Art Galleries and Framing Stores Industry Terminology

Acid-Free

Paper or board manufactured with a neutral/alkaline pH to minimize deterioration, brittleness, and yellowing over time.

Examples: - "We only use acid-free mats and backers to avoid long-term discoloration." - "Replace that acidic cardboard backing with an acid-free board." - "Our albums are acid-free and lignin-free for archival storage."

AP (Artist’s Proof)

A small subset of prints outside the numbered edition, reserved for the artist and typically marked "AP"; often identical to the edition but scarcer.

Examples: - "This print is AP 3/10, aside from the main edition of 50." - "APs are often priced slightly higher due to scarcity." - "The artist kept two APs and consigned the rest to the gallery."

Archival

A standard of materials and methods intended for long-term preservation: acid-free, lignin-free, UV-protective, and reversible when possible.

Examples: - "We offer archival mounting and hinging for works on paper." - "Use archival sleeves and boxes for long-term storage." - "Is the ink set archival and lightfast?"

BAT (Bon à Tirer)

French for “good to pull”; the final proof the artist approves as the standard for printing the rest of an edition.

Examples: - "We can start the edition once the artist signs the BAT." - "Printer is waiting on the BAT approval before running the job." - "Keep the BAT on file to control consistency across the edition."

Bevel

The angled edge created when cutting a mat window (typically 45°), revealing the mat core and giving depth to the opening.

Examples: - "Cut a 45-degree bevel on the window mat for a clean reveal." - "The white bevel shows around the opening; consider a black-core mat." - "A reverse bevel prevents the white edge from showing."

Catalog Raisonné

A comprehensive, scholarly listing of all known artworks by an artist, used for authentication, research, and provenance.

Examples: - "This painting appears in the artist’s catalog raisonné, entry 152." - "Consult the catalog raisonné to confirm authenticity." - "Lenders asked for the catalog raisonné reference number."

Cleat (French Cleat)

An interlocking hanging system (two beveled rails) that securely mounts heavy frames or objects to the wall while allowing easy removal.

Examples: - "We’ll hang the large mirror on a French cleat for safety." - "Use a cleat system instead of wire for heavy frames." - "The cleat allows easy leveling and removal for cleaning."

COA (Certificate of Authenticity)

A document attesting to an artwork’s authenticity and details (artist, title, medium, date, edition), issued by the artist, publisher, or authorized agent.

Examples: - "The COA lists the artist, title, edition size, and signature." - "Include the gallery’s embossed COA with the sale." - "We won’t accept consignments without a proper COA."

COGS (Cost of Goods Sold)

Direct costs attributable to producing the goods sold (e.g., materials, shop labor). In framing: moulding, glazing, mat board, backers, hardware, labor.

Examples: - "Our framing COGS includes moulding, glazing, mat board, and labor." - "Reducing waste in chop/length orders lowers COGS." - "We target a 55% margin over COGS on custom framing."

Conservation Framing

Best-practice framing that uses reversible techniques and conservation-grade materials (archival mats, UV filtering glazing, inert spacers) to protect the artwork.

Examples: - "This watercolor requires conservation framing with UV glazing and reversible hinges." - "We’ll use rag mats and avoid dry mount for conservation." - "Upgrade to museum glass for a full conservation package."

Consignment Agreement

A contract where an artist or owner entrusts artworks to a gallery to sell on their behalf while retaining ownership until sale; outlines pricing, commissions, terms, and liability.

Examples: - "The gallery-artist consignment split is 50/50 net of discounts." - "The agreement lists each work’s retail price and duration." - "Include insurance, loss, and UCC clauses in consignment contracts."

D-Rings

Metal hangers attached to a frame’s back for secure mounting, used with hanging wire or directly onto wall anchors.

Examples: - "Use two D-rings with braided wire for frames up to 30 lbs." - "Heavy pieces should use D-rings without wire and mount to a cleat." - "Switch the sawtooth to D-rings for stability."

Dry Mounting

Bonding artwork or prints to a substrate using heat-activated or film adhesives; typically permanent and not suitable for valuable or irreplaceable works.

Examples: - "We won’t dry mount vintage posters—use hinges instead." - "Dry mount the photo on archival foam board to keep it flat." - "The heat press sets the film adhesive permanently."

Edition Number

The fraction or notation indicating a print’s sequence and total size of the limited edition (e.g., 12/50).

Examples: - "Edition 12/50 indicates the 12th print in a run of 50." - "Check that the edition number matches the COA." - "Lower numbers don’t inherently mean higher value."

Fair Market Value

The price a willing buyer and seller would agree upon in an open market; used for appraisals, donations, and some insurance contexts (distinct from replacement value).

Examples: - "Donations require an appraisal establishing FMV." - "FMV may differ from the gallery’s list price." - "Insurance claims often need FMV, not retail."

Float Mount

A mounting method where the artwork sits on top of a backing (not under a window mat), exposing its full edges; usually requires spacers to keep glazing off the surface.

Examples: - "We’ll float mount the deckled print to show the full edge." - "Use spacers so the glazing doesn’t touch the artwork." - "A shadow reveal enhances the float."

Foam Board (Foamcore)

A lightweight board with a polystyrene core and paper facings, used as mounting substrate or backing; available in archival (acid-free) versions.

Examples: - "Use acid-free foam board as the backer for conservation jobs." - "Mount the photo to foam core to prevent buckling." - "We stock 3/16" foam board for standard frames."

Giclée

A high-resolution inkjet fine art print, typically on archival papers or canvas, using pigment-based inks; quality varies by materials and workflow.

Examples: - "This is a giclée on cotton rag paper using pigment inks." - "We sell limited edition giclées alongside originals." - "Verify lightfastness ratings for giclées in bright rooms."

Glazing

The transparent protective layer in a frame—glass or acrylic—available in variants like UV-filtering, anti-reflective (AR), and museum-grade.

Examples: - "Choose museum glass for anti-reflection and UV protection." - "Acrylic glazing is safer for shipping large works." - "Standard glass lacks UV filtering; consider an upgrade."

Hinging (T-Hinge)

A reversible method of attaching paper artworks to a backing or mat using Japanese paper hinges and starch paste (often in a T configuration).

Examples: - "Attach the print with Japanese paper T-hinges and wheat paste." - "Soft hinges allow the paper to expand and contract." - "We avoid tape; hinges must be reversible."

Keystone Pricing

A retail pricing practice of doubling wholesale cost (2x) as a starting point; often adjusted for labor, demand, and positioning.

Examples: - "We keystone readymade frames (2x cost) for retail." - "Custom jobs target higher than keystone to cover labor." - "Don’t keystone high-end art—price to market and value."

Lead Time

The time between order confirmation and completion/delivery; affected by materials availability, shop capacity, and shipping.

Examples: - "Our standard lead time is 10 business days for custom framing." - "Holiday lead times extend due to supplier backlogs." - "Rush fees apply for sub-5-day lead times."

Lightfastness

An ink, pigment, or material’s resistance to fading when exposed to light; rated by ASTM or Blue Wool standards.

Examples: - "These inks are ASTM I lightfast—good for display." - "Low lightfastness requires UV glazing and reduced lux." - "We avoid OBAs for better lightfastness."

Limited Edition

A finite print run declared by the artist or publisher; once closed, no additional prints of that edition should be produced.

Examples: - "Limited edition of 50 with 5 APs and 2 PPs." - "Edition size must be declared on the COA." - "We closed the edition—no more prints will be made."

Lux Level

A measure of illuminance (light intensity) on a surface; conservation guidelines limit lux exposure for sensitive materials.

Examples: - "Keep works on paper at or below 50 lux." - "We log gallery lux levels with a meter." - "Increase lux for oils, but monitor heat and UV."

Margin

The difference between selling price and cost, often expressed as a percentage of selling price; a key profitability metric.

Examples: - "Our framing gross margin target is 60%." - "Discounting erodes margin—raise price or reduce COGS." - "We track margin by SKU and job type."

Mat Board

A paper or cotton board used to window or back artworks in framing; available in decorative and conservation grades (rag/alpha-cellulose).

Examples: - "Use 4-ply rag mat for this photograph." - "A double mat with a 3/16" reveal adds depth." - "Switch to alpha-cellulose mat for conservation."

Moulding

The linear frame material (wood, metal, synthetic) cut and joined to form a frame; defined by profile, finish, and rabbet depth.

Examples: - "We stock maple and walnut mouldings in multiple profiles." - "Order that profile in chop to reduce waste." - "The rabbet depth on this moulding is 7/8"."

Museum Glass

Premium glass with anti-reflective coatings and high UV filtration (typically 99%), providing clarity and conservation protection.

Examples: - "Upgrade to museum glass for 99% UV and low reflection." - "Museum glass reduces glare and preserves color." - "It’s pricier, but ideal for works on paper."

Net 30

Invoice payment terms indicating the full amount is due 30 days after the invoice date.

Examples: - "Vendors extend Net 30 to our shop after approval." - "Invoices are due Net 30 from ship date." - "Late Net 30 payments can pause supply."

NFS (Not For Sale)

A designation used in exhibitions or inventories to indicate that a work is not available for purchase.

Examples: - "Label the loaned piece NFS during the show." - "The artist’s personal piece is NFS." - "Remove price from the NFS wall label."

Off-Gassing

Release of volatile compounds from materials (paints, adhesives, plastics) that can fog glazing or harm artworks; controlled via material choice and curing time.

Examples: - "Let newly painted frames off-gas before glazing." - "Off-gassing adhesives can haze acrylic glazing." - "Avoid PVC that off-gasses plasticizers near artworks."

POS (Point of Sale)

Retail system for recording sales, managing inventory, processing payments, and producing quotes/invoices for framing and art sales.

Examples: - "Our POS tracks framing components and labor lines." - "Integrate the POS with inventory and CRM." - "Use the POS to generate quotes and work orders."

Primary Market

The first sale of an artwork directly from the artist or their representative (gallery/publisher).

Examples: - "We represent the artist on the primary market." - "Primary sales set the benchmark for pricing." - "The studio release is a primary market offering."

Provenance

The documented history of ownership and exhibition for an artwork; critical for authentication, valuation, and risk management.

Examples: - "Provenance includes the 1998 auction and a private collection." - "Strong provenance supports value and authenticity." - "Update provenance when ownership changes."

Purchase Order

A buyer’s formal authorization to a supplier to provide goods/services (e.g., moulding, glazing, chop-and-join), specifying quantities, prices, and terms.

Examples: - "Issue a PO for 100 feet of that moulding profile." - "No work starts without a signed PO and deposit." - "Attach the vendor invoice to the PO in the system."

Quotation/Estimate

A priced proposal outlining materials, methods, and lead time for a framing job or artwork order; may become a work order upon approval.

Examples: - "Your framing estimate includes museum glass and rag mat." - "Revise the quote to reflect larger dimensions." - "We honor quotes for 30 days due to vendor pricing."

Rabbet

The recessed ledge on the inside of a frame that accommodates the glazing, mat/backing, and artwork stack.

Examples: - "The rabbet depth won’t fit that canvas—choose a deeper profile." - "Add spacers to keep the print off the glazing in the rabbet." - "Check the rabbet width for the stack-up."

Red Dot

A small sticker placed on a wall label to signal that a work has sold; a gallery convention.

Examples: - "Place a red dot on the wall label—the piece is sold." - "Red dots help momentum at openings." - "We red-dotted two works pre-opening via preview."

Replacement Value

The cost to replace an artwork with a comparable item at current retail; used for insurance scheduling and claims (distinct from fair market value).

Examples: - "Insurance requires retail replacement value, not FMV." - "Provide a replacement value letter for the client’s insurer." - "Auction prices can inform but don’t set replacement value."

Sales Tax Nexus

A legal connection (physical or economic) requiring a business to collect and remit sales tax in a jurisdiction.

Examples: - "Opening a pop-up creates nexus in that state." - "Our online sales exceed the threshold—collect tax due to economic nexus." - "Resale certificate helps avoid tax on inputs, not on retail sales."

Secondary Market

Resale of artworks after their initial (primary) sale, typically via galleries, dealers, or auctions.

Examples: - "The artist’s prints perform well on the secondary market." - "We took a secondary market consignment at auction estimates." - "Secondary sales inform, but don’t dictate, primary pricing."

SKU

Stock Keeping Unit; a unique identifier used to track inventory items (artworks, mouldings, mats, glazing) and related costs.

Examples: - "Assign a unique SKU to each frame profile and mat color." - "Artworks and COAs share a parent SKU with variants by size." - "Scan the SKU to pull up the BOM in the POS."

Spacers

Inert strips placed in the rabbet to create an air gap between the artwork and glazing; essential for float mounts and photographs.

Examples: - "Use spacers so the photo doesn’t touch the glass." - "Clear acrylic spacers are nearly invisible in shadowboxes." - "Spacers add depth for float mounts."

Trade Discount

A preferential price reduction offered to trade partners (designers, dealers) off standard retail pricing.

Examples: - "Offer a 20% trade discount to registered designers." - "Trade pricing applies with a valid resale certificate." - "We exclude original art from trade discounts."

Underpinner

A framing machine that drives V-nails/wedges into mitered corners to join moulding accurately and efficiently.

Examples: - "Join the frame on the underpinner with 10mm V-nails." - "The underpinner foot needs adjustment for hardwood." - "We switched from glue-and-spline to an underpinner."

UV Filtering

Property of glazing or films that block ultraviolet radiation (often 97–99%) to reduce light-induced damage to artworks.

Examples: - "Use 99% UV-filtering glazing for this pastel." - "UV acrylic weighs less and ships safer than glass." - "UV blocking reduces, but does not eliminate, fading risk."

V-Nails

Triangular wedge fasteners used to join mitered frame corners (driven by an underpinner).

Examples: - "For oak, switch to 12–15mm V-nails." - "Stack two V-nails for deeper profiles." - "Misaligned V-nails indicate the miter isn’t square."

Wheat Starch Paste

A reversible, conservation-grade adhesive used with Japanese paper for hinging and repairs on works on paper.

Examples: - "Make fresh wheat paste for the hinging session." - "We prefer wheat paste over pressure-sensitive tapes." - "Reversibility is key—wheat paste can be removed with moisture."

Wire Gauge

The thickness/strength rating of hanging wire; selected based on the framed piece’s weight and mounting method.

Examples: - "Use 3-strand 60-lb wire for this frame’s weight." - "Check wire gauge and D-ring rating before delivery." - "Stainless wire is best near coastal humidity."