What Is a Front-Loading Picture Frame?
A conventional picture frame is "back-loading" because it is accessed from the back to insert artwork. Obviously, when such a frame is wall-mounted, it must be taken off the wall in order to insert a new picture. During this process, hanging devices, such as hooks, screws, or nails are exposed. Front-loading frames, on the other hand, are accessed from the front side of the frame. Ideally, such frames can stay on the wall when changing images. A new picture is inserted without exposing potentially sharp hanging means (e.g., nails, screws, or hooks), and there is no need to re-mount the picture frame after changing the artwork. However, not all frames advertised as "front-loading" or "quick-change" can be used in such manner.
How Do Our Frames Compare?
Over the years, we tested various commercially available front-loading frames, which generally fall into four categories.
1. "Pop-Out Frames"
A widely available so-called "front-loading" picture frame feature a thin plastic edge and a glass plate that pops out towards the front when applying pressure from the back.
Pros: Cost effective.
Cons: Need to come off the wall when changing artwork. In our opinion, although the design obviates the use of holding devices (e.g., the little flaps or clamps) used to hold the backing against the frame, it is not really quicker or easier to change the artwork in these frames compared to some conventional picture frames.
2. "Snap Frames"
A second type of front-loading frame features "flappable" side walls that can be raised providing access to the lens (glass) and the image behind it. Various qualities and designs of such frames are commercially available.
Pros: Can stay on the wall while changing images; seems a good option for large images, such as posters; especially when used without or only a thin protective cover.
Cons: Really only work for images that are sized for the frame. Difficult to align smaller sized pictures when frame is on the wall (gravity can be so annoying) unless the image is mounted to some sort of backing or mat.
3. "Slide-In Frames"
These types of frames are not exactly front-loading, but rather "top-loading" or "side-loading." The picture can be inserted into the frame through a thin opening on the top or the side. Small versions of this type of frame often have a magnet on the back for attaching them to a refrigerator.
Pros: Typically easy to load when hung on the wall.
Cons: Sometimes difficult to get pictures back out while still on the wall; image must be sized for the frame, or mounted to a backing or mat.
4. "Hinged Frames"
Another type of front-loading frame features some sort of a hinge, typically on the side of the frame. The Picture is accessed by opening the frame similarly to a book or small cabinet. These frames may also be referred to as "swing-open" frames, and may have the look of a shadow box. Various means for holding the picture inside the frame have been used.
Pros: Accessing and changing the image is often quick and easy; some provide storage for multiple images (those not curently displayed) inside the frame's body.
Cons: Image should be sized for the frame, or mounted to a backing or mat.
CRINKS Frames
Our frames combine various of the above discussed advantages, and have additional features, which make them particularly suitable for frequent change of artwork, and for use in kids rooms:
Safety:
(a) There is no need to take the base frame off the wall when changing artwork (hanging devices, such as hooks, nails, or screws are not exposed), and there is no need to re-mount the frame to the wall after changing artwork;
(b) We utilize only acrylic sheets with excellent optical qualities (e.g., extremely clear; UV protection of the artwork) and impact stability instead of glass;
(c) We use no staples, screws or nails to assemble the wooden frame (glue only);
(d) We use only environmentally safe paints, such as milk paints, to finish the wooden frame.
Ease of Use:
The artwork is sandwiched between two acrylic sheets, which are mounted to the base frame using multiple magnets. Artwork can be switched quickly by taking the lens out of the base frame, removing the little clips holding the lens sheets together, and exchanging the picture. All of this can be done comfortably, e.g., while sitting down on a table. Afterwards, the lens is easily returned to the base frame on the wall. The lens aligns itself automatically within the frame.
Other Unique Features
Because the artwork is sandwiched between the two acrylic sheets, the frames can accommodate pretty much any size or shape image (within the maxiumum size of the frame), collages, and even artwork extending the size of the lens sheets.
Clips or other means are needed to hold the acrylic sheets together. However, those are freely exchangable, can be kept small, transparent, or integrated into the composition.
Do you want to add color to your life? Think CRINKS and have fun with your art!