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With so many frame styles, how do I know which one to choose?
Well, today, anything goes. Knowing the environment in which the art will be displayed definitely makes a difference. For example, warm and textured woods like our Wild Oaks fit well with country decor. Want more of a contemporary style? Then you may want the bold, wide look of Techline. If you're not sure where your art will be displayed, keep it simple and let the art alone dictate the style and color.
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How can I purchase frames only on your website?
There are two different ways to order just a frame. Once you make a selection, the site will take you into a workflow where we populate the frame kit with a backing board, a single mat, and acrylic glazing. As you proceed through the flow, you have the option of purchasing the kit as shown, changing the default selections, or eliminating them altogether by selecting “none”. The other way to purchase frames only is to use our QuickShop. Simply enter the frame you want to purchase and the workflow will appear without any other material choices. Other materials can be added along the way if desired.
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Are my materials too thick for the picture frame?
For each style of frame, we provide a profile illustration with important measurements. Before ordering a frame, it is important to know the total thickness of your artwork, acrylic sheet, mat boards and mounting boards you are framing. Once you have that measurement, compare it with the "rabbet depth" displayed in the illustration. If the total thickness of your materials is less than the rabbet depth, your artwork will fit inside the frame.
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Can you cut fractions?
Absolutely! All materials are cut to 1/16 of an inch.
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Why should I use a mat?
Many people look at mats strictly for their aesthetic qualities, but mats do serve a purpose beyond just looking good. In fact, the primary purpose of a mat is to protect artwork by creating space between the art and the acrylic sheet or glazing for air to circulate, thus protecting the artwork from damage over time.
What else do they do? Mats add value to reproductions and suggest importance, indicating the artwork is worth that "little extra touch." Matting helps draw the viewer's eye into the picture while at the same time providing a neutral setting in which the art can be appreciated.
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How do I determine my mat border size?
While there is no mathematical equation, a good rule of thumb is to provide enough border to create a smooth transition from the artwork to the frame so as not to lose the picture among the matting. Most mats range in width from 2 1/4" for smaller projects (such as an 11" x 14" image) to 5" on projects that measure about 22" x 30". Some people like to make the bottom border a bit larger, to optically-center the artwork. Like many aesthetic aspects of framing, this, too, is your preference.
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How do I attach my artwork to the mat?
For valuable artwork, you should use linen tape that is a lighter weight than your picture. If the artwork is pulled from the mat, it will tear at the weakest point, the linen tape. Hinge your artwork from the top, leaving the sides and bottom free of tape. See our complete line of Filmoplast® Tapes.
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How should I choose my mat and frame colors?
If you need help with your color schemes, the color wheel provides an easy way to see how colors relate to one another. Using one color, with a range of shades, tints and intensity (monochromatic color), is soothing to the eye. Colors next to each other on the wheel (related colors) have a calming effect when the colors are dull or muted. Colors directly across from each other on the wheel (complementary colors) create more visual impact because of their obvious differences in hue and intensity.
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You have so many white mats. How do I choose?
To help you select the right mat, we’ve sorted our whites into groups:
bright white, cool white, soft white, warm white and ivory. These
groupings are viewed easily in our "Which White Is Right?' chart.
Remember, we provide free mat samples--up to five color chips prior to placing an order and then in quantities of five with each additional order. Complete mat board sample sets can be purchased for a nominal price and is recommended for frequent framers.
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Why do I need a point driver?
For the person who frequently uses wood frames, a point driver is a welcomed tool. Points are used in place of spring clips for securing the artwork, acrylic sheets and mounting boards in the frame. In seconds, your picture is ready for hanging. See our complete line of Point Drivers.
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How should I clean my acrylic glazing (plexi-glass)?
When it comes to cleaning acrylic sheets, remember one key point: acrylic is plastic, not glass. Do not use glass cleaners and paper towels or the surface will become cloudy and scratched. We recommend using our Novus Acrylic/Plexi-glass cleaner with a soft cotton cloth.
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What if I’ve made a mistake? Can I return my materials?
If you would like to make a return or exchange, please call us at (800) 537-0944, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Monday - Friday (Eastern) so that your request is properly handled. See our Return Policy for complete details.
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When will my order ship?
Orders containing framing materials usually ship within 2-3 business days. If you’ve ordered a framed print, please allow 3-5 business days. If you are in a rush, please call us at (800) 537-0944, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30pm (Eastern) and we will see what can be done to expedite your order.
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I’ve placed my order and now I’d like to add to it. Is that possible?
Although we are unable to add to an order in process, we would be glad to take a new order the same business day and adjust the shipping charges for you.
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I would like to see you materials before I order. Do you offer samples?
Yes… and they’re FREE. We’ll send you up to five (5) samples of any frame or mat board at no charge. After you receive your first set of free samples you can request an additional five samples every time you place an order. If you want more than five samples, for a nominal fee, we can send you as many as you like. Call (800) 537-0944, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30pm (Eastern) or “Contact Us” and up to five (5) item numbers of the samples you want.
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Are there any price breaks for volume orders?
Yes, when you do have a quantity order, we do gain some production efficiencies which we are happy to pass on to you. Our quantity discount schedule is:
25- 124 – 10%
125 – 249 -12%
250- 499 - 15%
500 -999 – 18%
1000 or over – 20%
Discounts only apply to regularly priced items.
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Is assembly hardware included with my order?
Yes, all hardware to assemble your frame is included. Be sure however to order any wire that you need as that is not included, except when a framed print is ordered. In this case, your art will arrive ready to hang.
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Can you click on my previous order and process it again or do I have to reenter the order?
You would need to reenter the order as we do not have the capabilities to reproduce an order for production.
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Can you tell me what is in each box on my order?
At this time, we are not able to get that information to you. Since all orders are custom, the contents of each box are determined at the point of packaging to arrive in perfect condition.
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Where is the hardware in my box? I can’t find it
The hardware is placed in one end of your box wrapped in brown Kraft paper.
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