The Frame Is Part of the Work
Most framing decisions are made by holding a corner sample up against a print for four seconds. That is not a decision — it is a guess with consequences.
At Kilford Studios, the frame is specified the same way the paper is: deliberately, in context, with the work in front of you. Our Kilfigurator lets you upload your image, configure frame style, moulding, passe-partout, and glass, and see the result on a wall in real time — before you order anything.
Clients who’ve used it while on the phone with us tend to react the same way: they didn’t expect it to be that useful.
Made to Any Size. No Compromises on Material.
Every frame in our range is made to your exact specifications — not to a standard size you then adapt around. Wood frames range from fully solid profiles to pine-core frames with real wood veneers — all real wood construction, no MDF, no plastic wraps. Nielsen aluminium profiles for those who prefer a minimal, contemporary finish.
Frames are assembled, cornered, and finished by hand. The join is the detail that separates a well-made frame from everything else — and it shows.
Frame Styles
Standard frame
The classic presentation. Print sits behind glass, optionally with a passe-partout for additional breathing room and protection. Works with virtually any image and any interior.
Float frame
The print appears to float within the frame — a visible gap between the work and the moulding. Particularly effective with fine art papers where the deckled edge or natural border is part of the presentation.
Box frame
Greater depth between glass and print creates shadow and presence. A contemporary choice for work that benefits from dimension.
Canvas frame
L-profile frame for stretched canvas. Clean, gallery-appropriate, no glass required.
Mouldings — Wood and Aluminium
Wood mouldings span from natural ash and oak through to dark walnut, satin black, and white — as well as gold and decorative profiles for classical or ornate work. The full range is visible in the Kilfigurator.
Nielsen aluminium profiles in silver, black, and champagne for work that asks for precision without warmth — architectural photography, digital art, minimal interiors.
All mouldings are available across frame styles, subject to profile depth compatibility. If you’re unsure which suits the work, the 3D preview will tell you more than we can in a description.
Mats and Glass
Mats
Acid-free matboard, cut to your specified opening. Available in white, off-white, black and other colours. The reveal width is set by you — standard, traditional-weighted, or extra wide for a contemporary gallery look. Bevel-cut as standard.
Glass
Standard glass — clear, cost-effective, appropriate for low-traffic domestic settings where reflection is not a concern.
Art Glass 70 UV+ — 70% UV filtration with a near-invisible anti-reflective coating. For most fine art prints in lit environments, this is the right choice. The glass effectively disappears.
Art Glass 99 UV Museum — 99% UV filtration. The standard for archival, exhibition, or high-value work where long-term protection is the priority. Optically, the difference from 70 UV+ is marginal — the difference in UV filtration is not.
Print Here. Frame Here. One Decision, Not Two
The paper you print on affects how the frame reads. A high-gloss baryta and a matte cotton rag don’t ask for the same moulding, the same glass, or the same reveal.
When print and framing are handled separately — different studios, different conversations — those decisions get made without full context. Usually nobody notices. Sometimes it’s obvious.
Most of our framing orders include a print. There’s a reason for that.
Delivery and Collection
Framing orders are ready within 5–10 working days. Finished frames are packaged with corner protection and tissue and can be collected from our partner location (all glazing options) in central Lisbon (Monday–Friday, 9–19h; Saturday, 10–13h) or shipped to Portugal and internationally (Plexiglas only).
FAQ
Can I order printing and framing together?
Yes — and it’s how most of our orders come in. Through the Kilfigurator you configure print and frame together, order, and we handle the rest. One process, not two.
How does online framing work?
Upload your image in the Kilfigurator, choose your frame style, moulding, mat, and glass, and preview the result — switching between a 3D render and a wall preview. Once you confirm, we handle production and delivery.
What is a float frame?
A frame where the print appears to float within the moulding, with a visible gap between the work and the frame. Particularly effective with fine art papers where the natural edge is part of the presentation.
Is a mat worth using?
In most cases, yes. A mat creates visual distance between the image and the moulding, protects the print surface, and gives a gallery finish. For fine art prints on cotton paper it’s often the right choice — though it always depends on the work and the context.
Which glass should I choose for a fine art print?
For most prints in lit environments, Art Glass 70 UV+ is the right choice — 70% UV filtration with a near-invisible anti-reflective coating. For exhibition, archival, or high-value work, Art Glass 99 UV Museum offers 99% UV filtration with the same optical finish. Optically the difference between the two is marginal; in terms of long-term protection, it is not.
Are your wood frames real wood?
Yes. Our range includes fully solid wood profiles as well as pine-core frames with real wood veneers — no MDF, no plastic wraps, no foil finishes. Nielsen aluminium profiles also available for minimal contemporary presentations.
Is the mat available in different colours?
White, off-white, and black are available now. More colours coming soon — if you have something specific in mind, get in touch.
What sizes can you frame?
Up to approximately 100 cm on the longest side through the Kilfigurator. For larger dimensions or specific requirements, contact us directly.
How long does framing take?
5–10 working days from order.