Metal Frames 101: Heavy Metal Is Not Just for Music
Metal Frames 101: Heavy Metal Is Not Just for Music
Let Keith Wicker and Lloyd Haddad, co-owners of Walter Adams Framing, take you on a journey—one where “heavy metal” doesn’t mean screaming guitars, but something more refined: frames for art.
Whether you’re a collector, a gallery owner, or someone exploring custom framing for the first time, you may be surprised at how much depth lies in the world of metal picture frames.
The Allure of Metal Frames:
In a sea of materials—wood, acrylic, composites—a metal frame stands out. There’s a certain precision, a sculptural elegance to metal that feels both strong and subtle. When done right, a metal frame doesn’t shout—it whispers confidence.
Mounted around a work of art, a well-chosen metal moulding doesn’t compete—it complements. Light catches its surface. There’s a coolness to the finish, a sleekness to its lines. It feels modern. It ages gracefully. It endures.
But there’s more to it than aesthetics. Metal frames also allow for thin profiles that remain strong and stable. They flex where they need to but hold form where they must. In the right workshop, you get something that is both art and architecture.
Choosing Your Metal: Silver, Gold, or Black:
You might ask: Which tone should I pick?
• Silver / Nickel — Classic, clean, understated. Silver mouldings often read as neutral; they work beautifully across styles from contemporary prints to black-and-white photography.
• Gold / Warm Metals — When polished, gold brings a touch of warmth and vintage glam. Brushed or champagne finishes can be surprisingly versatile—perfect for classical works, vintage posters, or adding richness to modern pieces.
• Black / Matte Finishes — Bold, modern, slightly mysterious. A black metal frame can ground a vibrant painting or provide striking contrast for bright prints. Matte finishes reveal scuffs more readily, so quality plating is key.
As always, finish, thickness, and craftsmanship make the difference between a frame that feels ordinary and one that elevates the art.
Craftsmanship That Matters:
Here’s where the magic happens behind the scenes. The best metal frames are not just cut and joined—they’re engineered.
• Alloy selection: Not every metal is created equal. Some are more durable, some more malleable, some more resistant to corrosion.
• Seamless corners: Clean, tight joins elevate a frame. Poor cuts and joints are obvious; precise ones nearly disappear into the design.
• Surface finishing and plating: That beautiful matte black or polished gold? It’s a technical feat. It must resist tarnish, resist fingerprints, and maintain its luster over time.
• Balance of flexibility vs. rigidity: Too stiff, and the moulding may warp under stress. Too flexible, and it won’t hold shape. The best frames balance both tendencies.
A high-quality metal frame is, in effect, a small feat of engineering—angles exact, finishes flawless, proportions precise.
Metal Frames for Your Collection:
Let’s get a little practical.
• Everyday elegance: For photography, prints, and works you want to highlight without distraction, mid-tone metals (silver, champagne) wear well and pair with nearly any palette.
• Bold statements: Black or brushed gold profiles can turn the frame into part of the composition, making it an intentional design choice.
• Mixed materials: Many frames combine metal with wood or fabric liners for contrast. The metal lends strength and modernity; the other materials bring warmth or texture.
• Care and maintenance: Metal frames, while durable, still require care. Avoid harsh cleaners, wipe gently, and check fittings to keep art secure.
Why Metal Frames Aren’t Just a Trend:
Metal frames have a staying power that transcends design fads. They sit at the crossroads of durability and design, and in skilled hands they become timeless. A thin silver moulding may nearly disappear, letting the art shine. A bold black or gold profile may define the piece with confidence.
At the end of the day, choosing a well-made metal frame is a statement of intention: that you value precision, appreciate enduring design, and expect art to be presented with both function and form.
So next time someone says “heavy metal,” don’t only think of power chords and stadium riffs. Think of silver edges, golden highlights, and matte black silhouettes—crafted not with amplifiers, but with artful engineering.
(Left to Right) Keith Wicker and Lloyd Haddad, co-owners of Walter Adams Framing. Lloyd presented two classes at International Moulding’s Open House and Trade Show event on September 20 in North Hollywood. “Supporting events like this is one of the ways we stay dedicated to our ongoing commitment to the framing and design industry.” — Keith Wicker & Lloyd Haddad)