The Complete Guide to Clip Frames
When it comes to framing advertisements, posters and signage, clip frames are among the most affordable and easiest to use solutions.
Clip frames, aka Snap Frames, are perfectly suited to businesses that frequently swap posters out because swapping out media takes only a minute (you release the frame clips, replace the media, and clip the frame shut again). Easy!
Another reason clip frames are popular is that they look good. The frame is made from aluminium, and you can get it in silver or black. The poster cover is also anti-glare (or rather, it should be) for a clear poster view.
This article covers everything you need to know about clip frames to help you decide if they are the right way to display your posters.
What are clip frames?
Clip frames have an aluminium frame that clips shut on all sides, allowing the frame to be closed and popped open quickly. Opening the frame is as simple as pulling on the edges to release the clips and open all four sides.
Another name for clip frames is click frames (these names are interchangeable). In the UK, we say ‘clip’, and in the US, they often say ‘click’.
Clip frame sizes
We sell clip frames in A5 to A0. The only thing to note is that some profiles are only available in limited sizes, such as A1 to A3 or A1 to A5.
Additionally, the ‘size’ in A1 etc., refers to the media size. The frame itself will be larger than the media, so it’s important to check the frame dimensions. We refer to the edge of the frame as the ‘profile’ (for example, this frame has a 30mm profile). The most popular profile size is 25mm.
How to hang clip frames on a wall
You can hang a clip frame with adhesive pads or screws. We supply screws with our snap frames but you can decide which is best for you.
Before installation, take a spirit level and draw a line in pencil on the wall to mark the angle/position of where your frame should sit.
If hanging with adhesive pads, take the frame backplate and apply the adhesive pads to the corners of the backplate. Press it firmly into the wall.
If using screws, place the backplate against the wall and screw through the pre-drilled screw holes. You can also use wall plugs – mark the hole locations on the wall, make small drill holes, and insert wall plugs before fixing the backplate.
How to open clip frames
Clip frames open outwards by pulling on the frame edges; the frame edges lift so you can slot new media into place without much effort.
Clip frames for posters and signs are not to be confused with clip frames for photographs – these have small metal tags that bend over the media.
How to change posters in a clip frame
- Open all four sides of the clip frame and insert the poster, holding it in place with one hand.
- Using your other hand, place the anti-glare screen over the poster (wipe off any smudges on the inside of the screen before you do this).
- Close the top frame clip to grip the poster and screen in place.
- You can now remove your hand from the media and close the three other sides of the frame. Simply repeat when you want to change posters again.
Different types of clip frames
You can get clip frames for indoor and outdoor use with a mitred or rounded profile to suit the other frames on your premises.
- Mitred – formed by joining two materials together and cut at a 45° angle to form a 90° square corner.
- Rounded – formed from the radius of a 90° corner. Provides a softer visual aesthetic than mitred corners.
- Outdoor frames – these have a weather seal between the frame and joint to prevent water from penetrating the frame.
- Lockable – available with rounded or mitred corners, these have a key and lockable hinge to prevent poster tampering.
- Tamper resist frames – these are more secure than standard lockable frames, requiring a special lever tool to open.
Where to use clip frames
Clip frames are perfect for walls and stands on which you can mount the frame. They are reusable and last for several years when looked after.
Clip frames are rated to accept a maximum media depth – including the gsm of your media and the thickness of the screen. Generally, clip frames are good for media up to 250gsm, depending on the frame construction.