Short answer: A sandwich frame is two clear acrylic panels, the artwork between them, held together and to the wall by four standoffs through the corners. Use 1/8 in. for prints up to about 11 × 14 in. and 3/16 or 1/4 in. above that. Choose UV-filtering acrylic for originals and photos you want to protect from fading, or non-glare for bright rooms.

Kinds of acrylic frames

Standoff sandwich frames

The modern gallery look. The print is pressed flat between a front and back panel, and four standoffs through the corners hold the whole sandwich 1/2 to 1 in. off the wall. The edges of the clear acrylic catch light around the artwork like a thin glowing border. Use a white, black, or frosted back panel if the wall color would otherwise show through a thin print.

Desk and shelf frames

A smaller sandwich (4 × 6 to 8 × 10 in.) that stands on a bent foot or slots into a base. Magnets or small screws at the corners hold the two panels together.

Replacement glazing for an existing frame

Swap broken or heavy glass in a wood or metal frame for acrylic cut to the rabbet size. It's half the weight and won't shatter in a move, a kids' room, or a stairwell. Measure the opening behind the frame lip and subtract 1/16 in. on each side. Acrylic vs glass for picture frames covers the trade-offs.

What size and thickness to choose

For a sandwich frame, make the panels 1 in. larger than the print on each side, so an 11 × 14 in. print sits in 13 × 16 in. panels with the standoffs in the margin. A wider margin (2 to 3 in.) looks more like a gallery mount.

  • 1/8 in.: prints and photos up to about 11 × 14 in., and most replacement glazing.
  • 3/16 in.: 16 × 20 to 18 × 24 in.
  • 1/4 in.: 24 × 36 in. posters and larger. Thicker panels also stay flatter, which keeps reflections even.

Clear, UV-filtering, or non-glare?

Clear is the brightest and costs least, fine for posters and prints that will be replaced. UV-filtering clear (1/8 and 1/4 in.) blocks most of the ultraviolet light that fades inks and photos, worth it for original art, signed prints, and anything hung near a window; read UV-filtering acrylic. Non-glare (1/8 in.) has a fine matte texture that scatters reflections, so the art reads in bright rooms; it works best when the glazing touches the artwork, as in a sandwich frame. See non-glare acrylic.

Tip: non-glare acrylic slightly softens the image the farther it sits from the artwork. Don't use it with mats or spacers; use clear or UV-filtering instead.

How we make it

We cut both panels from one file so the holes line up exactly, drill them to fit the standoffs, and include the hardware when you add a set to your order. The laser-cut edges are glossy, which is what gives a sandwich frame its finished border. Want the edges to look even more crisp on thick panels? Add diamond-polished edges.

Design tips

  • Keep holes at least 1/2 in. from the panel edges and 1/4 in. clear of the print.
  • Peel the protective film and blow off dust right before you assemble, and use an anti-static cloth; acrylic attracts dust.
  • Prints with a glossy finish can stick to acrylic over time in humid rooms. A matte print or a thin spacer avoids it.
  • For framing objects with depth, see acrylic shadow boxes.

Enter your panel size in the instant quote, or describe the frame you're picturing.

Questions

How do I clean an acrylic picture frame?

Dust with a soft microfiber cloth, then wipe with mild soap and water if needed. Never use Windex-type window sprays or paper towels, which can scratch and craze the surface.

Will acrylic damage my photo?

No. Acrylic is a standard framing material for photos and art. UV-filtering acrylic also helps protect them from fading; the one thing to watch is glossy prints sticking to the panel in humid rooms.

How heavy is a large acrylic frame?

A 24 × 36 in. frame made from two 1/4 in. panels weighs about 18 lb, about half what glass would. Hang it from studs or rated anchors.