Custom picture / artwork framing
Classic Picture Frames
Classic picture frames are available in a wide variety of mouldings from natural woods which are perfect for warm tone prints, to hand stained or satin finishes for a more contemporary feel. When framing with or without a window mount, the classic frame is perfect for showing off strong photographic prints.
To discuss your framing options and sizes please visit us or contact our team.
Please note we do not sell framing glass or materials.
— Robin Muir, Vogue 100
Types of Picture Frame
+ more">
Classic Picture Frames
Classic picture frames are available in a wide variety of mouldings from natural woods which are perfect for warm tone prints, to hand stained or satin finishes for a more contemporary feel. When framing with or without a window mount, the classic frame is perfect for showing off strong photographic prints. To discuss your framing options and sizes please visit + more
+ more">
Box Frames
Box frames have a fillet which creates a space between the print and the glazing, so there is no contact with the glass. Using Waterwhite float glass, your print is mounted first to Foamboard or a similar substrate before being set into a box moulding with a fillet spacer. The fillet keeps the glass and print separate, so the whole + more
+ more">
Floating Box Frames
Floating box frames are a stylish take on the box frame, with your print mounted inside the box, rather than fitted edge to edge. Your print is mounted to 2mm aluminium or Dibond® substrate to create a sleek borderless surround for your print. There is a gap between the work and the moulding creating a ‘floating’ effect. Framing options available in + more
+ more">
Tray Frames
Tray frames are perfect for art or photographic prints that have been mounted and do not require glazing. The print is set back slightly below the face of the frame to prevent damage. Tray frames are a good way to display large prints without the cost of specialist glazing. Your print is mounted to Dibond® or aluminium for rigidity and + more
Keyline Frames
Keyline frames are a similar aesthetic to tray frames, but are more slimline. Works are often reverse acrylic / Perspex® mounted and floated with only a minimal gap between the work and the moulding. Perfect for contemporary artwork. Framing options available in both narrow and wide styles but for specific sizes and options please visit or contact our team.
+ more">
Photographic Lightboxes
Photographic Lightboxes have long been a favourite of artists looking to appropriate the dramatic effect of an illuminated image but until recently Lightboxes were restricted in size; light spread and weight by cumbersome florescent tubing that required deep profiles for cooling. At Metro we use custom-made LED light panels for an even spread of light and higher quality finish for + more
Frame Mouldings
We have thousands of frame mouldings available to complement your chosen frame style. Our variety of services include hand painted, stained or a spray finish for custom picture frames. This enables us to create the best framed finish for your artwork - whether it's for exhibition, commercial or home display.
Natural Wood Frames
Our natural wood frames are made from a range of high quality timber mouldings. These include oak, walnut and tulip. These ‘untouched’ finishes give the perfect natural tones to compliment your artwork and photographic prints.
Pre-Finished Frames
A majority of our bespoke frames are created using pre-finished mouldings; these are available in various colours and finishes from satin, lacquered, gilded and veneer. We stock a wide range of mouldings from all the major frame manufacturers including Nielsen and Arqadia and can source many more if you can’t see what you want in our workshop!
Aluminium Frames
We use high-quality aluminium mouldings to create bespoke frames and subframes for numerous widths, lengths, and finishes. This moulding is ideal for Lightboxes, large artworks and reverse acrylic /Perspex® mounted prints.
Frame Finishes
Our choice of frame finishes is vast to ensure we suit all our clients needs and artworks. From sprayed, hand stained and natural waxes to pre-finished satin and veneer as well as a range of different gilding styles.
Spray Finish Frames
Whether it’s high gloss or soft matt a spray finish gives your frame a seamless feel and contemporary look.
Hand Stained & Painted Frames
Our skilled team hand stain natural wood to give a complete bespoke finish to your framed artwork. Choose from a variety of wood stains, waxes or paints to pair with one of our natural wood mouldings.
Standard / Pre-Finished Frames
A majority of our bespoke frames are created using pre-finished mouldings; these are available in various colours and finishes from satin, lacquered, gilded and veneer. We stock hundreds of mouldings and ranges from all the major frame manufacturers including Nielsen and Arqadia, but can source many more if you can’t see what you want at our workshop.
Framing Glass
Within our custom framing service we have an extensive range of framing glass available to complete your bespoke frame. The most exciting advances have been in the specialist glass area. As well as protection from UV damage, there are a number of ranges of glass that have been treated to become almost invisible to the naked eye. As standard, we use Water White Float glass in 2mm and 3mm thicknesses giving optimum colour rendition. Anti Reflect Glass is ideal for deep frames and boxes where low reflectance for clarity of the image is critical.
Optimum Museum Acrylic Glass
Trusted by the greatest museums in the world, this glazing exhibits a virtually invisible anti-reflective coating enabling to see the details in crystal clear colour neutrality. The glass features a UV-filtering, abrasion resistant acrylic and anti-static coating, which offers the finest protection and preservation.
Scratch Resistant UV Acrylic Glass
Scratch resistant UV acrylic glass offers high UV protection combined with its spoil resistant coating to prevent scratches. This glazing presents the clarity of the finest picture frame glazing, without the heaviness or fragility. UV acrylic glass is available with most of our custom made frames.
Cast Acrylic Glass
Cast acrylic glass, also called Perspex, is a high quality and versatile material, proving high strength and clarity. Cast acrylic sheet suits multiple applications, and is an easy material to work with, especially in the case of large-scale frames.
Museum Glass
Museum glass boasts an amazing clarity and uncompromised protection. It is easy to handle with its easy-to-clean, and more durable surface. It offers 99% UV protection, and it is anti-reflective.
Anti Reflective Glass
Anti reflective glass incorporates the highest levels of clarity and transparency. Ideal for museums or galleries, where absolute clarity is a priority consideration.
Standard Framing Glass
Standard framing glass provides excellent optical clarity and is a good alternative to ‘basic’ glass for use in picture frames. Acrylic picture frames are safe for use in all environments as it is shatterproof, also it is lightweight so easy to install. Available in a range of thicknesses and sizes.
Frame Fixings
At Metro Framing, we offer a vast number of frame hanging fixing options for you to choose the most convenient for securing your artwork. The most commonly used includes: D-rings single or double hole for small to medium size frames, as well as sub-frame and split baton for orders over 2 sq. m, as this strengthens the frame and provides a strong secure hanging. However, get in touch with our specialist team to find the ideal fixing for your framed artwork.
Subframe and Split Baton
A subframe and split baton are required for frames over 2 sqm, this strengthens the frame and provides a strong and secure method of hanging – Up to 5 sqm.
Spring-Lock Security Fittings
Spring-Lock security fittings are used in environments where security fittings are necessary. 1 or 2 fittings on each side of the frame, fit onto a screw in the wall and then are secured by the spring clip (to remove the spring clip there is a key provided) – Up to 4 sqm.
Square Sawtooth
Square Sawtooth is ideal for canvasses and deep box frames. Hangs from nails or screws on the wall – Up to 1.5 sqm.
Heavy Duty L-Plates
Heavy Duty L-Plates with hanging plates. Adds extra strength to the frame as well as providing a secure hanging system – Up to 4 sqm.
Strap Hangers
Strap Hangers –medium and large– fitted to the side of a frame or into the subframe, fitted onto 2 screws in the wall, alternative to the top plates – Up to 2.5 sqm.
Slotted Top-Plates
Slotted Top-Plates with (a) T-screws for security fitting or (b) top hook plates. For strong and flush fixing – Up to 2.5 m.
Mirror Plates
Mirror Plates –small, medium and large sizes– for securing a picture frame directly to the wall – Up to 3 sqm.
D-Rings
D-Rings –single or double hole for small to medium size framing orders– used with wire and hung from 1 or 2 hooks or screws on the wall – Up to 1.75 sqm. Or else, D-rings riveted to backing board for ‘classic’ framing styles – Up to 1.5 sqm.
Sawtooth Hangers
Sawtooth Hangers are ideal for small ‘classic’ style framing. They hang from a nail or screw on the wall – Up to 1mt sq.
Art Installation and Shipping
Our role in the production of photographic and fine art exhibitions has grown enormously over the past ten years, and our exhibition services are designed around the needs of artists and photographers who prefer to have a hands-on role in the printing of their work. Described as ‘Premier’ this service features many add-on features that make it attractive to artists, photographers, and archives working on large complex projects requiring detailed production management from concept to final installation.
British Journal of Photography’s IPA 2017
Daniel is a London based photographer and filmmaker and winner of this year’s British Journal of Photography International Award with Foreigner… Read More…
Thomas Knights & Elliott Frieze present Red Hot II
20.12.2016 Bringing in 2017 with a much-anticipated bang, Metro is thrilled to be supporting the next exhibition in the Red Hot series, opening in London. Following the huge global recognition obtained in 2014 for Red Hot, his first exhibition and book of the same name, British Photographer Thomas Knights has collaborated with British Designer Elliott James Frieze to bring + more
Mounting Materials
Acrylic Mounting
As opposed to reverse mounting, acrylic mounting presents the prints bonded to the surface of an acrylic sheet, on top rather than on the back of the sheet. This presentation is ideal for pop up or student exhibitions, however, we would not recommend it for other ways of exhibiting due to the vulnerability of the print to be damaged without any + more
Foamboard Mounting
Foamboard is a lightweight mounting material that is used for large hanging signs and displays, or as a smooth and rigid substrate for framing photography or illustration prints. Prints mounted to Foamboard may be attached to the wall using Velcro or small nails. Surprisingly sturdy, and very light. Sizes up to 84’’ x 48’’ in 5mm or 10mm.
Dibond® Mounting
Dibond® mounting is a composite display material comprising two sheets of archival quality thin aluminium with a thermoplastic core. It is valued for its lightweight rigidity and clean white coating. Sizes up to 40” x 30” with wooden battens / 120’’ x 80’’ with aluminium sub-frame (Specific finishes on Dibond are supplied in various sizes, please contact our team).
MDF Mounting
MDF mounting is an effective and economical way of displaying prints, available in 9mm or 12mm thickness. Although heavy, MDF is very rigid and the painted edges create a finished effect for mounted prints that, especially when sealed, will stand up to the toughest environments. Sizes up to 120’’ x 60’’ in 9mm or 12mm thick.
Kapa® Mounting
Kapa® is a lightweight mounting material used for large hanging signs and displays or as a smooth and rigid substrate for framing images. We use Kapa® Foamboard, known for its aluminium foil surface, which adds a layer of protection for photographic paper. Sizes up to 120’’ x 60’’ in 5mm or 10mm thick.
Foamex® Mounting
Foamex® is a solid PVC mounting material used for simple, non-archival purposes such as exhibition prints requiring a durable substrate for touring shows or public exhibitions. This material is available in both black or white colour. Sizes up to 120’’ x 80’’ in 3mm or 5mm thick.
Acrylic Reverse Mounting
Acrylic reverse mounting is a contemporary way to present photographic or illustration prints for interiors and exhibitions. The print is bonded to acrylic /Perspex® using a silicon gel and then backed with 2mm Dibond®. Once the acrylic has been bonded to the front of your print the refraction of light through the acrylic gives a high definition effect and deep + more
Card Mounting
For card mounting, we use a grey centred board made from alpha cellulose providing very high degrees of protection. Our board passes the Silver Tarnish test making it suitable for mounting precious photographs. With a pH value of 7.5 even after 200 years, this board offers a very high protection for the future. Sizes up to 62’’ x 84’’.
Aluminium Mounting
Aluminium mounting is widely popular due to the archival quality of the material. Although considerably heavier and slightly less rigid than Dibond®, Aluminium has the advantage of a clean silver edge which many find attractive. Turn around time: Ten working days from print time. Sizes up to 40’’ x 30’’ with wooden battens / 120’’ x 80’’ with aluminium sub-frame.