40 Years of Framing: Where Conservation Meets Design

At Underglass, our frame shop in San Francisco’s Castro District, we’ve been framing art for 40 years with a mix of conservation expertise and design sensitivity. One recent project brought those two together beautifully: Air, a neon risograph print by @a.k.dsgn from the Elements series.

For this piece, we selected a seamless pink acrylic frame that feels both playful and refined. Its softly rounded lips echo the movement and flow of the artwork, while the sharp outer edges mirror the graphic lines in the design. The neon colors of the risograph find a perfect partner in the frame’s bold pink, giving the finished piece a strong presence without overwhelming its subtle details.

Quality was as important as design. We used Optium Museum Acrylic, the industry’s top tier, for maximum protection. It offers UV filtering, anti-reflection clarity, and scratch resistance, while also ensuring earthquake-safe mounting for San Francisco living.

This project shows how framing is never just about holding artwork in place: it’s about creating a dialogue between art and its surroundings, enhancing both without compromise.

As Underglass celebrates 40 years of custom framing in San Francisco, we’re proud to continue serving our community with frames that preserve, protect, and elevate art of every kind.