All of my framed prints come in metal frames that have a 3/8" wide profile and 1" depth, with 4 colors to choose from. There are so many options when it comes to frames so why did I choose these slim metal frames as the only option? Here's why: 

Quality frames

I researched and tested out many frame partners before I made my decision. Delivering a quality product is and always has been so important to me. It comes first, before price. The quality of these frames are some of the best I have seen and they are beautifully constructed. Sometimes frame manufacturers will solder the corners of metal frames together, creating ugly bumps on the corners that you can see. The framer I'm partnering with does not solder the corners. They make their rails so the corners align perfectly with no gaps, and are strongly held together by L brackets with screws on the back. I wanted a frame I can vouch for and this is definitely it.

Metal frames are more affordable than wood frames

Since aluminum is the most abundant material in the Earth’s crust, it’s more affordable. Solid, natural wood frames are the most expensive option. They have a natural-looking grain that will vary from frame to frame and are beautifully unique. While natural wood frames are gorgeous, they can be very expensive. Another type of wood frame is a Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) frame, which is made of essentially compressed sawdust with some type of binding agent and wrapped with a faux looking wood grain. MDF frames are affordable, but I personally think they can look cheap so I didn't want to offer them for my prints. Metal frames look expensive and they're affordable, plus it's my personal preference for framed artwork.

Metal frames are far less likely to get damaged in shipping

The problem that wood frames consistently encounter is breakage during shipping. Their most fragile point is at the corners which makes it very easy for them to crack or get damaged if they are handled wrong or if heavy things are stacked on them. There was one framer I was interested in who made solid natural wood frames and it took 3 attempts over 3 months to get a 24" x 32" wood frame shipped to me in one piece. I couldn't imagine making you go through that same frustration, not to mention how wasteful that is. Because all of my framed prints are shipped, I went with aluminum frames since they are sturdy and almost guaranteed to get to you safely.

Aluminum is lighter than wood

Aluminum is lightweight, which means that even a large picture frame measuring 40” x 60” would likely only weigh two or three pounds when made from aluminum. Shipping prices are based on size and weight, and the weight makes up a significant amount of the price. Since aluminum is lightweight, it's less expensive to ship than wood frames. It also means there is less weight hanging on your wall so you most likely won't need to use anchors.

Metal frames have a modern look

Both metal and wood frames go well with a modern aesthetic, but metal frames have a more modern look while wood frames tend to take on more of a traditional look because they have wider profiles and have been used for centuries. The metal frame was invented in the late 1960s and has a thinner profile, acting as a rail around the artwork to make a simple statement. I prefer a slim profile because it frames the art without distracting from it. Aluminum frames can be made as thin as 3/8" wide because the process of anodizing or powder coating makes them extremely strong. 

Did you know?

Each frame is custom made to order just for you based on the size and color you select. All frames are made out of aluminum through a process called “extrusion.” First, an aluminum billet (basically an aluminum log) is heated to almost a thousand degrees and forced (using 750 tons of pressure!) through a die. The newly extruded aluminum is then placed on a “stretcher” where all imperfections are removed. Finally, the aluminum is either anodized or powder coated, converting the surface of the material into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant finish, meaning these frame rails are extremely rigid and high-quality and the aluminum will never rust or change in color.

Check out my post about how my framed prints are packed for shipping.