Snap Frames buying guide

Snap frames are the ideal professional display solution. They are perfect for any situation where quick change poster framing is preferred. Posters can be easily and quickly changed while the frame is in place. They frame and protect your graphics and posters in a stylish and attractive range of colours, and are available in a wide variety of sizes from stock. Bespoke frames can be made to measure, to match almost ay RAL code. Using your snap frame is easy and convenient. The four frame profiles clip open with the use of internal spring hinges, and your graphic is inserted, followed by the poster cover and the frames clip closed holding the cover and poster firmly in place. There are snap frames in our range to suit all requirements and budgets. They are usually wall mounted, but we also stock counter standing snap frames, suspended hanging snap frames and floor standing poster snap frames. Wall mounted frames are secured by screws and plugs (supplied with the frame) which are inserted through pre drilled holes in the rear extrusion. When the frame is closed the screws are hidden from view. Bespoke frames usually come without drill holes to allow the customer to choose where they prefer the holes to be located. Standard snap frames are for indoor use. If you require snap frames for outdoors please view our waterproof range.


Can Snap Frames be used outdoors?

If you are planning to use snap frames outdoors you will need to purchase waterproof frames. Waterproof snap frames feature a weather resistant seal in the frame profiles. This is designed to keep your posters dry in wet weather. They are available from stock in silver in a range of sizes, or we can also manufacture lockable and waterproof snap frames for secure outdoor displays, to colours of your choice. Larger outdoor frames will require a thicker poster cover to enable it to withstand blustery and stormy conditions. It is important to consider that in harsh weather conditions waterproof frames can allow in water. They are also subject to condensation.


My Snap Frames will be in a busy, vulnerable location.

If you feel your Snap Frames are likely to be tampered with or may be vandalised you should purchase either Tamper Resistant or Lockable Snap Frames. These frames require either a unique allen key, supplied with the lockable frame. or a lever tool which is also supplied (1 free lever tool is supplied with every 10 tamper resistant snap frames). Lockable snap frames require an allen key which locks the frame through an access point in the frame profile. When the frame is locked the 4 lengths of extrusion interlock and prevent all 4 sides from being opened. Tamper resistant frames have an indented lip which prevents the frame from being opened with bare hands. The lever tool is required for all 4 sides of the frame. These frames will give you some peace of mind and confidence that your displays will remain intact and not opened without the required tool.



Does the thickness of my posters matter?

Snap frames are designed to hold regular paper thickness, up to 1mm thick. If you use PVC prints or laminated posters standard snap frames are fully suitable, but again the thickess should not exceed 1mm. If you are displaying card or materials of between 1mm and 4mm thickness, (4mm is the maximum we can mitre our bespoke frames to accommodate), you will need to order bespoke poster snap frames. If graphics which exceed 1mm in thickness are inserted into standard snap frames the corners will splay increasingly accoras the inserts are.


Your posters and their protection

Our snap frames are supplied with 0.5mm anti glare PVC poster covers. Professionally printed posters assure a high quality finish. UV Grade PVC covers give your graphics protection from the sun. The covers also keep the moisture out. Furthermore, the covers contribute towards the professional and attractive finish of your snap frame. Snap frames are supplied with these covers, but spare PVC covers are available to purchase when you feel that your poster displays would benefit from refurbishment.

Frame Widths

Larger Snap Frames can benefit aesthetically from a wider frame profile. Sometimes, customers who have a variety of sizes of snap frames on show prefer to keep all the frame widths the same. A 32mm snap frame has a slightly tighter grip on the poster and the cover, which may be considered preferable on larger frames. 32mm profiles are also a little more robust for larger frames, making the frame easier to snap open. We stock up to size A0 snap frames with 25mm frame profiles which are more rounded. Alternatively some people prefer the flatter, wider 32mm frame profile on snap frames of all sizes.


How are Snap Frames best fixed in place

Our wall mounted poster Snap Frames come complete with fixings, including screws and plugs. Our stock snap frames have pre-drilled holes in the aluminium plating behind the clip open frame opening edges. The screws (supplied with the frame) are hidden when the frame is closed. Otherwise customers who do not wish to drill into the wall often uses double sided velcro to hold the snap frame in place.