USA Diploma Frames Buying Guide

Framing a college diploma is a great way to protect and showcase your hard-earned achievement. Countless hours, financial resources, and personal dedication culminate in the awarding of a degree, making its preservation a priority. Choosing the right diploma frame requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it complements both the document and its display environment.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Diploma Frame

The selection of a diploma frame involves several key considerations.

Materials: The materials used in constructing the frame are important.
Wood Moulding: The type of wood moulding significantly contributes to the frame's aesthetic.
Mat Colors: The colors of the mats should complement the diploma and the surrounding decor.
Display Location: Consider where the frame will be displayed to ensure it fits the environment.
Number of Degrees: Decide whether to frame multiple degrees together in a double diploma frame or separately.
Official Licensing: Determine if you want the frame to include the official school seal and name, indicating it's officially licensed.
Preservation Timeline: Consider how long you plan to preserve and display your degree.

Document Protection: A Critical Factor

Protecting your diploma from environmental damage is crucial for its long-term preservation. Look for frames that offer:

UV Light Protection: Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause significant damage to documents. The right degree frames utilize glass that protects against sun damage. Different glazing options are available to mitigate UV exposure. Standard glass from hobby shops may not provide adequate protection against sunlight.
Acid-Free and Lignin-Free Materials: Ensure the frame uses lignin-free archival materials to prevent the matting from becoming acidic over time. Acid-free matting and backing boards are essential to prevent yellowing, brittleness, and cracking.

Glass Options for Enhanced Protection

While each frame typically includes standard glass, upgrade options are available for enhanced document protection:

Reflection control
Conservation UV protection
Conservation UV and reflection control

For documents larger than 12″x16″, Plexiglass is recommended due to its superior protection during shipping.

Choosing the Right Mat

The mat is the decorative border surrounding the diploma, and its quality and type are important for both aesthetics and preservation.

Types of Mats: Frames commonly use standard, suede, or linen mats. All mats should be archival-quality to protect the diploma from damage.
Mat Colors: A wide array of mat colors is available. If you have a specific color in mind, utilize online tools to visualize different mat colors and textures.

Frame Mouldings: Style and Finish

The frame moulding contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic. Consider the following:

Style: Do you prefer a traditional or contemporary look?
Finish: Options include black, cherry, chestnut, espresso, mahogany, walnut, bronze, gold, or silver. A wide array of solid hardwood frame mouldings is available.
Material: Options include solid hardwood or 100% recycled wood. Ensure that raw materials are sourced from vendors who practice reforestation efforts.

Showcasing Your School Seal

Adding your school seal enhances the frame and showcases your school pride.

Medallions: These are three-dimensional emblems mounted within the mat opening. Options include engraved or handpainted color enamel.
Embossing: This involves pressing your school insignia and name onto a matboard using gold or silver foils.
Engraving: Frames with silver or gold engraved school seals set into the mat opening are available. You can also add your name or graduation year to an engraved plate.

Exploring Popular Diploma Frame Types

Various frame types are available to suit different preferences and needs:

Double Degree Frames: Ideal for displaying two diplomas side by side or stacked.
Diploma Frames with Tassel Boxes: These frames include a special compartment for displaying your graduation tassel.
Diploma Frames with Portraits: These frames incorporate a space for a graduation photo.
Logo Mat Frames: These frames feature a mat with the school logo.

Customization Options

Customizing diploma frames allows you to create a unique look that reflects your personal style and school pride.

Read also: Preserving Your UF Diploma

Online Custom Framing Tools: These tools allow you to mix and match moulding styles, mat colors and textures, and visualize the final product.
Engraved Nameplates: Add your name, university, class year, or a special sentiment.

Mounting and Hanging

Mounting and hanging your diploma frame should be a straightforward process.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Ensure the frame comes with clear instructions for inserting and displaying your degree.
Level-Lock® Hanging System: This system helps prevent crooked results and unnecessary holes in your wall.

Shipping and Delivery

The shipping process should ensure the safe delivery of your frame.

Insured Shipping: Ensure that all frames are insured during shipping.
Protective Packaging: Frames should be shipped in state-of-the-art packaging designed to protect them in transit.

Choosing the Right Size

Selecting the correct frame size is crucial for a proper fit and visual appeal.

Standard Diploma Sizes: Common sizes include 8.5″ x 11″ for bachelor's, associate's, and high school diplomas, 11″ x 14″ for doctoral degrees (except MD), and 15 3/4″ x 22″ for medical school (MD) diplomas.
Measuring Your Diploma: If necessary, lay your diploma on a flat surface and measure the width and height.
School-Specific Sizes: Diploma dimensions can vary by school, so it's important to know the exact size of your diploma.

Advantages of Custom Frames

Custom frames offer several advantages over generic frames from local hobby shops.

Perfect Fit: Custom frame providers often have extensive databases of diploma sizes for various institutions.
Official Emblems: Licensed frames feature exclusive college insignias like mascots, logos, and school seals.
Personalization: Custom frames allow for a high degree of personalization to match your style and preferences.

FrameStore's Luxury Diploma Frames

FrameStore offers luxury diploma frames that feature sophisticated designs and museum-quality materials.

Read also: Preserving Your Penn State Diploma

Materials: Kiln-dried moulding and museum-quality archival materials.
Protection: Tru Vue® glass for UV protection and acid-free matboards.
Guarantee: A 30-Day Guarantee ensures satisfaction with the purchase.

Testimonials

Customer testimonials highlight the quality and satisfaction associated with custom diploma frames.

Customers praise the high quality and beautiful look of the frames.
Many appreciate the ability to personalize the frames.
Exceptional customer service is a common theme in reviews.

Step-by-Step Guide to Framing Your Diploma

Consider School Colors: Use school colors to guide your design process.
Opt for a Classic Look: Black and white combinations are always a safe bet.
Keep It Simple: Consider forgoing matboard for a plaque-like look.
Frame Additional Items: Include awards, report cards, or senior pictures to create a memorable display.
Ensure Preservation: Use high-quality, acid-free materials to protect your diploma.

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