Over the years, I have had numerous customers ask why the inside dimensions of the frame is larger than the art. I have searched high and low over the ether (excluding the dark web) and haven't found a single cohesive explanation for this. So I decided to write my own. I will be putting it on as page on my site for all to use.
Here it is. Feel free to add, subtract, criticize (gently please; it is theG after all where where we are all polite citizens) or suggestions. additions or corrections. For metric countries, I found one source that put the allowance at 2mm. Please let me know if that is correct.
What is the Framer’s Allowance?
A Framer’s Allowance is the difference between the items being framed and the inside dimensions of the frame. In the US, we use 1/8” as the allowance so the inside dimension of a frame designed to hold 8x10 art is 8 1/8” x 10 1/8”. In metric countries, the allowance is usually 2mm.
Why do we have an allowance?
It is to help your art, glazing and backing to fit in the frame without being too tight. It also allows for contraction and expansion of the mats, glazing and backing. These can contract and expand depending on the temperature and humidity. If we made the frame to the exact dimensions of the art, during times of expansion, the entire package could buckle in the frame. Allowing for the differences in expansion will reduce the problems and damage to the artwork that can be incurred from bowed or broken glazing, restriction of expansion and broken frame joints
Here it is. Feel free to add, subtract, criticize (gently please; it is theG after all where where we are all polite citizens) or suggestions. additions or corrections. For metric countries, I found one source that put the allowance at 2mm. Please let me know if that is correct.
What is the Framer’s Allowance?
A Framer’s Allowance is the difference between the items being framed and the inside dimensions of the frame. In the US, we use 1/8” as the allowance so the inside dimension of a frame designed to hold 8x10 art is 8 1/8” x 10 1/8”. In metric countries, the allowance is usually 2mm.
Why do we have an allowance?
It is to help your art, glazing and backing to fit in the frame without being too tight. It also allows for contraction and expansion of the mats, glazing and backing. These can contract and expand depending on the temperature and humidity. If we made the frame to the exact dimensions of the art, during times of expansion, the entire package could buckle in the frame. Allowing for the differences in expansion will reduce the problems and damage to the artwork that can be incurred from bowed or broken glazing, restriction of expansion and broken frame joints