SMART FRAMZ SIZES
These are are different from the usual picture frame sizes. Set out below is a helpful guide to selecting the frame of your choice which will be suitable for the picture you are framing. This guide applies to all models of Smartframz.
Smartframz frames are supplied unassembled for safe handling and are easily put together with full instructions provided. Many customers store the supplied packaging in which the Smartframz product is delivered so that it can be used again when moving.
CHOOSING THE FRAME SIZE
Getting the ‘correct’ frame size is the most debated and vexed subject of framing. Just a glance at the many pages of suggestions and instructions on this subject, will probably leave many people still confused. There is probably no right answer on best frame size, the choice is what is preferred and that is really a personal choice.
To provide an easy and repeatable method on sizing a frame and the border around the picture Smartframz has adopted the approach which follows.. Smartframz provides five different standard sizes to choose from. It seems logical to use 4 sizes calculated on standard A sizes from A5 to A3+ with an extra size which I call A3++ giving 5 standard Smartframz sizes. The A3++ size allows for an A3+ graphic with a border of 60 mm around the graphic. In order to calculate the standard A frame sizes an A size is selected to which is added the width of moulding x 2 less the moulding overlap also x 2. To arrive at the available Smartframz the margin of the Skmartframz A5 to A3+ is zero. This applies for sizing all Smartframz except the STANDARD where the overlap is ignored because the outside edging of the STANDARD frame is the same width as the overlap.
Because framing just the picture is very common the standard sizes of Smartframz are the same as the “site” dimension of each standard A sizes. To put this another way the picture size visible in a A5 Smartframaz determins the A5 frame size. and so on for all sizes. Because picture sizes vary from the standard A sizes this variation is allowed for by varying the border around the picture.
CALCULATING THE BORDER
To calculate the border for non-standard sizes is also very easy. Our suggestion is to cut a piece of paper to the size of the frame under consideration and then blank off an area of 25mm on all sides for all frames except the STANDARD where 25+6=31mm should be blanked off. Then put your picture onto this sheet of paper and you will see exactly what the borders will be.
This border can also be calculated by Subtracting the long edge dimension of your picture from the long edge of the Smartframz you intend to use and then the short edge dimensions.. Then dividing by two gives the sides border followed by the top & bottom borders. For example if you are intending using the A4 Smartframz (long edge 346mm) and your picture is 150 x 200mm then the side margin will be 346-200=148 divided by 2 which is 74mm. The top and bottom edges will be 250-150 divided by 2 will be 50 mm This formulae works the same for STANDARD frames as it does for all the other model sizes.
CHOOSING THE SMARTFRAMZ BODER
All models use both platform mounts and raised mounts. All frames are supplied with picture placers as all are supplied with hanging accessories. included in the cost. Moulding are all the same width and fit magnetically on all models. Full assembly instructions come with every Smartframz
The actual model to use is a personal choice and all are illustrated on this web site.
The SLIM model is light, eye catching and simple to assemble. Four sets of corners are provided in gold, silver, bronze and black and corners can be left off if preferred. The SLIM and all models come with a double sided platform mount and apart from the default mount supplied with every Smartframz a further seven selections are available on our ETSY. Site. These are supplied in addition to the default platform mount.
The STANDARD model has an option to choose different edge extensions and these snap onto the uprights provided by the magnetic bracing. Magnetic corner brackets are also supplied to keep your frame neat and strong.
Conventional Smartframz models use conventional looking mouldings and all allow for the front loading but do not need bracing components. Double sided platform mounts, magnetic corner brackets and magnetic hanging accessories are all provided with conventional model Smartframz.
SMART FRAMZ MOUNT
There are two types of mounts. The platform mount which is the basic component of the Smartframz and is double sided giving two choices of mount for every frame. Additional choices of different colour mounts is available for selection on our ETSY site.
Raised mounts are optional and provide an aesthetic enhancement for all framed pictures. As with conventional mounts they are placed on top of the edge of the picture. Raised mounts are magnetic and are supplied in four sections making up the overall mount. Raised mounts can be selected for all frames. Raised mounts are fully interchangeable and replaceable between all models
The mount material used for raised mounts is a unique and known as Vivette and is unique to Smartframz. This material is inspired by the charm of vintage toys, antiques, and tapestries and art deco
CHOOSING SMART FRAMZ MOULDING
Moulding for all models is interchangeable. Only the STANDARD model should be assembled with bracing which also provided the landing for magnetic edging.
Both SLIM and STANDARD models use the same Smartframz moulding and these cab also be used for conventional frames. The Smartframz moulding are light and thin and are all 24.5mm in width with a thin metal surface on the side that fits onto the Smartframz profiles. Conventional mouldings also have these metal surfaces fitted and are 24.5 mm in width but their height and shape cab vary. See the many illustration on this website.
In particular Smartframz moulding use a large number of ecological and community made materials only available from Smartframz. These include many materials from poorer communities who depend for their living on the production and refinement of these materrials. For example Amate paper from Mexico, elephant dung from Tibet, Lokta, papyrus and Chiyogami paper and many others. For a full listing of all moulding, please visit our ETSY site where these mouldings and frames of all the models and sizes van be purchased.
We also mention that moulding of many types of different wood is available to give your frames wide interest and admiration. All wood is sourced only from reputable suppliers and wherever possible certifications obtained.
6.50 Magnetic profiles and magnetic bracing.
All Smartframz are supplied with magnetic profiles and these are clearly marked on the items supplied. All profiles fit onto the display side of the platform mounts and provide the landing for the moulding. They also have a separate landing for the glazing and this is demarcated in a green covering on every profile.
Smartframz STANDARD frames are provided with bracing pieces which fit magnetically to the reverse display side of the platform mount. Smartframz bracing also has an upright which forms the landing for selected edge extensions. These options are set out in our ETSY site.
SMART FRAMZ ACCESSORIES
All frames come with accessory kits comprising a magnetic hanger and two magnetic spacers, An upright strut is provided for smaller frames so that they can stand upright on a suitable surface.
Because the hanger is magnetic it can be placed on the back of the platform mount to hang the frame either vertically or horizontally. No fiddly eyelets or suspending wire or string is needed. An easy to hang a Smartframz is to put the hanger onto the suspending hook and the place the Smartframz onto the hanger.
GLAZING
Glazing used for the SLIM model is 0.7mm polyvinyl and for all other frames 1.5mm clear acrylic. Glass and framing glass can be used for all models except the SLIM and should be specified at the time of ordering. There is a moderate additional charge for glass.
