Do I need an appointment?

No. Finishing Touches is a walk-in shop and always has been. We also offer online appointment booking if you'd prefer a set time, which some customers find easier for planning around work.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Bring the piece itself, and for a shadow box or collage, bring everything you're considering including — even items you're unsure about. Most people bring more than will comfortably fit, and editing the collection down is part of the design process. If you have a specific wall in mind, it helps to know the space you're working with.

Do I need to know what I want before I come in?

Not at all. Most people arrive with a piece and no plan. That's the normal starting point. We'll pull moulding corners and mat samples, hold them against your artwork in the light, and narrow the options down together.

How long does a consultation take?

Most consultations take 20 to 30 minutes. There's no charge and no obligation to place an order.

What areas do you serve?

Our shop is on Main Street in Wakefield, and we serve all of South County including Peace Dale, South Kingstown, Narragansett and Kingston. We also work with customers throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut.

How much does custom framing cost?

There's no single answer, because every piece is different. Price depends on size, moulding, mat selection and glazing. We quote each project at the time of consultation, before any work begins, so you'll know the cost before you commit to anything.

Is there a design fee?

No. There is never a fee for the consultation or the design process, whether your project is a single diploma or an elaborate multi-object shadow box. Design help is part of what we do.

Can you quote me over the phone?

We prefer to quote in person, once we can see what you have. An accurate estimate depends on the size, condition and construction of the piece, and guessing over the phone tends to serve nobody well.

How long will my framing take?

Most custom framing orders are ready in 1 to 3 weeks depending on materials and workload. Some specialty work takes longer:

• Custom mirrors, diplomas and newspaper clippings — 1 to 2 weeks
• Shadow boxes, needlework, canvas stretching and collages — 2 to 3 weeks
• Jersey framing and service shadow boxes — 3 to 4 weeks
• Textile framing — 4 to 6 weeks, given the hand-mounting involved

I need something by a specific date. Can you accommodate that?

Often, yes. We ask every customer whether they need a piece by a certain date and do our best to work to it. Tell us the deadline at your first visit rather than at drop-off, and we'll be straight with you about whether it's achievable.

What is conservation framing, and do I need it?

Conservation framing uses acid-free, archival materials and UV-protective glazing to prevent fading and deterioration over time. We follow practices endorsed by the Library of Congress. We recommend it for anything irreplaceable — original artwork, family photographs, documents and handmade pieces. Read more about conservation framing.

Can you match framing I already have?

Usually. Bring in an existing piece, or photos and measurements, and we'll match the moulding and mat treatment as closely as we can. We also keep your selections on file after any order, so a matching piece can be added years later — useful for credential walls and commercial installations that grow over time.

Will framing damage my item?

No. We use reversible mounting methods whenever possible, so objects and textiles can be removed unchanged later. We never use adhesives on needlework or textiles.

Can you frame unusual or three-dimensional objects?

Almost certainly. Over 30 years we've framed kimonos, drum tops, beer taps, invention prototypes and a great deal more. See You Can Frame That?! for some of our favorites.

Can you fix a damaged photo?

Usually. Faded, torn, water-damaged and cracked photographs are rarely a total loss. We scan the original at high resolution and do all repair work on the digital file, so your original photograph is never altered. See photo restoration.

My photo is stuck to glass. What should I do?

Bring it in exactly as it is, glass and all. Please don't try to pull it free yourself — that's when the worst damage happens, and it's often unrecoverable.

What's the largest size you can print?

17" x 22". For anything larger we can recommend a fine art printer we trust, and we're still happy to frame the finished piece.

How do I send you a photo to print?

AirDrop it when you stop in, text it to (401) 284-3700, or email jan@finishingtouchesri.com. Send the original, uncropped file whenever possible — we'll crop it and recommend the best size for the image. See professional printing.

Can you convert my VHS tapes and home movies?

Yes. We partner with Charter Oak Scanning to convert VHS, film reels, slides, photos and audio formats to digital. Charter Oak picks up and drops off directly at our shop, so your media is never mailed. See digitizing for the full list of formats.

How much does digitizing cost?

Pricing is per tape or item, and Charter Oak Scanning emails you an estimate before any processing begins. VHS conversion starts at $11 per tape for a Dropbox or Google Drive link, or $15.95 for a flash drive.

What if a tape is damaged or moldy?

Bring it in. Damaged media is assessed individually and can often still be recovered, and there's no charge for anything that turns out to be unrecoverable.

Will I get my originals back?

Yes, always. Original photos, tapes, reels and slides are returned to you along with the digital files.

Do you repair frames?

No, frame repair isn't a service we offer.

What about restoring damaged artwork itself?

Restoring art on canvas or paper is a different specialty from framing. We can refer you to a conservator we trust. The same goes for artwork installation and for printing larger than 17" x 22" — we have people we recommend for each.

Still have a question? Stop by the shop, or schedule an appointment and we'll walk through it with you. You can also explore our custom framing services and photo and printing services.