See the real materials before you order
Moulding, mat board, acrylic, and backing samples. Shipped in 3-5 business days.
Ships in 3-5 business days4.8 from 4,280+ reviews
Order Free Picture Frame Material Samples
Each moulding sample is a 4-inch length of the actual production moulding. You see the front face, the finish, and the full profile in cross-section on kiln-dried wood at production scale. Stain, paint, lacquer, and gilding all show exactly the way they will on your finished frame. Not a printed swatch. Not a digital rendering. Order up to six moulding samples per request. Ships in 3-5 business days via USPS First Class.
Mat Board Swatches
Mat board samples are 3x3-inch pieces cut from full-size sheets in our inventory. Each swatch shows the face color, the bevel-cut core color, and the back surface. This is especially important for double-mat configurations where the core color of the top mat is visible as a thin accent line around the opening. Order up to ten mat swatches per request.
Acrylic Glazing Samples
Compare our glazing options side by side. Each sample is a 3x3-inch piece of actual acrylic.
Backing Samples
See and feel our backing options. Each sample is a 3x3-inch piece of the same material we use behind every frame. Foam boards are 1/8-inch thick.
How to use your samples
- View them in your actual light. Take the samples to the room and wall where the frame will hang. Wood tones and paint finishes shift dramatically between store light and home light.
- Compare against the real piece. Lay the moulding strip and mat swatch directly on the edge of your artwork, print, or memorabilia. The contrast you see in person tells you more than any on-screen preview.
- Check at different times of day. Morning, midday, and evening light each reveal different undertones. The frame you live with is the one that still looks right at dinner time.
- Decide together. If the frame is going in a shared space, get a second opinion at the wall. Frames are easier to choose with the materials in hand.
Why we ship physical samples
Screens do not reproduce wood grain texture, paint sheen, or mat board color with full accuracy. Our sample program ships physical 4-inch moulding strips plus 3x3-inch mat board, acrylic, and backing swatches directly to your door so you can hold the materials, compare them against your artwork, and confirm your selection before placing a full frame order.
Common Questions
Frame samples are 4-inch pieces of actual frame moulding. You can see the true color, texture, profile, and finish of the frame before ordering.
Mat board, acrylic, and backing samples are 3x3-inch pieces. This size lets you compare colors and textures against your artwork.
Samples are non-returnable. They are made-to-order cuts of our actual production materials, so they ship straight to you and are yours to keep. If anything arrives damaged or wrong, contact us and we will make it right.
Samples ship in 3-5 business days via USPS First Class.
Up to six moulding samples and up to ten mat swatches per request. Acrylic and backing swatches can be added in any combination from the available options. If you need a larger comparison set for a project or commercial order, contact us and we will put a custom kit together.