Have a Question?
- Choosing the Right Frame
- Glass, Styrene and Glazing Options
- Hanging Options
- Matting
- Orders, Shipping and Returns
- Tax Policies
Question Type
Are the metal frames aluminum?
Are the metal frames aluminum?
There are frames made from metals such as brass, copper, and silver, but when picture framers speak of metal frames they are typically referring to extruded aluminum frames.
The first metal mouldings to catch the public's eye were made for the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, in the late 1950s. Metal moulding became available in kit form in 1968. More recently, ready-made back loaded metal frames became available. Anodizing and painting are the processes used to color aluminum moulding. Anodizing produces a translucent dye-like coloring, while painting, produces a solid opaque finish.
What comes with my frame?
What comes with my frame?
You can find out what is included with your frame on each product page. All of our standard sized frames come complete, and depend on frame size and type.
Easel back - 8x12" or smaller frames
Glass - 11x14" or smaller wood, metal, or shadow box frames
Sawtooth hanger - 9x12" or larger frames
Mat (Color B403 Pure White) - 5x7", 8x10", 8.5x11", 11x14", 10x20" and 16x20". For info on mats click here.
Styrene - 12x16" or larger wood or metal frames
Frame shells include the frame only, and no backing or glazing is included.
Custom size frames do not come with easel backs or mats.
Poster frames - styrene is the default for all poster frames in order to increase the durability of your frame.
Shadowboxes - acrylic is the default for shadow boxes 11x16". All shadow boxes come with black foam core as the interior lining.
What frames can you decorate?
What frames can you decorate?
Many customers wonder which frames are OK to paint or stain. For decorating frames, we recommend our Decorate-It series. This series comes in three sizes: 1", 2", and 3" mouldings. You can also decorate our Unfinished series. The unfinished series is similar to our Decorate-It series, but with a bevel.
What is a wrapped moulding?
What is a wrapped moulding?
Our BonanzaWood™ mouldings are wrapped. This means the back of the moulding will not appear as normal wood like most wood frames. Instead, the back will be a flat continuation of how the frame looks on the front. The mouldings are wrapped with either printed laminate, mica, or vinyl.
What is BonanzaWood™?
What is BonanzaWood™?
BonanzaWood™, made by Framerica®, is a solid material with a very smooth, fine-textured surface. It cuts like pine and readily accepts nails and hangers. BonanzaWood™ provides the expressive finish and look of solid wood at a fraction of solid wood cost.
About 9 million tons of residual wood each year (wood shavings, chips and sawdust, formerly-wasted trim, ends and other byproducts, post-consumer and "urban" wood - such as pallets and construction materials) are collected, cleaned and milled to uniform-size particles. Excess moisture is removed and a binder is added. In an automated computer-controlled process, the combination is then formed under intense heat and pressure.
What is mylar?
What is mylar?
Mylar is a thin plastic channel with colored film on the plastic.
What is polystyrene?
What is polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a hard plastic frame that is lightweight.
What is the largest size frame you can make?
What is the largest size frame you can make?
The largest completed frame we can manufacture is 30x40". This is because we do not carry the materials to fill frames larger than this size. However each individual series has their own size limitations.
What Size Picture Frame Do I Need?
What Size Picture Frame Do I Need?
All of our frames are based on the opening size of the frame. Whatever the size of your image that you are framing is that is the size of the frame you will want to order. If you are looking to also order a mat, you will want to order the mat first by entering in your image size from there you will determine your frame size based on how wide of a mat you are ordering.
Learn more about how to measure.
How do I care for and clean my glass or styrene?
How do I care for and clean my glass or styrene?
A thin plastic film protects both sides of styrene during shipping and retail display. The film, which should be taken off before use, is easily removed by hand. Glass and styrene should both be cleaned before they are showcased. While glass can be cleaned with a glass cleaner, styrene should only be cleaned by water or a soft cloth, not solvent.
Is your glass and styrene UV reflective?
Is your glass and styrene UV reflective?
The glazing on the glass and styrene used by Frame USA does not reflect ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet reflective glazing is used primarily for conservation framing. The products sold by Frame USA are generally for decorative framing purposes.
What are the benefits of styrene?
What are the benefits of styrene?
Styrene weighs roughly half as much as glass, and is more shatter resistant than glass. These two factors can greatly reduce shipping costs. If humidity is a concern for the integrity of the frame's contents, styrene is the material of choice. It is a better insulator than glass and is less likely to accumulate condensation.
Why is glass only offered in sizes 12x16” and smaller?
Why is glass only offered in sizes 12x16” and smaller?
Frames 12x16" and smaller include glass. Frames 12x18" and larger come with styrene. Larger frames with glass are fragile and require special handling during packing and shipping.
If glass is needed for sizes larger than 12x16" please call: 1-800-577-5920. For safety and liability reasons, we prefer not to ship anything 12x18" or larger with glass. Doing so will decrease the chance of your frames arriving to you in perfect condition.
Why is there a cloudy looking film on the opening of my frame?
Why is there a cloudy looking film on the opening of my frame?
If you purchase a wood or metal frame 12x16" or larger, or any poster frame, it will come with styrene. A thin plastic film protects both sides of styrene during shipping and retail display. The film, which should be taken off before use, is easily removed by hand.
What is a sawtooth hanger and how do you attach one?
What is a sawtooth hanger and how do you attach one?
A sawtooth hanger is nailed into the back of a frame at the top center. It is the easiest hanging option to install, making it a popular choice for basic framing projects. Because the weight of the frame is supported at a single point, sawtooth hangers are best suited for smaller or lightweight frames. Sawtooth hangers are also useful for hanging shadowboxes. Using one hanger near each of the two upper corners evenly distributes the frame's weight, and keeps the back of the frame flush with the wall.
What is a Wire Hanger Kit and how do I use it?
What is a Wire Hanger Kit and how do I use it?
A wire hanging assembly consists of a length of wire and two eye hooks. The wire is strung between the two eye hooks, which are screwed into opposite sides of the frame. One of the benefits of a wire hanger is its ability to support heavier frames. The weight of the frame is divided between the two vertical sides of the frame. Also, the hanger assembly is secured to the frame using screws instead of nails. A wire hanger is used in conjunction with a picture hanger nailed in the wall.
Are the mats beveled?
Are the mats beveled?
Yes our mats are beveled at a 45 degree angle.
How much do additional openings cost?
How much do additional openings cost?
There is a one time flat fee of $10 per layout for any custom multi opening mat. For any mat with more than 1 opening we require a mat diagram. This is to help guarantee that we cut your mat to your exact specifications. To inquire about multiple openings or special orders, please email sales@frameusa.com.
We do offer a select few of multi-opening mats available for purchase on our website here.
Is your mat board acid free?
Is your mat board acid free?
Our mat board PH level is 5.0 for our standard, premium, suede, and black core mat board. If you are interested in true acid free mat board (archival), check out our acid free category which has a PH level of 7.0.
What is a V-Groove?
What is a V-Groove?
A V-Groove is a thin line which is carved into the top mat around the entire mat. A V-Groove adds a special "class" and formality to any picture or print you are trying to emphasize. V-Grooves are only available on the top mat of your mat selections.
What Size Mat Do I Need?
What Size Mat Do I Need?
The best part about ordering your mat from Frame USA is our Custom Shop. Utilizing the Custom Shop takes the guesswork right out of the equation.
The first step is to enter your image size. This will result in the opening size of your mat.
If your desire to purchase a mat only, proceed to the frame step and select "Remove Frame (buy mat only) and continue to the next steps!
If you are looking to order both a frame and mat simply select the frame you would like in step two of the Custom Shop.
Learn more about how to measure.
Can I cancel or change my order once it is placed?
Can I cancel or change my order once it is placed?
Almost all of our products are made to order and because of this, we work quickly to get the order produced for you. We understand that mistakes happen, and changes may need to be made after placing the order.
If you would like to cancel or make any changes, please notify us within 24 hours of placing your order. Once the order has been started by production, we cannot guarantee that changes can be made.
Please give us a call at 1-800-577-5920 or email us at sales@frameusa.com and one of our customer service representatives can review where you order is at in our process.
Do you offer rush orders?
Do you offer rush orders?
At certain times of the year, we are able to accommodate rush orders. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-577-5920 to determine if a rush service is available.
How do i return my package?
How do i return my package?
To request a return, please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-577-5920 or email us at sales@frameusa.com. We are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM EST.
Please include the following information in your request:
- Order number
- Reason for requesting a return
- If damaged/defective, please include a detailed description and photos
Returns may be authorized within 30 days of purchase. For more information regarding eligibility, please refer to our Return Policy
How much does shipping cost and how is shipping calculated?
How much does shipping cost and how is shipping calculated?
All shipping is based on the box weight, dimensions, and distance. When placing an order on the website, your shipping cost will be given to you before you are charged for your order.
With orders placed over the phone, shipping cost will be calculated at the time of shipping based on the parameters above. For a shipping estimate, please call our customer service department at 1-800-577-5920.
What carriers do you use to ship your frames?
What carriers do you use to ship your frames?
Our main source of shipping is UPS ground. However under special circumstances and with larger orders, a trucking carrier company may be used. We will always receive three freight estimates with trucking companies, so that we make sure you are receiving the best price available. A few examples of trucking companies that we use are FedEx Freight, UPS Freight, Roadway, Milan, and Pitt Ohio.
How do i apply for tax-exempt status?
How do i apply for tax-exempt status?
If you believe your purchase should be tax exempt, please provide certification of tax-exempt status prior to placing your order. Tax exempt status will apply to all future orders. Renewal of certification may be required.
To apply for exemption status, follow the instructions located here.
What states are taxable?
What states are taxable?
Frame USA, Inc. charges tax for orders shipped to the following locations:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
Based on local and federal laws the taxable states are subject to change.
The amount of tax charged on your order depends on the destination of your shipment. The tax rate may vary depending on your state’s specific tax laws. For a complete list of tax rates by state, please visit here.
Why am I being charged Sales Tax?
Why am I being charged Sales Tax?
We are required by law to collect sales tax in certain states where we have a physical presence or significant business operations. This includes online sales, where tax laws mandate that we apply the applicable tax rate based on the shipping address of your order.
For more information regarding our tax policies, please visit here.