Buying custom picture frames on line is a great money saving strategy. This is because custom frames purchased via the internet can easily be 70% less than what is charged in retails stores. In addition, today there are many high-quality online retailers that offer a wide selection of picture frames which are built to the highest quality standards. Having said this, the online is that the shopper must learn about some framing basics because they will go through the purchasing process without the assistance of a framing professional. To overcome this, this article offers ten very useful buying tips to the online buyer.

Tip #1: Don't Follow the Rules
It is quite probable that the first rule of picture framing is that every rule can be broken. Furthermore, rules are broken by doing the exact opposite of what "should" be done. For example, if a particular piece "should" be framed with wood molding, consider using metal. If a small mat "should" be used, consider using an exaggerated oversize mat with really thick borders. This is in fact a method used by professional framers on a regular basis (they just don't tell you!). You may very well be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Tip #2: Do Over-spend on Conservation Quality
Many beginner framers have a tendency to buy the highest conservation grade possible. However, this extra expense is often not always necessary and may not be the best use of the buyer's dollar. When it comes to conservation grades, the question to ask is how precious the artwork is. Of course the more precious, the higher the conservation grade needs to be. For easily reproducible artwork such as photographs or glice prints, a standard level of conservation will be more than adequate. If purchasing "standard" grade form leaders such as Bainbridge or Crescent, this will easily last 30 years. A framer may be better off spending their money on a better looking frame, or perhaps a double mat. Of course if precious or irreproducible items are to be framed, then spending the extra money may well be worth it.

Tip #3: Sleep on It
There should never be any pressure to purchase a picture frame. After all, the framed artwork will be displayed on ones wall for many years to come. So, if you are unsure or hesitant about a particular molding option or mat color, consider sleeping on it and reviewing the project the following day. At the end of the day, it is important to be happy with your purchase.

Tip #4: What Color is Your Wall?
The wall color on which the picture frame will be hung has a big effect on how the artwork will look. Items to consider are whether the wall color buries the frame in it, as would happen if a dark frame were displayed on a wall with dark earth-tones. Another consideration is whether the colors of the wall and the frame compliment each other, or clash with one another. Since white is a neutral color on which any frame will look good, it should be no surprise that museums have white walls.

Tip #5: A Quick Method to Select A Mat Color
Think about buying an off-white mat if you cannot decide upon a color. White is a neutral color and since the very first mats were white, this color is timeless and will never go out of style. Also, many photography competitions allow artists to use only white mats.

Tip #6: Decide Upon Wood or Metal
Before even going online, most custom frame buyers have a basic idea of what they are looking for in a frame. It is a good idea to write down these basic expectations before firing up the computer. As an example, many buyers know what basic type of shape they are looking for (flat, round, swan, etc.), whether they prefer a wood or metal frame, whether their framing project calls for real glass or Plexiglas, as well as what level of conservation qualities are desired (wood pulp or acid-free). By writing these down beforehand, the online process will be faster and smoother.

Tip 7: Use the Color Wheel to Choose Matting
When selecting matting, using a color wheel is a useful thing to do. Using a color wheel will assist the picture framer in "seeing" aesthetically pleasing color matches. If one is framing often, it might even make sense to visit a local arts supply store and purchase a color wheel.

Tip #8: Use Coupons to Find the Best Price
Once an online frame package is selected, performing a Google web search for coupons may result in additional savings. Companies are always running promotions and it is quite possible that investing and extra 5 minutes will result in finding coupons giving free shipping, or a discount off of the sales price.

Tip #9: Think Big on Matting
We briefly mentioned this in tip #1, but it is worthwhile diving into more detail here. Especially for smaller artwork, framing with an over-sized mat can sometimes have stunning effects. As an example, imagine framing something the size of a typical postcard with a six or eight inch mat board. This may very well produce a striking effect. Since a larger mat also increases the overall size of the frame, this technique is also used when one is trying to fill wall space.

Tip 10: Take Care when Assembling
Regardless of the online source from which custom made picture frames are purchased, care will be taken during the manufacturing process to ensure that the frame shipped to you does not have any defects such as scratches, dents, or nicks. So, when a frame arrives in your home, consider taking similar precautions. Assemble the frame on a dust-free and scratch free surface. A clean kitchen counter-top usually does the trick. Also, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry ones hands in order to prevent dirt or grease from transferring onto the frame components. The rogue fingerprint can ruin everything!