Framing a photograph is a great way to add a personalized touch, draw attention to the image, or highlight a certain color or subject matter. At KeenART Media, we have hundreds of picture frame mouldings (over 500, to be precise), and now we're adding a wonderfully unique service to our existing selection.
Resin, a combination of epoxy and hardener, can be spread over any surface to dry clear, with high shine and an extremely durable finish. We are already pros at adding resin coatings to prints, but we have expanded our resin focus to resin-coated picture frames. Now, you can select your choice of flat faced frame and the decorative items you would like applied, and we will create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind frame perfect for childrens' rooms, vacation mementos, wedding photographs, and more!
Read on to learn about the resin process and this great new service!
SUMMARY
HOW IT WORKS
FRAME SELECTION
APPLIQUÉ SELECTION
The liquid resin is mixed with a hardener
It is then poured or spread over the surface.
It dries rock hard and crystal clear, with a high shine.
Flat or gently curved frame faces are ideal
For ornate frames, please contact us
Choose from:
Confetti
Rocks
Craft items
Wood nails
Gems
Much more!
HOW RESIN WORKS
Resin begins as two liquids - the epoxy itself, and a "hardener." Once combined, the technician applies the mixture to the picture frame, on top of the pre-applied details.
Depending on the thickness of the applied decorations, two or more coats of resin may be used. A single coat can create an interesting, textured display that adds shine and keeps the affixed objects secure, while maintaining the natural shape of the objects. Multiple coats create a smooth, flat surface with the decorative pieces appearing to float within the clear resin.
The result is an eye-catching, high gloss surface that adds vividness to color, and depth and dimension to black or white surfaces, while protecting whatever it covers from scratches, scuffs, and environmental damages. Our high quality resin is UV and water resistant, so your frame will remain bright and bold for decades.
WHY A RESIN FRAME?
So what would you use a personalized, resin picture frame for? The possibilities are as endless as the choices.
Every photograph you frame is unique - it represents a special moment you or someone else felt was important to capture. It holds a specific memory of an important time in your life, be it an event, ceremony, holiday, or simply that moment you fell in love with that view. Why should your picture frame be any less meaningful?
By selecting the perfect frame and choosing to outfit it with the perfect decorative detail, you are creating a border for your special photograph that is nearly as significant as the photograph itself.
Below, we have suggested many picture frames that are ideally suited for appliqués and resin coating - primarily flat or gently curving, simple frames - but this list is not exhaustive. While browsing our picture frames, if you see a more ornate frame and envision it covered with sparkles, confetti, or fractured glass, don't hesitate to discuss the possibility with us. After all, this is all about making a frame unique to you.
CHOOSING YOUR FRAME
As mentioned above, while we can work with many different profiles for your personalized resin frame, a flat face is generally most suited to this product. At KeenART Media, we have a wide selection of flat frames, ranging in width from 5/8" to 2-1/2". Some gently rounded frames, or those with a flat section amid other ornamentation, may work as well.
PERSONALIZED RESIN FRAME PRICING
Your resin frame is priced based on a few different factors:
The price of the frame, which varies due to size and style
The size of the frame
The appliqués and amount of resin required to cover the frame
Optional, multiple coats of resin
NOTE: For a qoute please contact us and provide teh frame code, frame size and the object you like on top of teh frame.
CHOOSING YOUR APPLIQUÉ
WEDDING PICTURES
Want to add some pop to a black and white wedding photograph, or some sparkle to that first kiss as a married couple? We have different appliqués that can do exactly that! From glitter or shimmery confetti in your wedding color, to romantic gold leaf, draw every eye to your beautiful picture with a striking frame.
Choose From:
Small gold leaves
Gold or colored confetti
Glitter
"Diamond" hearts
KIDS' ROOMS
Frame family pictures or candid shots of the kids with their friends in colorful, child-friendly frames that will stay bright and beautiful until they're ready to move out. Colorful glass stones, glimmering hearts and butterflies, or Hawaii-inspired flowers add a whimsical air to any wall, and can tie together the room's decor.
Choose From:
Playful stickers
Colored mini-elastics
Sparkles
Flower-shaped confetti
TEACHER GIFTS
Have a favorite teacher who deserves an extra special gift this year? Our adorable, multi-colored paper clip frame is the just the thing! Playful and unique, this frame has one up on frames with pictures of paper clips on them. We use the real thing!
Choose From:
Multi-colored paperclips
Silver paperclips
Pencils
Gold stars
COLLECTORS
Show the avid collector in your life just how well you know them. We make frames with pennies, rocks, buttons, and more. A fun and thoughtful way to add to their collection, and a surefire way to avoid getting them one they already have!
Choose From:
Pennies
Pebbles
Buttons
Seashells
Marbles
THE HANDYMAN
Be it your husband, your wife, or the neighbor who is always happy to rush over and help, our nail or screw frames are a creative and eye-catching way to say "thanks for your help." We have two lengths of nails available in three different colors, so you can match your frame and appliqué to any decor!
Choose From:
1/2" nail in silver
1 " nail in silver
1/2" nail in black
1" nail in black
1/2" nail in white
1" mail in white
MORE PERSONALITY
Want to make your personalized frame even more "You"? Let us know what kind of appliqué you want. If you have sand from a special beach vacation, you can send it to us and we'll add it to your frame. And if you don't have sand, we do! How about rice, if they threw it at your wedding, or glass shards, to signify the Breaking of the Glass.
And there's always the option of literally spelling out the importance of your photograph. We can add a name, date, or word to the frame in your chosen appliqué! Please contact us for more details.
Frame your wedding in style
Brighten up your child's bedroom
Show a teacher how much you care
Celebrate their special collection
Small silver nails for your resident carpenter
SPECIALTY RESIN FRAME SAMPLES
Red Hearts
Butterflies
Purple Flowers
Black Nails
White Nails
Silver Nails
Craft Eyes
Starfish
Flower Confetti
Colored Stones
Green Stones
Blue Stones
Green/Gold Glitter
Gold Glitter
Green Glitter
Clear Balls
Gold Leaves
Broken Glass
Pennies
Paper Clips
Silver Washers
Gold/Silver Sequins
Black Pebbles
Colored Elastics
PLEASE NOTE: Sample images feature a grey mat inside the frame. This mat is not included with the frame, but can be added when ordering.
Q1 : What is epoxy resin? Resin results in a THICK, glossy, clear & shiny coat atop the artwork. A fluid-like coating is mixed with a hardener in order to create the strong bonding agent. After it has been mixed, it is poured onto the artwork. This thermosetting polymer is a viscose fluid that is very tough and rigid after it has been cured, making it heat-, scratch- and water-resistant. It results in an ultra glossy appearance that can make your canvas prints stand out.
Because of its durability, it is mainly used as structural or engineering adhesive for boats, automobiles, air crafts, flooring, dentistry, etc. It is also used as strong adhesive, coating and laminate.
Learn more from our Resin Coating article.
Q2 : What is the difference between a resin coating and a varnish? A resin coating is like varnish, but since it is much thicker, it acts like an extra protective coating for your artwork, prints or canvases. The cured resin will be heat, water and scratch resistant and it dries very glossy to achieve a translucent effect. Varnishes are also used to protect artwork, but aren't as durable as the thick resin coating.
Q3 : What can you apply epoxy resin on? Epoxy resin on most types of material. We can add a resin coating to any of your canvas prints, original oil and acrylic paintings, posters, photographs and plaque mounts! This coating is very versatile and can be used in many ways. The coating is rigid and strong when it is dry, so it will maintain a great finish on all your photos, images and artwork!
Order online to do-it-yourself: Epoxy Resin
Q4 : What is the recommended amount of resin coating for my photo? We recommend a 1/8" coating of resin which is two layers of 1/16" because it is the best amount of coating to enhance the image quality and protect the artwork. But there is no limit to how much resin you should apply; please contact us if you are unsure of how much resin your prints require.
Q5 : What is the difference between Polyester Resin and Epoxy Resin? Polyester resin, although it has adhesive qualities, does not bond as well as epoxy resin. Polyester resin is made to be a laminating resin, usually for fibreglass or in molds. Unlike epoxy resins, polyester resins require a catalyst instead of a hardener - they have a low shelf life because they gel on their own. Polyester resin sets much faster and is less expensive than epoxy resins, but epoxy resins are more durable, more waterproof, better bonding agents, and will last much longer, so they are better for coating artwork.
We sell and use Epoxy Resin
Q6 : What brand of Resin do you use? We use EX-74 which is an extremely clear, tough, high gloss surface coating formulated to produce a deep glass-like appearance in a single layer on a sealed surface. EX-74 has been formulated for improved UV resistance, which means it reduces yellowing and surface degradation from UV exposure. EX-74 has an extended "open time" which allows up to 25 minutes in the mixing container at 70º F and up to one hour working time on the surface being coated. It is not recommended in freezing climates due to possibility of de-lamination.
EX-74 resists yellowing from UV exposure, but it is not weather-resistant and is not recommended for unprotected exterior use.
Order online: EX-74 Resin
Q7 : Will the resin coating affect my photo? The epoxy resin will not harm your image in any way, though it is permanent and cannot be removed without damaging the print. The viscosity of the polymer will sit on top of the canvas and act like a seal, actually protecting your print for water damage or scratched. The glossy shine of hardened resin will enhance the colors within your image by brightening them up.
Q8 : What images are best for a resin application? Resin is a good agent for coating and protecting your artwork or photos, and will enhance the colors of the photo or the artwork because of the way it reflects and retracts light. In general, artworks with texture, or canvas gallery wrap prints, are better, compared to flat-mounted photographs.
Q9 : How long does a resin coated image last? The resin we use dries very tough and rigid, so it is highly durable, resistant against heat and water, and insoluble in alcohol. This extra durability protect your photos. This formula has improved UV resistance and minimizes surface degradation from UV exposure. Resin is used for many industrial purposes, but in order to maintain its longevity, it is best to keep indoors, out of direct sunlight.
Q10 : Does a resin-coated picture yellow over time? Our resin has been enhanced to protect against yellowing from UV exposure; if kept indoors and out of direct sunlight it will last for many years.
Q11 : What are the advantages of epoxy resin? The resin will seal your canvases and protect them from moisture, heat and physical stress. Most epoxies are used as industrial grade adhesives because of their durability and rigidness, therefore epoxy resin will protect your canvas for a very long time. The epoxy has a high gloss finish that gives your canvas a glassy look. This feature can enhance the colors within the image.
Order online: Epoxy Resin, unmixed for DIY projects.
Q12 : What are the disadvantages of epoxy resin? The resin can yellow if exposed to excessive sunlight. Our resin has been improved to resist yellowing from UV light and if kept out of direct sunlight the yellowing will be reduced.
It also is prone to trapping air bubbles or dust. These bubbles usually appear after it has dried and settled. This is very common with resin coating because of its viscous nature. We cannot always guarantee a flawless finish but we always try our best to reduce the amount of interference from environmental elements.
Q13 : How do I clean my resin print? You can clean it with a damp cloth.
Q14 : What is the turnover time, if I want to get my prints finished with epoxy resin? Epoxy resin takes at least 24 hours to cure, so expect an extra day to two days delay on your orders if you request resin coating on your prints.
If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, please contact us.