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Custom Picture Framing and Art Restoration
Alexandria, VA
Walk-ins & Same-Day Appointments Available
Hand-Painted French Matting
We Take The Utmost Care With Your Pieces
Painting and Frame Restoration
Buchanan and Kiguel has preserved and enhanced Virginia's most treasured artwork and memorabilia for over five decades. As a locally owned establishment known for our meticulous attention to detail, we've built our legacy by treating each piece with care and precision. Our skilled artisans blend traditional techniques with modern approaches to create beautiful custom frames that showcase your cherished pieces. From family heirlooms to new acquisitions and corporate artwork, we provide the craftsmanship and quality materials your valuable items deserve.
Founded in 1966, we've served clients who recognize the importance of quality framing. Our three convenient locations across Central and Northern Virginia deliver consistent craftsmanship that has defined our business for generations. We understand that items brought to us hold special meaning, which is why we consult with you personally, listen to your vision, and suggest solutions that protect and display your pieces beautifully for years to come. With same-day services and a solid commitment to our work, Buchanan and Kiguel remains Virginia's trusted destination for artistic preservation and presentation. Find your nearest location today to preserve your specialty possessions!
Custom Picture Framing
Each piece we frame receives personal attention from our craftspeople. We offer many premium frame styles, conservation glass options, and acid-free matting materials to create presentations that protect your artwork while enhancing its visual appeal. Our design consultations ensure your framing choices complement both the artwork and your space.
Art & Frame Restoration
Our restoration services renew damaged or aging artwork and frames. Using conservation-grade materials and techniques, our specialists address issues from water damage to color fading, helping your treasured pieces regain their beauty while preserving their historical integrity.
Specialty Techniques
Our artisans practice distinctive methods including hand-painted French matting, shadow box construction, and textile mounting. These specialized techniques create extraordinary presentations, adding dimension, texture, and character to your displayed pieces.
Commercial & Trade Services
We collaborate with businesses, designers, and galleries on framing solutions for commercial spaces. Our trade services include volume discounts, on-site consultations, and installation coordination, helping professionals create cohesive visual environments that impress clients and customers.
Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...
At Buchanan and Kiguel, we take pride in providing exceptional framing and restoration work to our customers. We would be grateful if you could share your thoughts about our art restoration company with others. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make informed decisions. Please take a moment to leave a review of Buchanan and Kiguel and let others know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our frequently asked questions section. If you are exploring options for preserving your treasured pieces, you likely have inquiries about our specific techniques and background. As a prospective client, understanding how we approach each delicate project is essential to feeling completely confident in our care. This guide provides comprehensive answers regarding our meticulous services, from custom shadowbox framing to specialized art restoration in Alexandria, VA, ensuring you have all the necessary information before visiting.
How did Buchanan & Kiguel Fine Custom Picture Framing begin, and what is your background in preserving historical pieces?
Founded in 1966, Buchanan and Kiguel Fine Custom Picture Framing has dedicated over five decades to the meticulous preservation of artwork. Our journey began with a profound appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Over the years, our artisans have refined their techniques, merging traditional methods with modern conservation practices. We have cultivated an extensive portfolio, handling everything from family heirlooms to corporate acquisitions. When clients seek art restoration in Alexandria, VA, they rely on our generational knowledge and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the historical integrity of every item.
What specific types of damage can be addressed through art restoration in Alexandria, VA?
Artwork can suffer from a myriad of issues. For canvas pieces, we expertly address severe problems like tears, punctures, flaking paint, and grime buildup that dulls the original vibrancy. Paper-based works often exhibit foxing, yellowing, water damage, or mold, which we carefully treat. Furthermore, our frame services meticulously repair missing ornamentation, stabilize weakened antique joinery, and reapply 22-Karat gold gilding. Choosing our facility for art restoration in Alexandria, VA, guarantees your pieces receive customized interventions to gracefully return them to breathtaking condition.
Do you handle large-scale commercial framing projects or gallery installations?
Yes, we cater to the robust demands of commercial clients, gallery owners, and corporate entities. We understand that outfitting a large space requires an organized aesthetic. Our commercial and trade services provide solutions, including volume discounting, dedicated project management, and seamless coordination. Whether updating a boutique hotel or curating an exhibition, our team expertly manages the process. Even for business owners specifically seeking art restoration in Alexandria, VA, we provide scalable services that enhance your professional environment and leave a positive impression.
Are my delicate vintage photographs and antique documents safe during the conservation process?
The safety of your delicate items is our highest priority. We utilize rigorous art-on-paper conservation and photo archiving methods designed specifically to halt deterioration. Every vintage photograph, historical map, or antique document is handled using strictly acid-free, premium archival materials and reversible mounting techniques. This ensures the item is never permanently altered during its time with us. Those who utilize our comprehensive art restoration in Alexandria, VA appreciate our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to preserving the delicate fibers of their irreplaceable archives.
Can you explain what hand-painted French matting is and when I should choose it?
Hand-painted French matting is an exquisite technique where artisans meticulously draw delicate watercolor lines and apply wash panels directly onto the mat board. This specialized method adds remarkable depth, classic elegance, and a uniquely tailored aesthetic that standard mats cannot replicate. It is particularly striking when paired with antique botanical prints, subtly echoing the colors found within the piece itself. Many clients who visit us for art restoration in Alexandria, VA opt for French matting to authentically complete the presentation of their revitalized artwork.
How do I know if my oil painting requires professional art restoration in Alexandria, VA?
There are several key indicators that your oil painting may benefit from professional intervention. If you notice the colors appearing unusually muted, a distinct yellowing effect caused by aged varnish, or the presence of a dull film over the surface, it is likely time for a thorough cleaning. More severe structural signs include visible cracking or flaking paint layers. By investing in professional art restoration in Alexandria, VA, our experts will conduct a careful evaluation to determine the appropriate conservation treatments to revitalize your cherished painting.
Do you offer on-site consultations for interior designers or corporate hospitality programs?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate directly with professional interior designers and hospitality managers to create stunning visual spaces. Recognizing that coordinating large projects requires flexibility, our team is happy to conduct comprehensive on-site consultations. We bring a curated selection of premium frame samples, fabric matting options, and glazing choices directly to your specific location. Whether you need cohesive shadowbox framing for a restaurant or art restoration in Alexandria, VA for a hotel lobby's centerpiece, our trade services are designed to support your creative vision seamlessly.
What materials do you use for museum and conservation framing?
Our museum and conservation framing services strictly utilize the highest tier of archival materials. We employ 100% cotton rag, acid-free matting that prevents the chemical burn frequently caused by standard wood pulp boards. Furthermore, we offer premium conservation glazing options, including specialized museum glass that effectively blocks harmful ultraviolet light rays, significantly reducing the risk of devastating fading. When clients complement these advanced protective measures with our meticulous repair services, they achieve ultimate peace of mind, knowing their artwork is comprehensively safeguarded against future environmental degradation.
Why Choose Us
Same-Day Appointments & Walk-Ins Available
Hand-Painted French Matting
We Take The Utmost Care With Your Pieces
Over 50 Years of Experience
Meticulous & Detailed
Three Convenient Virginia Locations









