Picture Frame Buying Guide – Types of Frames
Float Frames, Gallery Frames, Kit Frames and Shadowbox Frames
Sep 7, 2009
Some frame mouldings are more suitable for framing a particular piece of artwork than others. The size, type of art, and other characteristics will generally dictate which type of frame is best. The following common frame styles are recommended for different types of art.
Ready-Made Frames
Poster frames and document frames are usually made of metal or wood and can be found in many retail stores. These frames include glass or plexi-glass, a cheap backing board, and the hardware needed to hold everything in the frame. They sometimes also include a mat with an opening to fit a standard size photograph or document. Ready-made frames are commonly sold in standard frame sizes.
Ready-made wood frames are usually higher quality than poster frames and are available from frame suppliers and retail framing shops. These frames often have a deeper rabbet than poster and photo frames, and the glass, matting, foam core backing and hardware for these frames are sold separately. These frames are much more versatile than poster and document frames as they are available in a wider variety of styles, and can hold more framing materials, which makes them ideal for conservation framing.
Float Frames and Gallery Frames
Float Frames and gallery frames are specifically made for framing oil paintings and prints on canvas. Other types of picture frames have a "lip" on the front, which holds a piece of glass and covers about 1/4" of each edge of a picture. Gallery and float frames do not cover the front of the canvas, so the entire painting is visible. A float frame is meant to look as if the canvas is floating inside the frame. The stretcher bars are secured to the back of the frame with hardware. Most float frames are very simple; but for a more elaborate look, the float frame can be "capped" with another custom or standard frame.
Gallery frames are strips of painted or unpainted wood, which are attached, usually with glue or nails to the sides of the stretched canvas. This type of frame gives canvases a finished edge for display. Like float frames, the gallery look does not cover up any of the image. Another advantage to this type of "frame" is that, typically, it is less expensive than a traditional frame.
Kit Frames
Metal and wood frame kits are sold in lengths from 4" to 40" and can be used to create almost custom sizes. These frames are most commonly available in thin frame profiles (1" or less) in one of a few basic finishes: gold and silver tones, black and medium and dark wood finishes. These frames are not difficult to put together, and instructions are usually included.
Kit frames are good for framing needlework and cross-stitch, photographs, art on paper and small posters. They are best used on smaller artwork, or art that is long and narrow, since they may not support the weight of larger artwork and glass.
Shadowbox Frames
Shadowbox frames are used to display three-dimensional objects, and are available in a variety of sizes and depths. Ready-made shadowbox frames in small sizes can be purchased from some suppliers for do-it-yourself framers, but most shadowboxes are custom frames built to the correct size and depth for the artifact being framed.
Framing items in a shadowbox is usually best trusted to a professional framer, but these other types of frames are all suitable for do-it-yourself framing projects. Choosing the right type of frame will protect and enhance artwork and treasured mementos.
 |
