Metal prints bring a level of detail, vibrancy and depth to an image that is absolutely stunning. It’s little wonder they are so popular and more people are asking the question if they can be framed.
Long lasting and highly durable, metal prints are a great choice for photographs or images where there’s a high level of detail or saturated colours. Fantastic for gallery presentations or creating a centrepiece in your home decor.
Maybe you're already a convert, or you're getting one printed for the first time and are wondering if your print can be framed.
Can a metal print be framed? Yes, metal or otherwise known as aluminium prints, can be framed. Because they are so robust, scratch and fade resistant, they don't require glass or Perspex making the framing process simple. There is also a number of framing options to choose from.
Type and Style of Frames Available
Wood and metal frames are widely available for aluminium prints. They come in a variety of colours and finishes, different mouldings and presentations.
Not all framers are going to offer all options, but depending where you live you may be able to order and get a frame delivered.
To give you an idea of the choices available, I’ve created a list so you know what’s out there and you should be able to track down a supplier.
Colours - black, white and silver frames are widely used, but blues, reds, oranges, gold and more muted browns are obtainable. Whatever your decor you will be able to find a colour frame to suit.
Materials - wood and metal frames are the most prevalent. I’m not aware of any other materials for framing metal prints. Plastic frames are available for photos and the like, but I’m guessing wood and aluminium frames are used with metal prints because of the higher quality and appearance.
Appearance - as well as standard, there’s shadow and bevel frames. Black, walnut, mocha, charcoal, natural, white - these are all available with wooden frames as well as a rustic barn-wood look. Aluminium frames come with a variety of colours and finishes from black, copper, pewter, gold and silver.
Flush Mount - this is where the print sits inside a frame, usually around an inch or so in depth. Sitting flush at the front and sides gives a nice sleek and chunkier look. These style frames can also be obtained in an assortment of finishes and colour.
Float Mount - this is where the frame sits above the print, giving the appearance that the print is floating within the frame. As well as the more widely used single floating frames, you can also get a double float print. This is when a smaller print is floated above a background print, usually the same image is used for both but 2 different images can be used for affect. Wood or metal floater frames can be purchased in different colours and moulding styles.
Choosing the Right Frame for Your Print
When it comes to selecting the right frame for your metal print, there’s no particular frame that is better than the other. It comes down to personal taste, but you’ve also got to take into consideration the surrounding decor, the style or genre of the image as well as matching to the colours of the print.
There are design and decor elements that can help you in choosing the most appropriate frame which would be an article in itself. It’s a metal print, so it’s likely to be a more contemporary image. But basically there are a few basic pointers:
1. Try to match the colour of the frame to the image. Matching can mean choosing complimentary colours ( these are colours that are opposite to each other on the colour wheel ) as well as analogous colours which are any three colours which are side by side.
2. Matching to your decor is a factor to consider. The print and frame may look wonderful, but may clash against the wall colour. Using the colour wheel will help to match these 3 elements together.
3. Matching to the subject matter. For instance, you may have a coastal or surf scene. A gold, ornate more classical style frame is just going to look odd. A simple wood or clean looking metal frame would work better. Another example might be a portrait where a slightly more ornate frame would work.
4. Where you’re hanging the print can be a factor in whether you choose wood or aluminium. In high humidity areas, if not well ventilated, mould can start to develop on wooden frames. Not a big issue as the metal print itself won’t be affected, and as long as you clean the frame at first signs of seeing any mildew.
Reasons For Choosing to Frame a Metal Print
The good thing with aluminium prints is that they look spectacular straight out of the box. A lot of the time this is why people choose them. There’s certain mounting brackets and ways to hang them on the wall without any hardware visible. It’s a really clean, slick and modern look. There’s also brackets that are visible and this can be a deliberate choice to attain a certain look.
So you would choose a frame not because you need to in order to display the print, but because it is enhancing it in some way. Certain images just work better inside a contained visual space.
Opting to frame your print can also be a design choice, it just sits better with the decor.
With aluminium prints being so popular comes a wider variety of framing choices.
Should You Order Your Print Framed or Unframed?
With many print on demand services and printers, you will have the option of ordering your metal print with or without a frame.
To be honest, I couldn’t find a scrap of information if it works out cheaper one way or the other.
But one thing is certain, you may have a limited choice of frames to choose from. You may be really happy with your print service as they do an amazing job and you’re not keen on trying someone else just because they have the frame you want.
Sometimes it’s best to let the print sit on the wall for a while as you have time to really think about colour and style options before making up your mind.
Of course, you can make the frame yourself if you’re handy on the tools. This will save you a few dollars and also you’ll have a frame custom made to your taste.
Are Framed Metal Prints Easy to Hang?
Once framed, an aluminium print is just as easy to hang as a regular framed print.
When they’re not framed, they usually come with a hanging block attached to the back. This is an aluminium block which hooks onto a screw in the wall.
Larger prints can have a sub-frame which is more sturdy.
Using other methods like stand-off bolts means having 4 holes in each corner of the print. Usually used for signage, it can be a good look if that’s what you want.
Here is a video demonstrating the various frame and hanging options and it includes stand-off bolts so you can see what it looks like.
But whichever frame you choose, be it a box, floater or regular style frame, they are just as easy to hang as regular framed pictures, just that each frame may require different hooks or hardware.
Final Thoughts
The fact that metal prints can be framed, and there is plenty of frame choice, offers up a wider spectrum for displaying your print and doing it justice.
Complimenting the image with an appropriate coloured frame as well as being able to match the decor will only enhance an already amazing print medium for your photographs or images.
Sure, it’s a bit of extra cost, but it’s worth it to have a jaw dropping piece of wall art. After all, if you’ve chosen printing on aluminium for the very reason they look so stunning, it’s worth spending that bit extra to lift it to the next level.
As usual, I’m always interested to hear of your experiences. Have you made your own frame? Recently had one framed and keen to show it off? Please, feel free to leave a comment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Metal Prints Waterproof?
Metal prints are very durable & moisture resistant. So just how waterproof are they?
Are Metal Prints Heavy?
They sound like they would be, but in fact they are one of the lightest print mediums available. So how much do they weigh?
How Long Do Metal Prints Last?
You may be pleasantly surprised. There has been tests done on metal photo prints & their longevity is quite surprising. Find out more ..
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