Picture Frame Kits--The Components

Metal, wood, glass, acrylic--these are just a few of the choices you will have to make when it comes time to frame your fine art photographs.  Many gallery owners, retail store owners, as well as art show organizers rely on top quality picture framing kits to set off their fine artwork.  Picture frame kits can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes, and because everything you will need is included in the kit, you know that all of the components will be sized to fit together properly.  There are four main parts that you can expect to see in picture framing kits, which include mount board, mat board, the frame and glazing.

Mount Board

You can find quality mount board in picture framing kits in foamcore or papermat styles.  Papermat styles are less expensive, but offer a mount that is temporary and non-archival quality.  Foamcore or foam board used in picture frame kits is available in acid-free varieties that are suitable for conservation framing projects.  You can select from thinner or thicker mount board depending on your purposes.  

Mat Board

Kits containing picture frames with mats are also available.  Mats come in paper as well as conservation quality Alpha cellulose and Cotton rag.  Paper mats are inexpensive and come in a host of vibrant colors.  These are best suited to temporary or short-term use.  Certain picture frames with mats may contain more expensive but higher quality mats.  Alpha cellulose and Cotton rag mats offer conservation quality, in that they are acid-free and thus help to prevent yellowing and deterioration of the surface of the artwork.  Picture frames with mats may include buffered mats, which help to reduce the damage caused by acids found in wooden frames.  

Picture Frame

There are two types of frame kits, namely wood and metal picture frame kits.  Metal picture frame kits are typically used in a photo gallery setting where consistency of look is important.  Metal frames are often made of thin but strong black metal, and that, along with a wide white mat, helps to draw the viewer's eye into the center of the frame, with no distractions to the artwork.  Metal picture framing kits can also be reused, an important consideration in a gallery setting that has high turnaround of artwork.

Wood picture frame kits are also available, and can be tinted to suit the artwork, most usually paintings.  Wood frames are suitable for casual home decor styles, such as rustic or country.  

Glazing

The final part of your picture framing kits will consist of the glazing.  Glazing can be glass or acrylic.  While glass offers excellent scratch resistance, it can be quite heavy, and may not be the best choice with metal picture frame kits that are large.  Acrylic is lightweight and may be offered in archival quality.

You can find all types of framing kits from better online framing supplies merchants.