Something for every do-it-yourself framing project
We carry everything you need at wholesale prices. You can choose from hundreds of ready-made wood and metal picture frames along with pre-cut and custom mats. If you have something a little out of the ordinary, we cut irregular sized frames and mats while you wait.
- 1000’s to choose from
- pre-cut mats with a range of standard openings available
- mats custom cut while you wait
- metal and wood picture frames
- liner frames for oil paintings
Below are some tips to keep in mind when you are doing your framing project
General Info
- An image on photo paper or similar thin material should be mounted onto heavier board, such as foam core, to avoid puckering of the image.
- Images should not touch the glass. Not only does the mat board serve as a visual enhancement but also provides a practical means to allow appropriate spacing away from the glass.
- If an image will be exposed to frequent sunlight, it is best to use ultra-violet protective glass. Likewise, if your image is subject to be vulnerable to glare from a light source, it’s best to use non-glare glass.
- The backing should be acid free, sealed with a dust cover and enclosed inside the frame.
- Your picture should be hung with a decent weight wire of 3 to 6 gauge and hangers that are properly secured to the frame.
Matting
- Some images may look great with a single mat whereas others may look better with a double or triple mat combination.
- A mat with a v-grove, which looks like a bevelled key line, can give your image a classy addition.
- A velvet or suede textured mat enhances needlework.
- A textured mat looks extraordinary with multi-medium art.
- Three inches wide is the standard rule of thumb for matting.
- For a special occasion, a very wide mat around a picture that guests can sign makes a terrific keepsake.
- The formality of a certificate tends to lend itself better to a narrower mat and a straightforward style frame such as metal or classic wood.
Frames
- Metal frames tend to give a sleek, contemporary look and can be slightly less expensive.
- Some frames are made of a poly-urethane material which lends itself well to ornate design patterns yet can maintain reasonable expense.
- Wood frames can be found to meet every style, size, colour, pattern and texture preference.
- The size of the frame should be proportional to the image size. A large image will require a wide solid frame.
- Images with a thickness such as paper-tole will be best suited to be set in a deep frame or shadow box.
- Your frame choice should not only suit your image but also blend with your style: traditional, contemporary or casual. Style, size, colour, pattern and texture should all work well together.