specialists. Any size acrylic shadow box frames to display & protect 3d objects or artwork.
Oversized

Oversized

From very big to truly giant - we specialise in custom frames for large pictures. Oversized frames protect your art and come with a 🔟10 year UK guarantee.
Welded

Welded

Welded picture frames combine a thin, elegant frame profile with the strength of welded aluminium and steel. An excellent choice for large artworks.