When it comes to purchasing products, there are certain items that require no prior knowledge to purchase. Picture Frames are not one of those items. When it comes to picture frames there are a lot of terms pertaining to the manufacturing, and assembly that could make it difficult to purchase without a degree from Picture Frame University. Since that is not a real university, and there is no such degree available, we’re here to provide you with a crash course in picture frame terminology so that you can purchase confidently.
Glossary List
For ease of use, we have included all terms covered in this document below. Feel free to click on each option to learn about the term that is most relevant to you and your project.
- Picture Frame Materials and Glass Options
- Wood Frames
- Metal Frames
- Plastic Frames
- Picture Frame Components
- Glazing
- Acrylic
- Plexi-Glass (Styrene)
- Backing
- Common Frame Styles and Their Uses
- Traditional Frames
- Picture Frame Shells
- Shadowbox Frames
- Floating Frames
- Essential Frame Construction Terms
- Picture Frame Terminology: Frame Moulding measurements
- Rabbet
- Depth
- Width
- Picture Frame Dimensions
- Interior or opening size
- Visible Size
- Exterior Size
- Why Understanding Picture Frame Terminology Matters
Picture Frame Materials and Glass Options
When it comes to picture frame terminology, the best place to start is the production of picture frames. These terms relate to the materials that are used to create the frames. Understanding these terms will allow you to narrow down what is best for your project.
Wood Frames
Wood frames are the most popular and most available type of picture frame. These frames typically are comprised of an eco-friendly pressed wood composite that is wrapped or from real wood. The real wood frames will be manufactured from a solid cut of wood. Occasionally the real wood options are also available with wraps. For eco-friendly frames, the wrap will either be solid color, or mimic stained or painted wood grain. For real wood options that feature a wrap, like our True Depth series, the wrap will be solid and serve as a way for a consistent product. Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of the difference between Eco-Friendly wood frames and Real wood frames.
Metal Frames
Metal frames have been on the rise in popularity for a while now. These frames typically are comprised of aluminum, but other metal types may also be available. The benefit of these frames, especially for DIY enthusiasts, is you are more likely to find a build it yourself option such as our U-Frame Kits.
Plastic Frames
Plastic frames are frames that are frames that are produced from plastic. You might also see names such as Poly Frames or Poster Frames or even Acrylic. These frames are inexpensive and light weight that makes them a worthwhile option for those on a budget. Typically, the main differences between each name are just the type of plastic that is used to manufacture the frame. All our poster frames are manufactured using polystyrene plastic.
Picture Frame Components
This area of picture frame terminology is where we see the most confusion arise. These terms relate to the components that go into your frame, including additions that enhance your finished piece.
Glazing
When it comes to picture frames, there are a few options when it comes to what is used in the front of your frame to protect your pieces from external elements. For that reason, you will often see the term “Glazing” used. There are three types of glazing: Acrylic, Plexi-Glass and Glass. Glass is the most universally recognized picture frame component, but it has its downside when it comes to the size and the safety of the product. Acrylic and Plexi-glass are both comprised of the same type of material. The main difference between the two is the thickness.
Acrylic
Material used to protect contents comprised of thicker plastic and may be available with special coatings.
Plexi-Glass (Styrene)
This material is going to be your most economical option. Styrene is incredibly thin and lightweight making it perfect for large frames as it is less likely to break and damage your piece. Unsure which glazing to go with? We have a blog for you!
Backing
Just like glazing, there are many options when it comes to what is used in the back of your frame to make sure it stays secure inside of the frame. The most common options for picture frame backing are cardboard, foam core or chipboard backing. Cardboard and Chipboard are going to be your most common standard backing with Foam core being a popular upgrade. Chipboard backings will be for your smaller sizes and can occasionally feature easels for displaying your frame on a desk or shelf. Foam core backing is going to be your upgraded backing option due to the thickness and how sturdy the material is.
Common Frame Styles and Their Uses
Now that you understand the picture frame terminology for the materials that go into manufacturing the frame, it is important to understand the types of frame styles available. The following terms describe the different types of frames available. Choosing the correct frame is more than just choosing the right materials, it is also important to know the styles of frames so that you find the best fit for your project.
Traditional Frames
This term is a broad classification of picture frames that can be used for flat 2-D pieces. Traditional frames are available in wood, metal or a poly/plastic material. They can feature a type of backing to hold everything inside of the frame, and a type of glazing to protect your piece and the frame itself.
Picture Frame Shells
If you prefer to purchase your glazing and backing locally or don’t have a need for them at all, you would be looking for a picture frame shell. Shells ship with just the frame, no tabs for securing your artwork, no glazing and no backing. They are the perfect choice for someone who would like to have control over how the finished piece is assembled.
Shadowbox Frames
This term is for a specific style of picture frame. These are often deeper frames which make them perfect for 3-D pieces. Shadowboxes generally will be available in Wood Frames. Shadowboxes typically feature acrylic glazing that is secured inside of the frame and foam core backing to keep everything housed inside. Often, they will feature foam core on the side as well so that the contents appear to be floating within the frame itself.
Floating Frames
This is one frame style that requires knowing what you are framing. For floating frames, the two most common types are for canvas and then glass floating
Canvas floater frames are specifically designed to frame paintings created on canvas material. Typically, canvas is stretched and stapled to wooden bars to create that 3-D look. Generally, you do not want to cover up canvases when they have been painted. For this reason, canvas floater frames were designed specifically for stretched canvases. When framing with traditional frames, the piece of art gets inserted from the back and is completely enclosed within the frame. With canvas floater frames, the canvas sits inside of the frame and is adhered from the back. The result is a completely open piece, that gives the illusion that the canvas is “floating” inside of the frame.
Glass Floating Frames are more aligned to traditional frames than canvas floater frames. The main difference is that instead of something in the back to keep everything inside of the frame, a 2nd piece of glass is used. The piece of art is then sandwiched between two pieces of glass that creates the floating look. The most popular use of these is for framing pressed flower bouquets or 2-D pieces that you want to be able to see both sides of the piece.
Essential Frame Construction Terms
Now that you know the perfect materials and type of picture frame to look for, it is important for you to understand the terminology pertaining to the construction or sizing of your picture frame. These terms all pertain to the measurements of picture frames, from choosing the correct size, to understanding the dimensions of the picture frames.
Picture Frame Terminology: Frame Moulding measurements
There are four measurements when it comes to the size of the picture frame moulding. The most important ones are the width of the frame and the depth of the frame.
Rabbet
A rabbet is a step-shaped recess cut along the edge of a solid material. This cut is crucial when it comes to picture framing because without it, you would not have a channel for your art piece to sit inside of. The step shape creates the overhang or “lip” of the frame and will determine the depth of the frame.
Depth
Depth pertains to the amount of space available for your piece. The larger the amount of depth, the thicker the material that is being framed can be. When it comes to choosing the depth, you also must keep in mind the thickness of the other components inside of the frame and select the option that has enough room for everything that is being framed.
Width
The width of the frame is probably a term that doesn’t need to be defined but it is important when it comes to determining where the frame can be located. The width of the frame is calculated across each moulding from the side of the moulding to the overhang/lip edge
Picture Frame Dimensions
Now that there is an understanding when it comes to the moulding dimensions itself it is important to understand the various terminology that is used pertaining to the completed frame.
Interior or opening size
Frame USA frames are all sized based on the interior or opening size. These are just fancy ways of saying that you should buy the picture frame size to match your image size.
Visible Size
Due to the rabbet cut on picture frames, the visible size of your image will always be smaller than the image size. This is because the overhang of the frame covers a portion of your picture.
Exterior Size
This will be important to keep in mind when calculating the exterior size of your frame. The exterior size is how much space your picture frame will take up when hanging on your wall. It encompasses the total width of the frame plus the visible size of your image. Majority of Frame USA frames will have a ¼ inch overhang so to calculate your exterior size you have to make sure to subtract ½ inch from each measurement (1/4 inch from both sides of the frame) before adding it to the width of the frame. For example, if you are framing a 4×6 image with a frame that is 2 inches wide, your exterior size will be 7.5×9.5 inches.
Why Understanding Picture Frame Terminology Matters
Understanding picture frame terminology is crucial in your buying journey. It means that you know exactly what you are purchasing and that it meets the demand of your project. If there are still terms used throughout our website or the rest of the industry that you are unclear about, comment below and we’ll add on to this guide.
If you are wanting some help navigating or finding the best option for your needs, send us an email to [email protected] and one of our customer support agents will be happy to answer your questions!
