Metal Picture Frames - How to pick the Right One For YouPosted by Gundersen Wiggins on May 12th, 2021 With so many types of metal frames available how can you possibly decide which is right for you? You first need to begin by asking the right questions so you can choose the perfect frame. There are 8 key questions you need to ask yourself before you start searching for a metal frame. What's my budget? How long do I'd like the frame to last? Do I want it to become a treasured family keepsake? What style of frame do I want? What color of frame do I want? What Fine Art of finish do I want? Do I want the frame engraved? Is there a particular size of frame needed? Once you answer these questions, you will understand what you are considering and then you can start narrowing down your selection. Here are some guidelines to answering these questions to help you quickly arrive at a perfect selection. Question 1- Frame Budget: Below are a few rough guidelines on the price ranges for various kinds of metal picture frames (assumes a 4x6 size for consistency): Starting under : Basic aluminum frames, Simple Solid Brass Frames Starting around - Basic Silver plate frames, Decorative Aluminum frames, Steel frames. Starting around - Decorative Silver plated frames Starting around - Decorative hand made solid pewter frames Starting around 0+- Decorative solid sterling silver frames Question 2-Durability: Although the majority of metal frames are durable, be cautious of some inexpensive aluminum frames as they won't hold up to heavy use. Question 3- Keepsake Frames: The best keepsake metal frames are solid pewter frames, silver plated frames and sterling silver frames. Question 4- Frame style: Elegant: I would suggest using silver plated frames or silver frames. Casual: I would suggest using decorative aluminum frames or solid pewter frames. Professional/formal: I would suggest using aluminum frames, steel frames, silver plate frames or silver frames Modern or Traditional style: You need to use almost any type of metal frame including aluminum frames, steel frames, pewter frames, silver plate frames, silver frames Question 5- Color: There really isn't much to state about color except that there are numerous colors of gold and silver metal frames and that frame colors span multiple forms of metal material. For instance a silver frame could be made out of pewter, aluminum, silver or silver plate. So because if it says it is a "silver frame" doesn't mean it's crafted from silver or silver plate- it's simply describing the color. The same applies to "pewter frames" as unless it says solid pewter it's simply discussing the color. Question 6- Finish: In terms of metal frame finishes, the most typical metal finishes are: shiny, matte/brushed and antiqued. Generally a rule of thumb is that most frames come with a shiny finish unless it's specifically called a matte, brushed or antiqued finish. Question 7- Engraved Frame: If you want an engraveable frame, you then want to select a frame that's identified as an engraved frame (or an engravable frame). Engraveable frames are solid metal with exactly the same color metal throughout the depth of the frame and must have a smooth flat work surface for the engraving. Engraved frames can be purchased in the following: solid pewter frames silver plate frames sterling silver frames Question 8- Size: If you're framing a photo chances are good you may use a ready-made frame (unless the photo was cut to a unique shape or size). For ready made frames, it's simple because you just buy the frame and size you want. If you have a bit of artwork, you will probably require a custom metal frame. Depending upon your budget it is possible to either purchase a custom frame and have it assembled for you or buy the size you need and assemble it yourself. Many metal frames are pretty easy to put together yourself so if you want to stretch your budget and you like putting things together yourself, then assembling a frame is a great option. By answering these 8 simple questions you'll now have the ability to decide on a metal frame quickly and get exactly what you want.Like it? Share it! |