The moment you decide to preserve a treasured memory—a wedding bouquet, a military uniform, a baby’s first outfit—you face a critical choice: how to display it without damaging it. This page helps you navigate the process of ordering a custom box frame that protects and showcases your keepsakes beautifully. You will learn the exact steps to take, the measurements to provide, and the pitfalls to avoid so your precious items arrive perfectly preserved and beautifully presented. By the end, you will know precisely how to commission a piece from kachingo that you will treasure for decades.
## Table of Contents
– [Quick Answer](#quick-answer)
– [Understand the Custom Framing Process](#understand-the-custom-framing-process)
– [Choose Your Box Frame Type](#choose-your-box-frame-type)
– [Essential Measurements](#essential-measurements)
– [Selection of Materials](#selection-of-materials)
– [Place Your Order](#place-your-order)
– [Prepare Your Keepsakes](#prepare-your-keepsakes)
– [Troubleshooting Common Issues](#troubleshooting-common-issues)
– [Best Practices from Experienced Framers](#best-practices-from-experienced-framers)
– [FAQ](#faq)
– [Conclusion](#conclusion)
## Quick Answer
To order a custom box frame, measure your items’ maximum depth and width, choose a shadow box with at least 25mm depth, pick your frame colour and backing, then place your order online. You do not need to mount your items yourself—kachingo’s professional team handles the design and fitting, so you simply send the keepsakes and receive a finished display ready to hang.
## Understand the Custom Framing Process
Commissioning a custom box frame is not like buying off-the-shelf frames. The process involves consultation between you and the framer to ensure measurements, materials, and display methods suit your items perfectly. Professional framing protects against UV damage, dust, and humidity while presenting your objects in the most flattering way possible.
Box frames, unlike standard picture frames, have considerable depth. This allows three-dimensional objects to sit inside without touching the glass. Typical framing involves the creation of a tailor-made housing, often using deep mouldings, to comfortably accommodate the object’s full dimension.
Custom services differ from ready-made frames in several ways. You can select the exact moulding width and colour, choose between standard glass, acrylic, or anti-reflective glazing, and receive a design that fits a specific space in your home. A professional framer will consider how the piece interacts with light, the surrounding décor, and the preservation needs of your items.
Your role in the process is straightforward: provide measurement details, choose aesthetics, and deliver your items securely. The framer handles the technical aspects—fitting, mounting, and assembly—that ensure your keepsakes remain in pristine condition.
## Choose Your Box Frame Type
Selecting the right frame type depends entirely on what you wish to display. Deep shadow boxes work beautifully with bulky items like sports memorabilia, wedding shoes, or christening gowns. Slimmer frames suit pressed florals, medals, and photographs.
**Shadow Box (Standard Depth)**
– Ideal for: flat or semi-flat items like certificates, photographs, dried flowers
– Depth range: 20–40mm
– Pros: elegant profile, fits most interior styles, lowers cost
– Cons: limited depth for bulky objects
**Deep Box Frame**
– Ideal for: football shirts, baby shoes, christening outfits, military berets
– Depth range: 50–80mm
– Pros: accommodates bulky items, dramatic presentation
– Cons: heavier on the wall, requires deeper wall fixings
**Display Cabinet Frame**
– Ideal for: multiple items, layered displays, frequently changed objects
– Depth range: 40–60mm, with opening back
– Pros: allows easy access, flexible arrangement
– Cons: more complex construction, may cost more
Your choice influences the cost, the visual weight of the frame, and how well it protects differently sized objects. When unsure, always select a frame with more depth than you think you need. Deep frames display shallow items beautifully, but shallow frames cannot accommodate thick items without forced bending.
## Essential Measurements
Measuring correctly eliminates almost every problem associated with custom framing orders. The follow steps will help you gather the information needed before you place your order.
### Step 1: Measure the Depth
Place your item on a flat, hard surface. Apply gentle pressure to compress any bulging areas, then measure the height from the surface to the highest point.
– **Reason:** The framer needs this to select mouldings deep enough to contain the item without pressure against the glass
– **Expected Result:** A clear depth figure that enables correct moulding selection
– **Helpful Tip:** For compressible items like clothing or fabric, measure both the natural state and the compressed state, then provide both numbers to kachingo
– **Common Mistake:** Measuring while holding the item in the air, which gives an artificial dimension
### Step 2: Measure Width and Height
Using a metal tape measure, measure the maximum width across the widest horizontal dimension, then the maximum height from the base to the highest natural point.
– **Reason:** These figures determine the overall frame size and the mount board required
– **Expected Result:** Accurate outer dimensions for the item
– **Helpful Tip:** Add 10–15mm to each dimension for breathing room around the item in the frame
– **Common Mistake:** Measuring to the edges of a curved item rather than its outermost points
### Step 3: Consider the Weight
Weigh your item if it exceeds 1kg. Heavy objects require reinforced backing boards, stronger fitting methods, or special float mounts.
– **Reason:** Excess weight can pull items forward or stress the frame’s joinery
– **Expected Result:** The framer knows whether reinforcement is needed
– **Helpful Tip:** Weigh the item on kitchen scales after compressing any soft materials
– **Common Mistake:** Assuming a thick item is not heavy—a uniform jacket filled with medals can weigh several kilos
## Selection of Materials
The choices you make beyond measurements determine the aesthetic and protective qualities of your finished frame. Focus on the following areas:
**Glass or Acrylic**
Standard glass offers clarity but reflects light. Acrylic is lighter and safer during shipping but scratches easily. Anti-reflective options cost more while delivering superior viewing from all angles. If your display will hang opposite a window, select anti-reflective glazing to avoid distracting glare.
**Backing Board**
Acid-free backing prevents discolouration of your items over time. Conservation-grade materials protect valuable or historically significant objects. For sentimental keepsakes, always choose at least acid-free board to avoid eventual browning or embrittlement of the items themselves.
**Mounting Options**
Framers secure items using several different mounting techniques. The simplest approach places items directly against the backing board—the items rest openly in the frame without tension. More complex approaches include stitching fabric items to the backing, using invisible mounts to hold items up, or sandwiching objects between clear films for strict positioning. For the most natural appearance, choose unmounted or float-mount displays where visible.
**Frame Moulding Colour**
This is primarily an aesthetic decision, but it influences how your items read. Natural wood suits rustic and homey settings. Black frames provide contrast and sophistication. White frames keep the focus on light-coloured items and brighten a wall. For wedding displays, white and silver often complement the theme; for sporting items, darker woods enhance the colours of the jersey.
**Sealing**
If your item has a strong odour—like a leather jacket or old fabric—request sealing measures. This preserves the item and prevents fragrance transfer to surrounding objects. Speak directly with the framer about this if needed.
## Place Your Order
After gathering your measurements and deciding on materials, you will place your order through kachingo’s site. The process takes about five minutes:
### Step 1: Select Your Frame Size and Depth
Using the measurements you collected, choose the closest size option available, or select the custom size option. Input your exact dimensions to the nearest millimetre.
– **Reason:** Accurate sizes prevent the need for costly redos
– **Expected Result:** The system confirms your chosen size with cost implications
– **Helpful Tip:** If you measured to the nearest millimetre, round up to the nearest available size to guarantee a comfortable fit
– **Common Mistake:** Ordering a frame smaller than the item because the item has irregular edges
### Step 2: Specify Colours and Finishes
Choose your moulding colour, backing colour, and glazing type. Many customers select a backing that matches the predominant colour of the item for a seamless look. Others prefer a contrasting colour to make items stand out.
### Step 3: Add Mounting Notes
In the notes section, describe exactly how you want your item displayed. Be descriptive: “centre the jersey with sleeves spread naturally, do not pin through visible areas” or “press the dress to remove creases before mounting.” These notes guide the technician performing the fitting.
– **Reason:** The technician will follow your instructions precisely
– **Expected Result:** Your display matches your expectations
– **Helpful Tip:** Reference a specific photograph of your item if you can, or provide a written description of the orientation you prefer
– **Common Mistake:** Assuming the technician will make the same aesthetic decisions you would
### Step 4: Arrange Shipping and Confirm
Choose your shipping method and provide the delivery address. Expect confirmation within one business day. Note any planned absence during the expected delivery window.
## Prepare Your Keepsakes
Before sending your items, properly prepare them to arrive in optimal condition:
**Check Items for Pests and Damp**
Inspect fabric items thoroughly for moths, damp spots, or mildew. Do not send items with active mould—this can spread to the frame materials. Gently brush off dust or loose debris.
**Press and Iron Where Needed**
For shirts, dresses, and other fabric items, iron or press them to remove wrinkles before sending. Frames show even minor creases, so the effort will improve the final result.
**Wrap Items Securely**
Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap individual items. Place them in a rigid box or padded envelope to prevent damage during transit. Avoid using plastic wrapping directly against fabric, as this can trap moisture.
**Include Clear Instructions**
Write a note detailing the condition of the items, any fragile areas, and your expectations for their display. Photograph the items as they arrive with you, so you have a baseline if anything changes during transit.
**Insure the Parcel**
Sentimental items often carry more value than monetary measures reflect. Consider insurance for delivery to protect against loss.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Likely Reason | Solution |
|———|—————|———-|
| Frame arrives but item appears cramped | Measurements did not include breathing space | Contact kachingo within 48 hours; a reframe may be required |
| Fabric items show visible pins or stitching through them | Mounting method was too intrusive | Request remounting using float or tension methods instead of pins |
| Display appears dull due to glare | Glass type chosen was uncoated | Revisit glazing options; anti-reflective upgrades available later |
| Items slid down or shifted during shipping | Mounting was insufficient for item weight | Ask for reinforced mounting and tighter fitting |
| You expected a different visual layout | Description was unclear to the technician | Provide detailed description and a sketch of the desired layout |
If you encounter any issue, document it with photographs and contact the team directly. Most problems can be resolved with a simple adjustment or remount within several days.
## Best Practices from Experienced Framers
Professionals consistently advise customers to think long-term about preservation. Your frame choice impacts the condition of your items decades from now.
**Never Use MDF Backing Without Liners**
MDF off-gasses acids that damage items over time. Professional services like kachingo already use conservation materials, but if you ever select a low-cost alternative, request a protective barrier.
**Keep Items Away from Direct Sunlight**
Even with UV-protective glazing, prolonged direct sunlight will fade fabrics and photographs. Place framed items on walls away from windows.
**Allow Natural Airflow**
Do not seal frames completely airtight. Some moisture movement is natural and prevents condensation inside the glass.
**Rethink How You Display Multiple Items**
Instead of cramming every item into one frame, consider creating a family set of complementary frames. This avoids overcrowding and gives each piece due respect.
**Measure Your Wall Space Honestly**
Measure the exact wall area where the frame will hang. The frame should be in proportion to the wall and the furniture beneath it. A massive frame on a small wall overwhelms the space.
## FAQ
**How long does a custom box frame order take?**
Typically, orders take 10–15 working days from the time your items arrive at the workshop. Complex displays with multiple objects or specially sourced mouldings may take slightly longer. You will receive a confirmation once your items reach the studio and again when dispatch occurs.
**Can I have more than one item mounted in a single frame?**
Yes. Many customers display a wedding invitation alongside pressed flowers or a baby’s outfit with a hospital wristband. Communicate exactly which items go together and how you envision their arrangement. The technician will position them to create a cohesive composition.
**What items should not be framed?**
Avoid framing items that could degrade and release residues, like fresh food, wet items, or items with active mould. Oils and liquids can contaminate the backing and the frame itself. If in doubt, consult the team before sending your items.
**Can you frame a heavy object like a football helmet or cricket bat?**
Yes, but these require specially reinforced displays. The frame must be built with thicker mouldings and heavier-duty hanging fixtures. These bespoke solution will cost more, and you should expect a longer turnaround. Contact kachingo to discuss the specifics.
**What happens to my original items after ordering?**
Your items are returned to you inside the finished frame. Nothing is thrown away or modified permanently unless you request it. The mounting methods used are reversible, so you can remove the items at a later date without damage.