Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I enter the actual size of my artwork? 

Yes, you should enter the exact measurements of your artwork when ordering a frame. Please note: the frame moulding typically covers a slight edge of the artwork on all four sides.

If you choose to add a mat, the mat opening will typically be ¼" smaller than the artwork on all sides to ensure the artwork does not fall through the mat opening. For example, if your artwork is 5x7", the mat opening will be 4.5x6.5". Make sure no critical features of your artwork is along the ¼" edge of all sides when choosing a mat to ensure framing success.  

  • Do I need to adjust the frame size if I add a mat? 

Yes, you need to account for a larger frame opening when adding a mat to your print, poster or picture. Mats are sold using the artwork opening size and the frame size. For example, if your image is 5x7" and you want to add a 2" mat, you'll need an 8x10" frame. When selecting a mat from our store, you'll see the option "5x7 Mat for 8x10 Frame". Remember, from our point above, this mat opening will actually be 4.5x6.5" to hold in the artwork. 

  • Do you offer glass in your picture frames and shadow boxes?

No, our picture frames and shadow boxes feature framer's grade acrylic instead of glass. While glass is a common material used in these items, it is heavy and prone to breaking during shipment. Acrylic is more lightweight, shatter-resistant, and has UV protection properties, making it a great material to hang in your home. 

Our standard framer's grade acrylic includes UV protection properties to help preserve and protect your photographs and artwork from light damage. This type of acrylic is 94% UV resistant and is used as the protective front for our picture frames and shadow boxes. 

Note: Our acrylic is shipped with a blue protective film on both sides, which needs to be peeled to reveal the acrylic before framing your artwork or photograph. 

  • What is framer's grade acrylic? 

Framer's grade acrylic is crystal clear, much like glass, but is lighter and is designed specifically for framing. This acrylic is also more shatter-resistant than glass and has UV protection properties to help preserve and protect your photographs and artwork from light damage.

  • What is this blue sheet inside my frame? 

Our acrylic is shipped with a blue protective film on both sides. Before framing your artwork, remove the backing by lifting the push tabs with a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife. Lift the acrylic out of the frame and peel both sides of the blue protective film to reveal a clear acrylic. Replace the acrylic, artwork and backing in the frame, and you're ready to display your art! 

  • What does rabbet depth mean?

The rabbet depth is an important measurement that equates to a usable depth to hold your artwork or keepsake. It is essential when creating a shadowbox frame for 3-dimensional objects or a canvas frame for a stretched canvas. The rabbet depth is the space at the back of the frame that holds your artwork (or keepsake), backing and acrylic in place. Typically, the acrylic and backing take up ¼" of the listed rabbet depth for a frame, so you should subtract ¼" off the rabbet to get the usable depth. Learn more about framing terms here. 

  • Is the acrylic UV protected?

Yes, our framer's grade acrylic is 94% UV resistant, helping preserve and protect your photographs and artwork from light damage.

  • Will the mat opening be cut smaller than my artwork?

Yes, the mat opening will be cut ½" smaller in height and width to cover the artwork's edges to ensure the artwork does not fall through. Make sure no critical feature of your artwork is along the ¼" edge of all sides to ensure framing success. For example: if your artwork is 5x7", the mat opening will be 4.5x6.5".

  • How is the backing held in place?

The backings of our frames are held in place with push tabs. Use a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife to lift the tabs. Once everything is in place, push the tabs back down to secure.

  • Will the frame cover any of my artwork?

Yes, the frame moulding will cover a small amount on all four sides of your artwork.

  • How do I put my artwork in my frame?

The backings of our frames are held in place with push tabs. Use a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife to lift the tabs. 

Remove the backing and acrylic, peel the blue protective film from both sides of the acrylic and put it back in the frame. 

If you have a mat, lay this piece down next.

Place your artwork as the next layer. 

Replace the backing and push the tabs back down to secure.