American Frame FAQ #1
With so many frame styles, how do I know which one to choose?

Well, today, anything goes. Knowing the environment in which the art will be displayed definitely makes a difference. For example, warm and textured woods like our Wild Oaks fit well with country decor. Want more of a contemporary style? Then you may want the bold, wide look of Techline. If you're not sure where your art will be displayed, keep it simple and let the art alone dictate the style and color.

American Frame FAQ #2
Are my materials too thick for the picture frame?

For each style of frame, we provide a profile illustration with important measurements. Before ordering a frame, it is important to know the total thickness of your artwork, acrylic sheet, mat boards and mounting boards you are framing. Once you have that measurement, compare it with the "rabbet depth" displayed in the illustration. If the total thickness of your materials is less than the rabbet depth, your artwork will fit inside the frame.

American Frame FAQ #3
How can I protect my frames in transit?

When transporting frames to and from art shows or possibly moving into a new house, it is important to protect them from scratches and nicks. Our Corrugated Corners are an easy, inexpensive way to soften the blows to vulnerable corners.

American Frame FAQ #4
Why should I use a mat?

Many people look at mats strictly for their aesthetic qualities, but mats do serve a purpose beyond just looking good. In fact, the primary purpose of a mat is to protect artwork by creating space between the art and the acrylic sheet for air to circulate, thus protecting the artwork from damage over time.

What else do they do? Mats add value to reproductions and connote importance, indicating the artwork is worth that "little extra touch." Matting helps draw the viewer's eye into the picture while at the same time providing a neutral setting in which the art can be appreciated.

Over the years, mats have become an extension of the artistic impression.

American Frame FAQ #5
Why do I need a point driver?

For the person who frequently uses wood frames, a point driver is a welcomed tool. Points are used in place of spring clips for securing the artwork, acrylic sheets and mounting boards in the frame. In seconds, your picture is ready for hanging. See our complete line of Point Drivers.

American Frame FAQ #6
How should I choose my mat and frame colors?

If you need help with your color schemes, the color wheel provides an easy way to see how colors relate to one another. Using one color, with a range of shades, tints and intensity (monochromatic color), is soothing to the eye. Colors next to each other on the wheel (related colors) have a calming effect when the colors are dull or muted. Colors directly across from each other on the wheel (complementary colors) create more visual impact because of their obvious differences in hue and intensity.

American Frame FAQ #7
Adhering your artwork to your mat.

For valuable artwork, you should use linen tape that is a lighter weight than your picture. If the artwork is pulled from the mat, it will tear at the weakest point, the linen tape. Hinge your artwork from the top, leaving the sides and bottom free of tape. See our complete line of Filmoplast® Tapes. Also see our Hinging Techniques tip.

American Frame FAQ #8
How do I determine my mat border size?

While there is no mathematical equation, a good rule of thumb is to provide enough border to create a smooth transition from the artwork to the frame so as not to lose the picture among the matting. Most mats range in width from 2 1/4" for smaller projects (such as an 11" x 14" image) to 5" on projects that measure about 22" x 30." Some people like to make the bottom border a bit larger, to optically-center the artwork. Like many aesthetic aspects of framing, this, too, is your preference.

American Frame FAQ #9
How should I clean arcylic (plexi-glass)?

When it comes to cleaning acrylic sheets, remember one key point: acrylic is plastic, not glass. Do not use glass cleaners and paper towels or the surface will become cloudy and scratched. We recommend using our Novus Acrylic/Plexi-glass cleaner or a soft, damp, cotton cloth.