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Glossary of Terms
A
adjective
Acid-free materials have a neutral PH, which means they will not introduce harmful acids that may cause yellowing, fading, or brittleness.
All American Frame products labeled ‘acid free’ or Artcare™ will help preserve your artwork, photos, and documents over time.
See Archival and Preservation Framing.
noun
A plastic glazing suitable for all types of framing because it is transparent, acid-free, lightweight, and shatter-resistant.
This is often referred to as acrylic sheeting, plex, plexi, plexi-glass, or Plexiglas®.
American Frame offers a variety of enhanced acrylic with UV, non-glare, and anti-reflective qualities.
See Glazing.
noun
A handheld tool (also called an adhesive tape applicator) used to apply thin strips of double-sided adhesive transfer tape.
Adhesive transfer tape is a versatile staple in DIY framing and may be used with or without the ATG.
See Do-It-Yourself (DIY).
noun
In framing, allowance refers to the small difference between the exact size of your art stack and the interior dimension of the frame.
See Art Stack.
B
noun
A bevel is a 45-degree angle cut made along the inside edge of a mat board window. This cut reveals a sliver (about 1/16”) of the mat board’s core – the inner layer of the mat.
This may also be called a bevel cut or beveled edge.
noun
The American Frame Blog, Our Frame of Mind, shares inspiring stories about our products and the artists who use them. Visit often for fresh content, or subscribe to our weekly emails for updates delivered automatically.
See Emails.
C
noun
Often called a floater frame, this frame style is designed special for canvas art to create the illusion that a stretched canvas is “floating” inside the frame.
The frame attaches to the back of the canvas bars, leaving a visible gap around the edges of the canvas for a clean, modern presentation.
Pro-tip: Canvas float frames offer a high-end appeal at an affordable cost. When selecting one, be sure to match the depth of the frame to the depth of the canvas for a secure and suitable fit.
See Relief.
noun
A chop is a length of moulding that has been cut at 45-degree angles on each end, preparing it to be joined into a picture frame.
A complete frame requires two pairs of chops, one for the width and one for the height.
Our Frame Builder is designed to customize your order for only what you need. If you need assistance, reach out to customer service.
See Frame Builder and Unjoined.
noun
Most computer screens aren’t perfectly adjusted to show true colors and how they may print.
That means what you see online might look a little different in real life.
Our Printing Department runs on a fully calibrated, color-managed system from start to finish, following International Color Standards ( ICC profiles).
When color is critical, we suggest ordering a proof first so you can see exactly how your image will look before we create the full version.
See Art Printing, Fine Art Reproduction, and Proof Set.
noun
Mat board cores are the middle layers of the mat board.
The visible bevel may subtly enhance or contrast the artwork depending on the mat board core.
noun
Use corrugated corners when transporting artwork to protect your frame.
noun
It’s what we’re all about. We are here to serve Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern.
Call us at 800-537-0944 or email service@americanframe.com.
D
noun
A hands-on approach that empowers individuals to complete creative projects on their own.
In framing, DIY means customizing and assembling your own frame, mat, and artwork package.
DIY picture frame design and fulfillment is our specialty. It’s a collaboration between you as artist, designer, and assembler, and us as the manufacturer.
Our online tools make it simple to size materials and visualize your frame online before you buy.
Simply measure your art and choose your framing materials. Receive your ready-to-assemble framing kit within a few business days.
Check your choices using free samples, available upon request.
noun
A professional method of bonding paper to a board using pressure and heat-activated adhesive.
The standard mount is permanent and economical. The archival mount uses acid-free preservation board and can be reversed by a professional.
noun
Paper backing adhered to the back of a wood frame to protect framed artwork from dust and insects.
Tools commonly used to apply dust covers include an ATG tape dispenser and dust cover trimmer.
E
noun
Sign up to receive framing tips, inspiration, new product launches, featured artist interviews, promotions, and more.
Emails keep you current on products, services, and sales at American Frame. Succinct and easy to read and share.
See Blog.
F
noun
A reproduction is a copy. Fine art reproduction is the process of creating a high-quality print of an original artwork.
It involves professionally photographing the original and printing the copy on premium paper.
At American Frame, we use Epson fine art giclée technology with archival Ultrachrome inks to produce detailed, color-accurate reproductions.
See Art Printing, Giclée, and Print and Frame.
proper noun (tool)
A customization tool that walks you through selecting products and building a custom frame step by step.
noun
A frame kit includes all the components needed to assemble a complete frame for your artwork, including the frame, backing, glazing, and hanging hardware.
It’s everything you need to frame your piece at home, delivered in one package. This may also be called a Frame Package.
See Art Stack, Moulding, Print and Frame, Profile, Glazing, Acrylic, and Mat Board.
noun
The frame treatment is the overall design approach you choose when framing your artwork.
It includes your choices of frame style, matting, glazing, and mounting, and defines how your artwork will be presented and protected.
A treatment consists of the frame, acrylic, mat board, and mounting board.
G
noun
Pronounced zhee-CLAY, this word comes from the French “gicler,” meaning “to spray.”
In fine art reproduction, giclée refers to a high-resolution inkjet process that produces museum-quality prints with exceptional color accuracy and detail.
See Art Printing, Print and Frame, and Fine Art Reproduction.
noun
The framing industry’s term for the transparent material between the environment and the framed art.
Acrylic is an example of a type of glazing.
See Acrylic.
noun
As a socially responsible company, American Frame prioritizes environmentally healthy manufacturing practices.
We focus on American-made products and FSC-certified woods, recycle acrylic and metal scraps, and use sustainable packaging whenever possible.
H
adjective
Made by people, not robots. Carefully put together by hand with skill and attention.
At American Frame, handcrafted means our experienced craftspeople build every frame and prepare every order with care.
From cutting to packaging, our hands are on your custom order every step of the way to ensure quality and precision you can trust.
noun
A hinge is a small piece of paper with adhesive, often tape, used to secure paper artwork to a mounting board.
Hinging is commonly used by DIY framers and may also be used to attach a mat board to a mounting board.
We recommend keeping linen hinging tape on hand, as it is a staple for serious framers. We proudly offer Lineco linen hinging tape, known for its lightweight, acid-free adhesive and reliable performance.
See Mat Board and Mounting Board.
J
noun
A JPEG is a widely compatible digital format used for compressing image files.
The initials stand for “Joint Photographic Experts Group.”
When preparing files to upload, make sure they are saved as either a .jpeg or .png and sized to your desired print output.
See Art Printing.
L
noun
A natural substance found in wood and paper that helps keep plants strong.
Over time, lignin can break down and cause paper to yellow and become brittle.
See Acid-Free.
M
noun
Mat boards are used in framing to surround and support artwork.
The cut-out window draws attention to the image while keeping it flat and protected.
Available in a range of thicknesses, textures, cores, and colors, mats add depth, contrast, and a custom finish to most frame designs.
adjective
Pronounced like “mat.” A matte finish is dull, non-shiny, and very low gloss or glare.
Homophones:
- Mat board is a thin, flat board.
- Matt is a person’s name.
- Matte is a non-reflective surface quality.
- “Matt has a mat board for the matte frame.”
See Mat Board.
noun
Wood or metal material shaped into a specific profile that includes a rabbet to hold the contents of a frame.
Moulding is cut and joined to create custom picture frames.
noun
A supportive backing material used to mount, stabilize, and protect artwork within a frame.
It helps keep prints and photographs flat and secure over time.
Foam core is a lightweight, paper-faced material with a foam center, suitable for DIY and professional framing projects.
Conservation-grade corrugated boards offer enhanced rigidity and sustainability.
O
noun
The small margin by which a mat board covers the edges of your artwork.
This ensures the art stays securely in place, does not slip through the mat window, and remains visually pleasing.
We typically apply a 1/8-inch overlap on all sides.
When you enter your art size on our website, our design tool automatically includes this overlap in the mat window size.
See Mat Board.
adjective
Frames and items larger than 32 × 40 inches are considered oversize and are shipped differently to ensure safe and economical delivery.
P
noun
A tool used to insert metal points, called framer’s points, into the back of wood frames to hold the framing package in place.
American Frame sells spring-operated point drivers with flex points for easy reuse, as well as sturdy points designed for standard framing applications.
See Do-It-Yourself (DIY).
noun
Also referred to as conservation framing, this approach uses materials and methods designed to protect artwork from long-term hazards and damage.
Preservation framing includes acid-free and UV-protective components throughout the entire frame package.
noun (service)
Do you have a picture you want printed and framed but don’t know where to start? We take care of everything.
- Select your frame.
- Upload your image and choose your size.
- Customize your materials, including paper, mat, acrylic, and more.
- We print, mount, and ship your finished piece to your door.
High quality. No minimum orders. White-label fulfillment available for professionals.
See Art Printing and Art Assistant™.
noun
A frame profile shows the shape and measurements of the moulding, helping you understand how the framing package fits within the frame and how it projects from the wall.
See Rabbet.
noun
Proof sets allow you to review print quality before final production, helping ensure accurate color and detail.
American Frame offers two types of proofs:
- Color proof — confirms color accuracy on the selected paper.
- Resolution proof — checks image clarity at the intended print size, especially for large prints.
Proof sets are optional but highly recommended when color fidelity and fine detail are critical.
See Art Printing.
R
noun
The rabbet is the recessed channel on the inside edge of the frame moulding where the framing package is held.
Rabbet depth is the distance from the back of the moulding to the inside edge of the lip.
Rabbet width refers to the portion of the moulding that sits underneath the artwork package.
Rabbet depth is especially important when working with thicker materials or when you want the artwork to sit deeper within the frame.
See Profile.
noun
Relief refers to the visible space between the edge of a stretched canvas and the inside of a canvas float frame.
Our frame builders automatically add a 1/4-inch relief on all sides to create a balanced and intentional presentation.
See Canvas Float Frame.
noun
In digital printing, resolution refers to image size expressed in dots per inch or pixels per inch.
Higher resolution results in higher print quality. Our website calculates a recommended print size based on the resolution of your uploaded file.
The minimum resolution we print is 150 ppi, ensuring professional-quality results.
For more information, see our Art & Photo Printing page.
See Art Printing and Proof Set.
noun
The visible portion of a bottom mat once a second mat is stacked on top, typically 1/4 inch.
See Mat Board.
S
proper noun (service)
Send-In-Your-Art is a full-service framing option from American Frame.
If you prefer not to DIY or have multiple pieces to frame, you can send us your artwork and we will handle the entire framing process from start to finish.
Simply tell us about your project, and a designer will be in touch.
See Customer Service.
noun
Our showroom offers personalized, face-to-face design assistance, either in person or virtually.
Local customers may visit our Maumee, Ohio showroom by appointment. Remote customers are welcome to schedule a virtual consultation with one of our designers.
Customers in Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and Metro Detroit can explore materials, assemble DIY projects using our tools, or hire our professionals to complete the work for them.
See Customer Service.
noun
A spacer is used to create airspace between the artwork and the acrylic within the rabbet of a frame.
EconoSpace© from FrameTek® is a neutral pH, peel-and-stick plastic spacer designed to bond to the edge of the acrylic.
Spacers allow artwork or photography to float without a mat, prevent image transfer, and reduce adhesion to the acrylic. Available in black or clear for use in wood and metal frames.
U
adjective
Custom-ordered and cut frame components are delivered for you to assemble.
We provide assembly instructions with every order.
If you prefer professional assembly, explore our Print and Frame or Send-In-Your-Art services.
See Do-It-Yourself (DIY), Print and Frame, and Unjoined.
adjective
Refers to a frame that has not been joined at the corners.
When you order an unjoined wood frame, you receive four sides of moulding pre-drilled for dovetail keys, also called butterfly keys.
Wood glue is required for assembly. See our assembly instructions for step-by-step guidance.
Metal frames are shipped unjoined by default unless we are framing your artwork for you.
See Chop, Do-It-Yourself (DIY), and Unassembled.
V
noun
Since the very beginning, we have specialized in high-volume framing for artists, galleries, and businesses nationwide.
Consider us your production partner. You focus on creating, and we handle producing and fulfilling your finished work.
White-label and custom fulfillment services are available to support your specific needs.
See Customer Service.