How to Find the Perfect Metal Photo Frame
With the huge selection and popularity of metal picture frames sometimes it can be difficult picking the one that is right for you. To help you narrow down your choices here are seven questions you should ask before you start searching for your frame and some tips to help make it easier.
#1- Frame Budget: What is my budget? If you're not sure how much you have to spend to get the type of metal frame you want here are some rough guidelines for different types of metal frames, based on a 4x6 size, that can help:
* Under $10 - basic aluminum frames, simple solid brass frames * $10 and up - basic silver plated frames, decorative metal frames, steel frames. * $30 and up - decorative silver plated frames * $50 and up - decorative hand made solid pewter frames * $100 and up - decorative solid sterling silver frames
#2- Keepsake frames: Do I want it to be a treasured keepsake? If you are looking for a high quality metal frame that will become a treasured keepsake, then there are basically three types of frames to consider: solid pewter frames, silver plated frames and sterling silver frames. These three types of frames are made to last plus they have a look of quality that sets them apart from other metal picture frames.
#3- Frame style: What style of frame do I want? No matter what your style preference, there is a metal frame style to match. Here are a few examples of types of metal frames that have a distinct style. Just keep in mind that there is a huge variety of frame styles within each grouping of metal frames.
* Elegant: Silver plated frames, sterling silver frames, metal decorative frames, and metal jeweled frames * Casual: Decorative metal frames or solid pewter frames. * Professional: Aluminum frames, silver plated frames or sterling silver frames * Modern or Traditional style: Almost any type of metal frame, including aluminum frames, steel frames, pewter frames, silver plate frames, sterling silver frames, fit into this style category.
#4- Color: What color of frame do I need? Metal frames commonly come in various gold or silver tones depending upon the metal material. One thing to know about any "silver" frame is what it's made out of because it could be made out of an aluminum or metal alloy instead of being made out of a silver plate or sterling. So the wording "silver frame" doesn't mean the material it's made from but instead describes the color. This is the case for pewter picture frames as well. Unless it states "solid pewter" it is describing the color of the frame and not the material from which the frame is made.
Metal picture frames also come in a wide variety of colors. You can find aluminum frames in colors like gold, silver, copper, blue and black or you can find metal frames with brightly colored enamel finishes or decorated with items like crystals or beads.
#5- Finish: What type of metal finish do I like? The most common metal finishes are shiny, matte/brushed and antiqued. Unless the finish is specifically called matte, brushed or antiqued, it will be a shiny finish.
#6- Engraved Frame: Do I want to engrave my frame? If you want to engrave a frame, always check to see if the frame is identified as an engraved (or an engravable) picture frame. This means that the frame is a solid material with the same color metal throughout the depth of the frame. It also has to have a smooth, flat surface for the engraving. Engraved frames are available as solid pewter frames, silver plated frames and sterling silver frames.
#7- Size: Is there a specific size of frame needed? If you are framing a standard sized photo, you should be able to use a ready made frame. Ready made frames are the most convenient way to frame because there are many standard sizes from which to choose.
For a piece of artwork or non-standard picture size, you will probably need a custom metal frame. Your budget comes into play in this area also. You can either buy a custom frame and have it put together for you, or you can buy the size you need and assemble it yourself. Many metal frames are simple to put together by yourself, so this is a good option if you are handy at putting things together and you want to save some money.
Now that you have answered these 7 simple questions you should be able to easily and quickly choose the frame that fits your needs.
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames and loves shopping for picture frames. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of quality metal picture frames in a wide variety of types, styles, sizes and colors. Visit our online picture frame store or call us at 1-800-780-0699.
