Finishing your print with a frame can add an elegance to your final presentation. But how do you choose which Framing style to go with? Traditional Frames are a classic choice, allowing you to customize every layer, down to the number of images shown, single or double mat overlay, and seemingly infinite mat color and frame moulding combinations. Float Frames offer a simpler selection, but a completely different, contemporary way of displaying your print. Let's break down the differences between our Traditional and Float Frame offerings.
Traditionally Framed and Matted Prints
When we say "Traditionally Framed", we're referring to the age old method of an inserted print into a constructed frame which holds the print in place with a lip in the moulding. From front to back, the layers include:
Frame
Optional Acrylic
Optional Single or Double Mat
Photo, Fine Art, or Canvas Print
Mounting
Finished Backing
Sawtooth or Wire Hanger
The Benefits of Traditionally Framed and Matted Prints
✓ Custom Sizes
Our Framed and Matted Prints catalog includes custom sizes from 5x5" to 40x60"! Available in Bay ROES and coming soon to Online Ordering. | ✓ Multiple Images Choosing a Mat allows for multiple windows to show 1, 2, 3, or 4 images within a Framed Print display. Easily browse the configurations on our website. |
✓ Cleanability Adding our framing-grade Acrylic lends cleanability to your display, with a dry microfiber cloth or small amount of non-ammonia glass cleaner. | ✓ Option Variety With 80+ mouldings, 13 mix-and-match Mat colors, and various mat window sizes, Framed and Matted Prints offer the highest level of customization. |
Traditionally Framed MetalPrints and Epic Prints
Framed MetalPrints and Epic Prints offer the same moulding choices as Framed and Matted Prints, but the only difference is there are no Mat or Acrylic options. These two Wall Displays are meant to stand out on their own, so the surface finishes will display through the Frame window. Broken down, it looks like:
Frame
MetalPrint or Epic Print
Finished Backing
Sawtooth or Wire Hanger
The Benefits of Traditionally Framed MetalPrints and Epic Prints
✓ Longevity of MetalPrints MetalPrints are our most archival print medium, lasting 4x the lifespan of silver halide Photographic Prints. Their durability adds a scratch resistance to your display. | ✓ High Precision Clarity of Epic Prints The level of detail achievable with Fujiflex (especially combined with Max HD 610dpi resolution) lends impactful draw to Epic Prints, close-up or viewing from afar. |
✓ Softer Surface Options For those who may not prefer the glare of Acrylic, MetalPrints offer Satin, Mid-Gloss and Textured surfaces, while Epic Prints are available in Satin, for little to no reflection. | ✓ Cleanability While Epic Prints can be lightly cleaned of dust with a dry microfiber cloth, MetalPrints can handle any non-ammonia glass cleaner thanks to the sublimated coating. |
Traditionally Framed Deckled Prints with Reveal Mats
Deckled Edge Fine Art Prints feature a hand-torn edge, unlike any other print type we offer. They are the centerpieces of our Reveal Frame and Mat category, floating within each display in a shadowbox-like style. In order, these Framed Prints include:
Frame
Acrylic
Deckled Edge Fine Art Print
Inset Foamboard Mount
Reveal Mat
Finished Backing
Sawtooth or Wire Hanger
The Benefits of Framed Deckled Edge Fine Art Prints
✓ Added Dimension From the depth of the frame moulding to the floating effect of the Fine Art Print, the layers are apparent by the drop shadows (hence, the gorgeous shadowbox feel!). | ✓ Ultra Handcrafted Appearance Our construction of a Frame display is already one of our best examples of handcrafted care. Add hand-torn print edges, and you can't miss the top quality. |
✓ Unique Fine Art Appeal Featuring 3 Fine Art Paper options, your Deckled Edges will depend on the varying degrees of texture. In any case, the rich color and depth of Fine Art comes through. | ✓ Cleanability Since your Deckled Fine Art Print with Reveal Mat are enclosed with Acrylic, you can use a dry microfiber cloth or small amount of non-ammonia glass cleaner. |
Float Framed Prints
Float Frames break away from traditional Framed Prints into their own category, floating each Wall Display Print with a 1/4" gap between the print's edge and the frame. Float Frame displays broken down will include:
Frame
Metal, Canvas, Epic or Fine Art Print
Finished Backing
Sawtooth or Wire Hanger
The Benefits of Float Framed Prints
✓ Contemporary Style Whether you choose a wide or slim moulding, Float Frames offer a unique and modern style that's newer to the market, when compared with the Traditional Frame. | ✓ Deeper Profile for Substantial Feel Our Traditional Frame mouldings range from .5" to 1.5" in depth, but Float Frames are 1.75" to 2" deep. The floated print adds even more depth. |
✓ Gallery Appeal Float Frames present museum quality that resonates with gallery-goers and art collectors. Each print reflects the substantial feel of the frame, standing on its own. | ✓ Print Option Variety Each offering surface options of their own, Float Frames are available for: Single or Double MetalPrints, Canvas Wraps, Epic Prints, and Deckled Edge Fine Art Prints. |
The Breakdown
A Quick Comparison Chart for Traditionally Framed vs. Float Framed Prints
Highlights | Traditionally Framed and Matted Prints | Traditionally Framed MetalPrints and Epic Prints | Traditionally Framed Deckeled Edge Fine Art Prints | Float Framed Prints |
Sizes | Custom Sizes from 5x5" to 40x60" | 5x5" to 24x36" | 8x8" to 30x40" | 8x8" to 24x36" |
Custom Sizes | ✓ | - | - | - |
Mouldings | 80+ Mouldings | 80+ Mouldings | 27 Mouldings | 14 Mouldings |
Print Types | 4 Photographic Papers, 18 Fine Art Papers, or Canvas Board with 3 finishes | 8 MetalPrint surfaces or Epic Prints in 2 finishes | 3 Fine Art Papers with varying textures | MetalPrints, Epic Prints, Canvas Wraps, Deckled Fine Art Prints |
Mat Options | Mats and Double Mats available in 13 colors with up to 4 windows | - | 1/2", 1", 2", 2.5" or 3" Reveal Mats available in 13 colors | - |
Acrylic | ✓ | - | ✓ | - |
Mounting | Prints are mounted to foamboard before framed | - | Print is floated by foamboard, which is backed by Reveal Mat before framed | - |
Clusters & Splits | - | - | - | - |
Gift Notes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Starting Price for 16x20" | $120.69 | $159.65 | $158.70 | $193.61 |
Backing/Hanging: All Wood Frames have a finished paper backing while Metal Frames show an open back. All Framed Prints are hung with a Sawtooth (up to 12x12") or Wire Hanger.
Visit our website to learn more.
Images By:
Lexie Clayburn, Nicole Sepulveda, Leon Johnson, Kamia McWilliams, Neil Simmons, Joe and Mirta Barnet