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Metal Picture Frames - How to Choose the Right Metal Frame

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 02Jan2010 Word count: 762 Viewed: 364 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Metal frames are popular, and that popularity means there are many types of metal frames to choose from. How do you decide which one is right for you? First of all, you need to ask yourself some questions before you start to shop for a metal frame.

Answering these questions before you begin your search will save you time and effort by narrowing down your search options. Once you have the answer to these questions you will feel confident in searching and selecting the perfect frame for your needs.

# 1- What is my budget?

Prices vary depending up many factors, but to give you an idea of pricing, these are rough price ranges for different types of metal frames using a standard 4x6 size.

-Under $10: Basic aluminum frames or simple solid brass frames

-Around $10: Basic silver plate frames, decorative aluminum frames or steel frames.

-Around $30: Decorative silver plated frames

-Around $50:Decorative hand-made solid pewter frames

-Above $50: Decorative solid sterling silver frames

# 2- How long do I want my frame to last and do I want it to become a treasured keepsake?

Metal frames are durable so they will generally all last a long time. Be aware, though, that some inexpensive aluminum frames may not hold up to heavy use. If you want a frame that will become a family keepsake then you want to consider a higher quality type of silver frame. Examples of keepsakes frames are solid pewter frames, silver plated frames and sterling silver frames. These three types of silver frames are those that will last and be beautiful from generation to generation.

#3- What style frame do I want?

That depends on the look you want. For an elegant look, you can't beat silver plated frames or sterling silver frames. If you want a more casual look, go with a decorative aluminum frame or solid pewter frame. If you need a professional or formal look, use aluminum frames, steel frames, silver plated frames or sterling silver frames. You can use almost any type of metal frame for a modern or traditional style. Try aluminum frames, steel frames, pewter frames, silver plate frames or sterling silver frames for that modern or traditional look.

#4- What color of frame do I want?

Metal frames come in various colors of gold and silver and are available in multiple types of metal material. If you want a silver frame, you could choose pewter, aluminum, sterling silver or silver plate. If the description says "silver frame" don't assume it is made of sterling silver or silver plate. It just means the frame is the color silver. Same holds true for pewter frames. Unless it specifically says it is made of solid pewter, it is most likely describing that the frame is a pewter color.

#5- What type of finish should it be?

The most common metal finishes are shiny, matte/brushed or antiqued. Unless a frame description states specifically matte, brushed or antiqued finish, it is most likely a shiny finish.

#6- Will I want the frame engraved?

Engraving can add a personal touch to a frame, especially if it is a gift. To get the most beauty from your engraving, be sure to select a frame that is identified as a frame that can be engraved. Frames meant for engraving are solid metal with the same color metal throughout the depth of the frame. It must also have a flat surface for the engraving. Your best choices are solid pewter frames, silver plated frames or sterling silver frames.

#7- What size of frame am I looking for?

This will be an easy question to answer if you have a photo in mind for framing. Standard size photos fit nicely into ready-made standard size frames. Unless you have cut the photo into a unique shape or size, you should be able to buy a standard size ready-made frame and slip your picture into it.

A unique piece of artwork will probably require a custom metal frame. You have a couple of options. You can buy a custom frame and have it assembled for you, which will add to the cost of your framing, or you can save money by buying the size you need and assembling it yourself. Most metal frames can be tricky to put together, so if you want to save money and are relatively handy with a screwdriver, that may be a good option.

Now that you have considered the eight questions, you should be able to answer each one and find the metal frame that is exactly what you want.

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