Plate Frame

Plate Frame

Seven Questions To Help You Find The Perfect Metal Photo 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 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: How much do I want to spend?
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're 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 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 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 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 frames commonly come in various gold or silver tones depending upon the metal material. One thing to be aware of is that a "silver" frame could be made of pewter or aluminum and not necessarily made of sterling silver or silver plate. So, the wording "silver frame" is describing the color, not the material it is made from. 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 matte, shiny, 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, 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 means there is 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're framing a standard sized picture, then a ready made frame is your best solution. Readymade frames are the easiest and most economical way to frame because there are so many standard sizes to choose from.

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've answered these seven questions, you should be able to quickly and easily choose the frame that is best for you.

About the Author

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com and loves shopping for picture frames. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of picture frames in a wide variety of types and styles like our beautiful metal picture frames or solid wood picture frames. Shop online or call us at 1-800-780-0699.

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