All About Polystyrene Frames

Polystyrene mouldings (sometimes called plasti-injected mouldings) are essentially picture frames made of plastic.  Their chief benefit is that they are 30-50% less expensive than comparable wood mouldings yet when hanging on a wall are completely indistinguishable from wood mouldings.  In other words, they look exactly the same but cost much less.

Given the fact that picture framing is primarily a visual art and, further, that customers are increasingly sensitive to the rising price of picture framing, one would think that less expensive moulding that looks exactly the same would be tremendously popular.  Yet among professional picture framers polystyrene mouldings have received a chilly reception.  On reflection it’s not hard to figure out why.

Most professional framers work from commercial storefronts.  They have fixed overhead costs.  Since many professional frames arrive at their price by marking up the cost of their labor and materials, if they start out with a lower base material cost, their mark up may not be sufficient to cover their overhead. 

Of course they could increase their mark up to arrive at a similar price, but polystyrene picture frames, when held in the hand, are noticeably lighter weight and are clearly made of plastic – they only look like they’re made of wood.  Customers perceive the difference and expect a lower price, a lower price that – given the high cost of overhead – may not be sufficient to keep the storefront framer in business.

So if traditional storefront picture framers aren’t the right audience for polystyrene mouldings, who is?

Well, contract framers for one.

Polystyrenes are used commonly in contract framing where the framer is bidding on a large job with multiple pieces for a corporate client’s offices or for large hotels or for hospitals or other institutional spaces.  Such contracts often include hanging – which means the client never actually handles the framed art – and are budget sensitive as the client is choosing the framer based on his ability to deliver the contract within a certain budget.

While the framer may have to accept a lower per piece mark up for each frame to win the contract he will benefit from having the larger quantity of pieces the contract delivers and will make up in volume what he gives up in margin.  For most framers this a wholly acceptable trade-off.

Polystyrenes are also an attractive way for home-based framers to appeal to customers on the basis of a lower price.  When the customer is looking to frame something that is not itself intrinsically valuable, such as posters, open-ended digital prints, snapshots and sentimental keepsakes, the cost of framing should be reflective of the lower value of the item to be framed (no one wants to pay $300 to frame something that is worth less than $100). 

In these cases, polystyrenes can keep down the cost of the framing and open a wide range of possibilities among price conscious consumers looking for low cost custom framing.  True each frame job will generate less revenue than high end custom framing but the potential volume is greater and a framer who is able to competently deliver value for the dollar will soon find himself the recipient of those same customers’ high end frame jobs as well. Polystyrenes certainly have their place in the world of picture framing.  If commercial framers with high overhead often eschew them,  it’s for good reason, but that doesn’t mean that others for whom appealing to customers on the basis of price is important shouldn’t consider them.  For them polystyrenes provide an elegant solution.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Polystyrene Frames


Do they have be joined differently than wood frames?

Yes.  Polystyrene frames cannot be routed for assembly with a slot and peg system.  Rather, they are glued together with Plastibond Glue and clamped in a band clamp.


Are they available in any size I want?

Yes.  We will cut them to whatever size you specify and send you the four pieces to glue together to make the frame.  We also carry the glue and band clamp you will need to complete the job.  1-800-246-4726


Do these frames look cheap and plasticky?

Not at all.  Hanging on the wall polystyrene frames are indistinguishable from wood frames.  For many people, the first time they know they are looking at a plastic frame is when they hold it in their hands.  Polystyrene frames are surprisingly light.


Are they strong enough?  

Yes.  Polystyrene frames are sturdy and will not bow under weight.  But don't drop them.  A hard blow can shatter pieces off of polystyrene frames.  Also, if you are framing in sizes greater than 22"x24", opt for acrylic instead of glass, to reduce weight strain at the joints.


Who stands to benefit most from polystyrene plastic frames?

Price conscious consumers and the framers who serve them.  By reducing the price of a typical frame job, the use of polystyrene frames generates increased business volume. 


Will they crack when screwed into?

Plastic frames can take self-tapping (sheet metal) screws without cracking.


Will they melt when cut with a power saw?

No.  Melting should not be an issue if done correctly.  Use a 36-tooth blade in your saw and don't let the blade linger as you cut through the moulding.


Can they be cut with a manual miter saw?

Yes, because a manual miter saw generates very little heat when cutting.


Can they be sanded?

Yes, but only with a manual rotary sander.  Power sanders generate too much heat.


Are polystyrene plastic frames the same as acrylic frames?

No.  Acrylic frames are clear plastic desk top frames.  Polystyrene frames are traditional looking plastic picture frames, having the same look and appeal as wood frames, only much less expensive.


So why aren't polystyrene plastic frames more popular? 

Traditional storefront frame shops tend to steer clear of polystyrene frames as they reduce revenues by introducing a cheap frame alternative. 


What advantages do they give me?

Plastic frames are less than half the price of wood frames and look exactly the same.  Yes, these frames are cheap, but if you are looking to satisfy a customer who is looking for a lower price but don't want to compromise on quality, introduce them to polystyrenes.  And because polystyrenes are so light, it's cheaper to ship them.