Picture frames are the edgings added onto pictures to offer protection, support, and enhancement. They are also added to make display a lot easier. Pictures can be paintings done by hand or photographs captured by digital gadgets. When there is need for the best picture frames Dublin Ireland is an advisable location to consider making a visit to.

Traditionally, wood has been the main material used in the construction of these products. Wood still dominates most products, but new materials are gaining popularity too. Examples of materials currently gaining popularity are bronze, silver, aluminum, and different types of plastics such as polystyrene. The new materials are being introduced because they can offer different levels of moldability, beauty, and durability among other properties. Wood may not have the properties in equal measure.

There are too many colors in which these products are made to imagine. Any theme or decor may be matched by choosing the right color. Another variable is the texture. However, gilding is common feature on most materials especially wood.

A pane of picture framing glass or an acrylic glass such as Plexiglas or acrylate may be used to protect pictures placed in the frame. However, if the art work in question is durable, a pane may not be necessary. Besides providing protection and ensuring durability, panes also protect art works from catching dirt. Glass panes are more commonly used on artworks done on papers, while other kinds of panes are more preferable on oil paintings.

Glass may only be used on paper artwork in cases where the price of the artwork is prohibitively high. It is also common for framing glass to be treated with anti-reflective coatings to make them almost invisible when placed under certain lighting conditions. UV light in rooms that are brightly lit may also damage artworks making it necessary for the framing glass to be incorporated with UV filtering properties.

The backs of frames need to be covered and the way that is done varies. Support is commonly provided by backing papers and foam-core boards. Backing materials also prevent duct and insects from reaching the artwork. Artworks can be severely ruined by insects and dust. Backing materials go at different prices ranging from free to very high for the high quality ones.

Most frames have a square or rectangular shape. However, some relatively other common shapes include oval and circles. The latter shapes are more of social event and family things. In commercial and public environments, rectangular and squire shapes are preferred. Scoop design is employed in pictures placed around corners.

Picture frames also have several different styles. The L style is the commonest and easiest to construct. Photo cube is also gaining popularity. The design of photo cubes is special and they hold multiple pictures. The pictures placed in photo cubes are usually taken from a vacation, family moment, or timeline of events. Other styles include box and clip frames, digital photo frame, and shadow boxes. The latest invention of them all is the digital photo frame.