Made Exclusively
For You
Frames built using Castner molds are as much a piece of art as the art they surround.
Your handmade frame will be unlike any other -- crafted to your individual specifications using quality hardwoods, real metal leaf and traditional techniques.
1. Project planning
Once you submit a project request form, we'll follow up to confirm your frame design, dimensions and finish. Our frames are ideal for stretched canvas without glass, and we'll adjust the frame depth as needed.
We'll send measurement instructions to ensure a proper fit, and we can share sample images and advice throughout the planning phase.
Based on your final selections, you'll receive a production timeline and project estimate. Once everything is approved and a deposit paid, we generally ship finished frames within 2-4 weeks.
2. Cutting and joining
Your frame will be cut from genuine hardwood, with some allowance added to your measurements for flawless mounting of art that isn't completely square.
We use closed corners and join the moulding with underpinned V nails and wood glue to prevent any gaps or separation. All wood is filled and sanded to cover imperfections.
3. Ornamentation
Each frame embellishment is created by pressing a proprietary dough into a one-of-a-kind Castner mold.
Once dry, we remove the embellishment and place it in a freezer for further hardening.
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4. Application
Each molded piece is steamed to make it more pliable and activate its adhesion properties so it can be permanently layered onto the wood.
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We repeat this steaming and application process for every corner and edge as needed.
5. Shellac
To guarantee a flawless finish, we add two coats of shellac, sanding between each to remove imperfections and dust.
Based on centuries of use, old-school shellac has proven to be the ideal base for long-lasting frames.
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Some clients also ask us to add a layer of color at this stage (most often red or black). Although this color will be covered by metal leaf, we'll use light sanding later in the process to reveal small accents of the color to mimic an age-worn look.
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6. Metal leaf
Most people select hand-applied metal leaf for their frame, either genuine gold, imitation gold, silver-colored aluminum or copper.
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Whichever metal you choose, it's applied sheet-by-sheet for a hand finished look.
We can also use metallic paint if you want a smoother surface that's less expensive.
If you chose to add a layer of color under the metal leaf, we will lightly rub the finished metal leaf to reveal spots of color to approximate natural wear and aging.
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7. Sealing
A top coat of shellac is added to seal and prevent any tarnishing. We may also add tint to the shellac if you want a lighter or darker finish.
After this dries, we carefully antique the frame to add dimension. ​Two top coats are used for the best protection, and we buff the surface to increase shine and add highlights.
8. Final touches
We'll paint the back of your frame to hide any fingerprints or marks made during its construction (although some people ask us to skip this step to add to the frame's handmade appeal).
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Once wrapped and padded for protection, your frame will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking. Of course, if you're near our studio in Columbus, we'd love to present your finished frame to you in person.
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