How to Select a Metal Picture Frame

With the huge selection of metal picture frames available, sometimes it can be difficult picking the one that’s right for you. To help you narrow down your search, use these helpful tips and questions to help you find the right frame quickly and easily.

#1- Frame Budget: How much do I want to spend?

If you’re not sure how much you’ll have to spend to get the metal frame that you want then here are some different types (based on a 4×6 size) of metal pictures frames:

* 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 or enamel silver plated picture frames

* $50 and up – decorative hand made solid pewter picture frames

* $100 and up – decorative solid sterling silver frames

#2- Keepsake frames: Do I want it to be a treasured keepsake?If you’re looking for a quality metal frame that you want as a keepsake, then there are three types of frames to consider: silver plated frames, solid pewter frames and sterling silver frames. These three types of frames are durable and made to last plus they have a distinct look of quality that sets them apart from other types of metal frames.

#3- Frame style: What style of frame do I want?No matter what your preferred style, you’ll always find 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 variation in frame styles with different types 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 picture frames usually come in a variety of gold or silver colors depending upon the type of material it’s made from. 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 true for pewter 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 prefer?The most common metal finishes are shiny, matte/brushed and antiqued. Unless the finish is specifically called brushed, antique or matte, it will normally be a shiny metal finish.

#6- Engraved Frame: Do I want a frame that can be engraved?If you want to engrave a frame, be sure to choose a frame that is identified as an engraved frame, or an engravable 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: Do you need a specific frame size?If you’re framing a standard sized picture, then a ready made frame is your best solution. Readymade frames are the most convenient way to frame because there are many standard sizes from which to choose.

For a non-standard print or a piece of artwork, you’ll probably need to frame it in a custom metal frame. Your budget comes into play in this area also. You can either buy a custom frame and have it assembled for you or, to save money, 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.