Framing a picture will not be a daunting task in the hands in the hands of expert frame-makers like Asian Esteem Industrial Sdn Bhd. The company has been making wooden picture frames since 1994 and has earned itself and enviable reputation with its signature products which use composite metal gold and silver leaves.

“As a picture frame manufacturer, we have a team of experienced staff to undertake projects which include picture framing services and the installing of art pieces,” said Asian Esteem’s Marketing and Sales Director, Mr. Boon K. Ng.

“We frame items such as oil painting, canvas oil painting, water colour images, photography prints, posters, shadow boxes, mirrors as well as mount artworks,” he said.

Asian Estemm has an array of designs ranging from classic to contemporary wooden frames to further enhance any art pieces and is able to customize in terms of design, finishing, colour and size.

“When customers give their designs, we trace it out and send it to the United States where the roller blocks are made. It will cost about RM8,000 just for the mould but our clients are guaranteed of getting top quality fare,” said Boon.

At its 5,017 sqm factory in Balakong, Selangor, Asian Esteem is well stocked with reclaimed timber such as Oak, Pine, Beech as well as some local species like Pulai, Kasai and Penarahan. No wood is wasted here and even lower quality ones are turned into “works of art”.

“I had an old Japanese man who first taught me about wood and how to use it best. One of the most important lessons I learnt from him is that timber is a natural resource and natural resources must never be wasted,” he said.

Asian Esteem gets its supply of raw material from various sources across the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Reclaimed timbers are checked thoroughly where all nails are removed and a metal detector is used to scan the wood to see if there are any nails remaining in the timber.

“The damage incurred by single nail is costly affair as our blades cost between RM300 and RM400 each. That is why we check the reclaimed timber carefully,” said Boon, adding that sanding takes up to 70 per cent of the entire frame-making operation.

Timbers are first cut to size then taken to the resaw machine followed by the rip saw before it is sent through the moulding machine and sanded down. This is followed by the Gesso coating where the timber is later dried for 48 hours before it is sanded and spray painted. After drying the wood for between 24 and 48 hours, the timber strips are once again cut to size and jointed. At this point, you can see how sturdy the frames are and when you wiggle them, the corners hold rigidly at the angles. All wooden frames go through a final round of checks and touch-ups before they are shipped out.

Asian Esteem produces close to 15,00 frames a month for its impressive set of clientele comprising five-stars hotels all over the world, developers, jewelers, universities, cosmetic companies and banks.

“Our products are sought -after in UK, Australia and Thailand. Our biggest market at the moment is Australia,” said Boon.

Boon’s showroom not only houses his prized products but also his artworks. The company director has a creative streak which make Asian Esteem’s frames beautiful.

“When I am in the mood, I paint and design stuff.” Said Boon pointing to one of his eye-cathing paintings.

Boon said Asian Estemm plans on creating more wooden frames with reclaimed timber. This will add on to what the company is already producing – gold and silver leaves gilding for furniture; special finishings for furniture, timber moulding works and eco-furniture.

The frames, which come in both standard and customized sizes, are not only pretty to look at but are hardy as well. The sizes, are not only pretty to look at but are hardy as well. The sturdiness of timber and its almost measureless use will continue to intrigue individuals like Boon who love to work with wood.