What's In Every Frame
Picture Framing Materials Guide
Solid wood moulding, framer's grade acrylic, custom frame shop quality mat board, foam core backing, and hanging hardware. Included in every frame we build.
Every custom frame we build includes five components: solid wood moulding, framer's grade acrylic, custom frame shop quality mat board, foam core backing, and hanging hardware. No extra purchases needed. The hanging hardware ships in the box so you can attach it for vertical or horizontal display, then load your artwork and hang it.
Solid Wood Moulding
Every frame starts with real wood - basswood, poplar, or select hardwoods. Each piece is kiln-dried, precision-cut on a double-miter saw, and finished with stains, paints, or natural clear coats.
- •82 moulding profiles to choose from
- •Widths from 3/4 inch to 3+ inches
- •Flat, scoop, and deep-profile shapes
- •Glued, pinned, and reinforced corner joints
Framer's Grade Acrylic
Shatterproof, crystal-clear glazing that is lighter and safer than glass, and easy to clean. Choose standard clarity or non-glare to reduce reflection.
- •Shatterproof - safe for shipping and hanging
- •Crystal-clear optical clarity
- •70% lighter than glass
- •Standard or non-glare finish
Precision-Cut Mat Board
Archival mat board with a machine-cut 45-degree bevel. Clean corners, smooth surface, and even borders on all sides. Available in 45 colors.
- •Archival - will not yellow or stain artwork
- •Machine-cut 45-degree bevel reveals white core
- •45 colors including whites, creams, and darks
- •Single or double mat configurations
Archival Foam Core Backing
Rigid archival foam board seals the back of the frame. Provides flat, even support and protects against dust and moisture. Will not yellow or break down.
- •Rigid support holds artwork flat
- •Neutral pH - will not off-gas or yellow
- •Seals frame against dust and insects
- •Archival quality for long-term display
Hanging Hardware
Every frame ships with hanging hardware. Small frames include both wall hangers and a tabletop easel. Larger frames include D-ring hangers with wire.
- •Smaller frames: sawtooth hangers + easel back
- •Larger frames: D-ring hangers + wire
- •Ships unattached - hang vertical or horizontal
- •No extra purchases needed
Picture Framing Materials: Mouldings, Mats, Glazing, Backing
Some frame types ship with additional materials built for the job:
- •Jersey frames - includes mat board stiffener sheet, pre-threaded needle, and thimble for at-home mounting
- •Magazine frames - includes nesting foam board insert so your magazine slides in flush with no adhesive
- •Challenge coin frames - includes coin-sized cutout inserts that hold each coin securely in position
- •Shadowbox frames - deep-profile moulding with extra depth for 3D objects, jerseys, and memorabilia
Common Questions About Our Materials
What materials come with every frame?
Every frame ships with a solid wood moulding, framer's grade acrylic glazing, precision-cut custom frame shop quality mat board, archival foam core backing, and hanging hardware. Smaller frames include both wall hangers and a tabletop easel back. Larger frames ship with D-ring wall mount hardware.
What is framer's grade acrylic?
Framer's grade acrylic is a shatterproof, crystal-clear glazing that is lighter and safer than glass, making it easier to ship and hang. We offer standard (maximum clarity) and non-glare (reduced reflection) options. To slow ink fading and paper yellowing, pair it with acid-free matting and archival mounting and keep the piece out of direct sunlight.
Why use custom frame shop quality mat board instead of regular mat board?
Archival mat board has a neutral pH. Regular mat board contains wood pulp acids that migrate into your artwork and cause yellowing, brown spots, and brittleness over time. Archival mat board keeps your artwork looking good for decades.
What is the foam core backing for?
The archival foam core backing provides rigid support behind your artwork and seals the back of the frame against dust and moisture. It will not yellow or break down over time like cardboard backing.
What types of wood are the frames made from?
Our frames are made from solid wood including basswood, poplar, and select hardwoods. Each moulding is kiln-dried, sanded, and finished with stains, paints, or natural clear coats. We carry 82 moulding profiles in a range of widths, depths, and finishes.
Do I need to buy hanging hardware separately?
No. Every frame ships with the right hanging hardware included. Smaller frames include sawtooth hangers and a tabletop easel. Larger frames include D-ring hangers with hanging wire. On an empty frame you attach the hardware yourself; on finished pieces we print or frame for you, it comes installed.
What is the difference between standard and non-glare acrylic?
Standard acrylic gives you the clearest view of your artwork with no visual interference. Non-glare acrylic has a matte surface treatment that reduces reflection, which is helpful when the frame hangs opposite a window or under bright overhead lights. Both are crystal-clear and shatter-resistant.
Are these the same materials used by custom frame shops?
Yes. We use the same custom frame shop quality mat boards, framer's grade acrylic, and solid wood mouldings found in professional custom frame shops. The difference is we cut and assemble everything to your exact size and ship it ready to hang.