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Tips & Tricks

For framing related questions and advice, explore our answers and suggestions to maximize your experience with us.

FAQs

I'm new to pictureframes.com. How does this work?

Questions About Frames

How can I tell what my art/photo will look like in the frame I like?
What size frame should I order?
What's a rabbet?
Will my frame look like the one in the picture?
What are "Ready-Made" or "standard" sizes?
How do I order a tabletop photo frame?

Questions About Mats

How do I size my mat correctly?
Will my mat be the exact same color as the one in the picture?
Do you sell collage mats or mats with special window shapes?
What's the difference between a linen liner and a mat?

I'm new to pictureframes.com. How does this work?

Pictureframes.com is the online presence of Graphik Dimensions Ltd., which has been providing high quality framing at wholesale prices for over 40 years.

Pictureframes.com provides several ways to shop for frames, to make it easy for you:

Personal Frame Shop lets you preview the final product while you make your matting and framing choices. Upload a digital image file of your art/photo (or use one of our sample images) and enter its size. Then feel free to try out endless combinations of single mats, double mats and frames. You can even change wall colors so you know the presentation you create will look marvelous in its intended place of honor. Whenever you create a presentation you like, store it in My Gallery and keep experimenting. Then you can compare presentations and prices side-by-side in My Gallery to make your final choice. My Gallery stores your presentations in your personal account indefinitely, and you can save the images to print out or share with friends via email.

Custom-Made Frames lets you order your choice of frame, cut and assembled to your exact specifications to an eighth of an inch. Pictureframes.com always gives you the best deal — all of our Custom frames are available in Ready-Made sizes, and if you order a Custom frame in a Ready-Made size, our site automatically swaps your Custom frame for a Ready-Made, so you always get the best price possible!

Ready-Made Frames is where you'll find all our pre-assembled frames in popular sizes. Our selection of Ready-Made sizes fit most standard-size photo prints, documents, awards, certificates and canvases. Ready-Made frames are the same superb quality as our Custom frames, but you save even more! Many of our Ready-Made frames are also available in Custom sizes.

Print & Frame is your secret weapon for great gifts, one-of-a-kind decor and more! Imagine creating fine art quality prints, matted and framed, complete in a custom ready-to-hang presentation, all from the convenience of home! Upload a digital file of your art or photo, and you can watch it take shape as you create a masterpiece presentation from our huge selection of mat and frame options. Special tools let you edit your image, enlarge and add fun filters & edges. You can select from a wide range of quality print surfaces, from photo paper and watercolor paper, to real canvas and beyond. Our prints are made using the latest giclee technology for amazing detail and rich color — previously available only to professional artists and photographers — and they'll last a lifetime without fading. Create your very own work of art!

Questions About Frames

How can I tell what my art/photo will look like in the frame I like?

What size frame should I order?

Order a frame size equal to the outside dimensions of the article to be framed. For matted images, use the outside measurements of the mat as your frame size.

Example: An 8" X 10" image requires an 8" X 10" frame.

Example: An 8" X 10" image with a 1" mat border all around requires a 10" X 12" frame. When working with double mats, both mats will have the same outside dimensions.

Important Note: Stretched canvases can warp, which can result in inaccurate measurements. To prevent this, always measure at the corners of the canvas (not across the middle).

What's a rabbet?

The rabbet is the recess on the back inside edge of the frame into which the artwork fits. On pictureframes.com, "rabbet size" refers to the depth of this recess. Because our custom-made and ready-made frames have open rabbets (see diagram), they will work for almost any framing project.

Please note: most of our metal frames have enclosed rabbets. When you're framing a very thick piece — like a stretched canvas — in a metal frame, be sure to choose one with a rabbet that will accommodate the thickness of the piece.

Will my frame look like the one in the picture?

Different computer monitors display colors differently, so we're unable to guarantee the color accuracy of our online images. If you're not sure about the color (or texture, or anything else) of one of our frames, we invite you to order a free frame sample. Note that all-wood frames do exhibit a subtle natural variation in color and grain. To order a free frame sample, simply shop as usual and when you select a frame you like, choose "Frame Sample."

What are "Ready-Made" or "standard" sizes?

When you order a "Ready-Made" frame from pictureframes.com, you’re saving money! That’s because we’ve preassembled these frames to fit "standard sizes" — the most popular and frequently occurring sizes for artwork, photography and documents. At pictureframes.com, these sizes include (in inches): 4x6
5x7
8x10
8 1/2x11
8x12
9x12
11x14
12x16
12x18
14x18
12x24
16x20
18x24
20x24
20x30
22x28
If the artwork you are framing has different dimensions than those listed above, order a Custom-Made frame for the perfect fit! Or better yet, build your framing presentation in our Personal Frame Shop and order with total confidence.

How do I order a tabletop photo frame?

We sell easelbacks that transform our Ready-Made frames into free-standing tabletop presentations. They're available in the four most popular sizes:

4 x 6
5 x 7
8 x 10
8 ½ x 11

Order them here.

Questions About Mats

How do I size my mat correctly?

We offer custom-cut mats for uncommon image and frame dimensions. While, the easiest way to construct a single or double mat order is to use the Personal Frame Shop, which allows you to preview your presentation as you create it, you may want to take advantage of one of our 12 specialty shapes, which are not available through Personal Frame Shop.

To be sure your sizing is accurate, simply measure the article to be framed and subtract ¼" from your mat window opening. So, if you're framing something that's 12"x15", you'll want to order a mat with a window opening of 11 ¾" x 14 ¾" (this will assure overlap, so that the item you're framing will not fall through the window). Choose your favorite color mat, decide on the width you find most visually pleasing and our system will calculate the rest.

We also offer pre-cut mats for the following image sizes:
5 x 7
8 x 10
11 x 14
16 x 20
Each pre-cut mat size corresponds to a standard image size and a standard frame size for maximum savings.

Will my mat be the exact same color as the one in the picture?

We have made every effort possible to present our Online Store products in the most accurate manner, with high quality photographs and color matching. The color of the product you receive should closely match what you see on your screen. Nevertheless, the Internet as a medium is challenged to convey a standardized color/hue due to the variance in manufacturer, settings and age of monitors; screen images even differ by computer platform (PC vs. Mac). If you are uncomfortable or unsure of a particular mat or frame color, please request a free sample.

Do you sell collage mats or mats with special window shapes?

We offer pre-cut collage mats available in a lovely linen and a crisp white.

We also sell five specialty collage mats for treasured family memories:
• School photos mat
• Baseball memories mat
• Football memories mat
• Basketball memories mat
• Soccer memories mat

You can also create your own custom-cut mat with any one of our 12 specialty window shapes.

If you're seeking a custom collage mat, contact customer care directly to design and order one. Make sure to include the following information:

• Desired frame size/overall mat size

• Color of the mat

• How many windows in your collage mat

• Sizes of your pictures for each window

• Window sizes (Make your window sizes 1/8 inch smaller on all sides than the pictures you listed above. This will assure overlap so that your pictures will not fall through the windows.)

What's the difference between a linen liner and a mat?

A mat is made of paper. Your artwork sits behind the mat.
A linen liner is made of linen stretched over a wooden frame. Your artwork will sit inside the linen liner. Linen liners are available in Ready-made and Custom-made sizes.

Other Questions

What do I need to hang my frame?

Custom-made frames come with retainer clips, screw eyes and hanging wire.

For everything you need to quickly and easily finish and hang your art, be sure to add a framing kit to your frame order, unless you are framing a canvas.

Framing Kits include:
• acrylic (clear or non-glare)
• backing board (foamcore or corrugated)

For canvas framing, be sure to order canvas clips. These will lock your artwork into the frame.

Due to the potential for breakage during shipping, we do not offer glass at this time. The advantages of our high-quality acrylic include:
• half the weight of glass
• same clarity as glass
• shatter resistance
• better UV protection

Will my frame arrive already assembled?

Ready-Made Frames
The beauty of our Ready-Made frames is that, yes! They come already assembled.

Custom-Made Frames
Custom-Made frames up to a total of 90" combined outside dimensions (width + height, taking into account moulding width) are assembled free of charge.

For frames over 55" combined outside inches, an Oversized Frame Shipping Charge is added. This reflects our shipping handlers' higher rates for larger packages, as well as additional packaging materials required to keep your frames safe in transit.

Frames over 90" combined outside dimensions normally ship unassembled (with everything you need for quick and easy assembly). To order frames over 90" shipped assembled, please call us at (800) 221-0262 for a special shipping quote.

Oversized Frame Shipping Charges
< 50"			no charge
50" to 55"			$5
55" to 70"			$10
70" to 90"			$20
> 90	OR shortest side is >= 43"	OR any side is >= 52"	no charge (ships unassembled)

Metal Frames
Except for our Metal BackLoader frame, Metal frames are shipped unassembled. This is due to the way your artwork will slide into the metal frame and the potential for breakage in shipping. Not to worry, though, they come with everything you need for fast and easy home assembly.

When do I need to order a Framing Kit?

A framing kit enables you quickly, easily and inexpensively finish your framing project in the same way a professional would. The kit includes:

• Clear or non-glare acrylic
• Foamcore or corrugated cardboard backing

Hardware (hanging wire, screw eyes and retainer clips) is included with every frame order. Order a Framing Kit only if you want or need backing and glazing.

What are the benefits of using acrylic instead of glass?

Acrylic has the same clarity and protects artwork from fading like glass, but is shatter resistant, lightweight and easier to handle than glass.

How do I clean my acrylic?

Our Acrylic Glazing Cleaner cleans, shines and protects the acrylic used in your framing presentations. This professional-grade cleanser is antifog, antistatic, dust repellent and is safe and effective on all types of plastic surfaces.

When do I need to order canvas clips?

If you are framing a canvas, you may need canvas clips. If your canvas is deeper than the rabbet of your wooden frame (if the canvas sticks out in the back), canvas clips will hold the canvas in the frame. If this is not an issue, you can simply use the clips that come with your frame or framing kit. Our canvas clips come in one standard canvas size and do not apply to metal frames.

Can I send a gift with pictureframes.com?

In the checkout process, you can choose to Send As a Gift. Your gift will include a card personalized with your message, and the recipient will receive no invoice or price information of any kind. The invoice/receipt will be mailed to your address. For the ultimate in personalized gifts, create a Print & Frame — where we create a fine art quality print from your uploaded image, which you get to enlarge and edit with all sorts of fun filters and edges, then complete in your choice of matting and framing. It's a one of a kind, ready-to-hang masterpiece that YOU create!

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