Manufacturing Process Frame Manufacturing Process | Frame Manufacturing Process |
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The manufacturing process consists of 5 distinct steps: 1st Carving (3 to 10days) Premium quality Cedar tropical wood is cut to the required length, with careful attention paid to ensure the wood has the precise moisture content to assure stability. After creating a blueprint for each carve, the artisan begins the lengthy process of deep etching each feature. The blueprint process is a crucial step because it is at this point that the proportions for the carving are defined, based upon the frame dimensions and design considerations. *Our moldings have a unique characteristic: they have “Centers” and “Corners”, which means that each particular piece must be designed for the specific project dimensions. Without this design factor they would lack the style, beauty and character that make them a San Marcos Frame.  B. Carving (SMF carves are distinctive from others – it is a deep carve). Since it is completely carved by hand, no frame will be exactly the same as other.
NOTE: Carving time depends on the design of the frame. All frames are 100% hand made by expert artisans. Few carvers in the world are capable of accomplishing the distinctive patterns found in each San Marcos Frame. 2nd. Joining (1 to 3 days) Wood glue, nails and screws are used to assemble the frame, but in a way that is invisible. Once assembled, an artisan must carefully match, carve and polish the joints giving the frame its seamless finish.
3rd Painting (5 to 6 days) Painting is one of the most important processes. It provides the surface on which the leaf will be layed and consists of 6 important steps:
Note: SM is working to develop water gilded finishes. The process is very similar to the described here in terms of the intensive hand labor and surface preparation, which is the clue for a nice gilding process.
4th Gilding 2 to 5 days Once the correct surface preparation has been achieved, the artisan proceeds to apply the leaf, a manual process taking several days. The process is called “oil gilding” because we use an oil based slow set clear base to hold the leaf to the frame. This type of clear is utilized to maximize the brilliance of the gold or silver leaf.
5th Detailing 5 to 10 days Detailing is a process taking several days in which a patina is applied, distressing is made and the leaf is sealed. At this point the moldings start to look several years old. Then, depending on the molding style or customer requirements, we make apply final details that make our frame designs unique. Many exclusive techniques are used at San Marcos such as engraving and oil painting, making each of our frames a work of art. The end result of this lengthy production process is a frame of outstanding beauty that can enhance any art piece or luxury mirror to create a sophisticated look that is truly distinctive. Total production time is between 18 to 38 days per frame. However, climatic conditions may cause the time for the various steps to change.
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