Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Strand Framing FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your answer? Contact us and we'll help.

Ordering & Measuring

Frame sizes at Strand Framing always refer to the internal opening — the size of the glass and backing board, not the external size of the frame. Measure the width and height of your image or print using a ruler or tape measure, to the nearest millimetre. If you want the picture to sit directly in the frame with no mount, order a frame that matches your image size exactly. If you want to use a mount, order a frame larger than your image to allow for the mount border.

Standard photo sizes and the frames they fit:

  • 6×4 inch photo → 6×4 inch frame (no mount) or 8×6 frame with mount
  • 7×5 inch photo → 7×5 inch frame or 10×8 with mount
  • 10×8 inch photo → 10×8 inch frame or 12×10 with mount
  • A4 print → 14×11 inch frame (no mount) or 16×12 inch frame with mount
  • A3 print → 16×12 inch frame (no mount) or larger with mount

If you are unsure, email info@strandframing.com and we will advise you.

Yes — we manufacture frames to any size using our custom frame tool. Select your profile, enter your exact dimensions, and we will cut and join the frame to order. Custom frames are dispatched within 7–10 working days. For very large or unusual sizes, contact us first to confirm availability.

Turn the frame face down. The backing board is held in place by flexipoints (small metal tabs). Use a flathead screwdriver to lift each flexipoint upward, then remove the backing board. Place your artwork (and mount if using one) face-down into the frame. Replace the backing board and bend the flexipoints back down to secure. See our guide page for more detail.

Yes. Full frame samples are charged at list price and can be ordered via our custom frame tool. For mount board colour samples, contact us and we will arrange samples for you.

Please contact us as soon as possible after placing your order. We begin production quickly and once a frame has been cut we cannot change the dimensions. If you need to add items, please place a separate order — we cannot add to an existing order as this disrupts our production queue. Email info@strandframing.com with your order number.

Picture Frames

The majority of the frames we manufacture are made from solid wood with hand-finished joins. We also manufacture plastic frames and stock a range of MDF frames. Each product listing specifies the material, so you can choose the right option for your needs.

Most of our frames are supplied with standard float glass. We also offer acrylic glazing as an upgrade on selected frames — acrylic is lighter and safer for large sizes. For conservation-grade or anti-reflective glazing, please contact us. Note: some smaller standard frames ship with a plastic cover rather than glass.

We stock frames in all standard photo and print sizes: 6×4, 7×5, 8×6, 10×8, 12×8, 12×10, 16×12, 20×16, 24×20 inch and A-series sizes A5, A4, A3, A2, A1. We also stock metric poster sizes: 30×40, 40×60, 50×70, 70×100cm. Custom sizes are available via our frame tool.

Yes — all frames include a hanging system. Smaller frames have a small integrated hanger and larger frames have a large integrated hanger. For certain frame ranges you can specify D-rings and cord — contact us when ordering if you need this option.

Picture Mounts

A picture mount (also called a mat or passepartout) is a border of board that sits between the frame and your artwork. It gives the image space to breathe, creates a gallery-quality finish, and protects the artwork from touching the glass. We always recommend using a mount when framing prints or photographs.

Single mount: One layer of board in a neutral colour. Our most popular is Polar White — it suits both white and off-white frames and makes the artwork stand out.
Double mount: Two layers — a coloured inner liner with a white or neutral outer. Double mounts give a premium, gallery-style finish and are popular with photographers and artists.

We need two measurements: frame size (the external size of the mount, which must match your frame opening exactly) and image size (the exact size of your artwork). The difference between the two is the border width — typically 1.5–2 inches all around. We cut the mount window 3mm smaller on each side than your image size so the image sits snugly and cannot fall through. Contact us at info@strandframing.com if you need guidance.

White Core (Acid Free): Our premium board — lignin-free, pH neutral, and calcium carbonate buffered. The white core gives a crisp bevel cut. 1.4mm thick. Recommended for all fine art, photography, and long-term display.
Cream Core: pH neutral virgin wood pulp with an ivory colour. Fine Art Guild approved. Suitable for standard use but can discolour over long periods.
White Lined Greyboard: Economical backing option. Not acid free — suitable only for non-conservation use.

We stock a wide range of mount board colours including whites, creams, blacks, and a full colour range. Browse our mount board colours on our picture mounts collection page. If you are unsure which colour to choose, order a sample or email us a photo of your artwork and we will suggest options.

Delivery & Returns

In-stock items: dispatched within 1–2 working days. Delivery to Ireland takes 1–2 working days; to Northern Ireland and the UK, 2–4 working days.
Custom / made-to-order items: 7–10 working days production, then dispatched. You will receive a shipping notification with tracking once your order is on its way.
For urgent orders, please contact us before ordering to confirm our current lead time.

Delivery costs are calculated at checkout based on the size and weight of your order. Standard parcel delivery within Ireland starts at €15 + VAT. Larger orders may require pallet delivery at a higher rate. Full delivery options and costs are shown at checkout. See our Delivery Costs & Times page for full details.

Yes — we deliver to Northern Ireland. Delivery times are typically 2–3 working days. Costs are shown at checkout. We do not currently deliver to Great Britain.

Most items we sell are custom manufactured to your specifications and are not eligible for return unless faulty or not as described. Stock items (from our stock website) can be returned in original unused condition within 14 days. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 48 hours with photos and your order number — we will arrange a replacement or refund promptly. Email info@strandframing.com.

We pack all orders carefully, but damage during transit can occasionally occur. Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Email info@strandframing.com with your order number and photos of the damage (including the packaging). We will arrange a replacement or refund as quickly as possible.

Payment

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. All payments are processed securely at checkout via Shopify Payments. We can also accept bank transfer — please note this may delay order processing by 1–2 days while payment clears. Contact us if you wish to pay by bank transfer.

All prices shown on the website are excluding VAT. Irish VAT (23%) is added at checkout. Trade and wholesale customers based outside the Republic of Ireland may be eligible for VAT-exempt pricing — please contact us to discuss your account setup.

Invoice terms are available for approved trade accounts with an established order history. New customers must pay by card at checkout. To enquire about invoice terms, please contact us with details about your business and expected order volumes.

Wholesale & Trade

Yes — Strand Framing is a wholesale picture frame manufacturer. We supply frames and mounts at trade prices to photo studios, print labs, art shops, gift retailers, and online sellers across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our best prices are available online — volume discounts are visible directly on each product page, so the more you order the better the unit price.

To open a trade account, contact us with details about your business — what you sell, your typical order volumes, and how frequently you order. We will set up an account with agreed pricing and payment terms. Trade accounts are available for registered businesses in Ireland and the UK.

There is no strict minimum order quantity for most frame sizes — you can order as few as one pack. Volume pricing tiers activate at larger quantities. For dedicated account management and the best trade pricing, contact us to discuss your regular volume requirements.

Our wholesale photo store section is exclusively for photo stores who resell Strand Framing photo frames. If you are a photo retailer interested in stocking our frames, contact us to apply for access.

Yes — photo studios, portrait photographers, and print labs are among our most frequent wholesale customers. We supply photo frame packs in all standard photo sizes (5×7", 6×4", 7×5", 8×10", 10×8", 12×10") with fast turnaround. Contact us for dedicated studio pricing on regular bulk orders.

Still have a question?

Use the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.