Sublimation (putting the printing element aside for a second) is a process where a substance changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. It might sound scientific, but this clever bit of chemistry is what powers one of the most popular modern printing techniques.

Sublimation printing is the secret behind those vivid, long-lasting photo gifts and custom products you’ve probably seen everywhere - from mugs and t-shirts to phone cases and coasters. It’s becoming increasingly popular as a professional printing method that’s surprisingly accessible once you know the basics. Take a look at our sublimation blanks range for an idea of the sorts of products sublimation is used for.

Whether you're just getting started or simply curious about how it works, we’re going to break down everything you need to know - from how sublimation printing works, to what kit you need, to how it compares with other printing methods like inkjet. 

What Does Sublimation Printing

Whether you run a gift shop, photo studio, or online store, stocking the right picture frame sizes is key to keeping customers happy and maximising sales. The most popular frame sizes cater correctly to standard photo prints while suiting familiar spaces like desks and walls, as well as common gifting occasions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular photo frame sizes in the UK, the difference between similar-sounding dimensions, how mounts affect frame sizing, and why it’s still worth keeping a few non-standard options on your shelves.

What Are the Most Common Frame Sizes in the UK?

For everyday photos, gifts, and décor, these are the standard picture frame sizes in the UK:

These are the common picture frame sizes that dominate UK retailers, as they align with standard photo printing dimensions and consumer expectations. Offering frames in these sizes ensures your stock is practical and widely appealing.

Are Most Photos 4x6 or 5x7?

4x6 inches (10x15 cm) is by far the most common

A picture mount (sometimes called a photo mount or mount board) is the border you often see surrounding a photo or print inside a frame. It sits between the image and the glass, helping to highlight the artwork while protecting it from damage.

Not only do mounts enhance the visual appeal of framed images, they also serve a practical purpose - keeping photos flat, centred, and safely away from the glazing. If you’ve ever admired a professionally framed picture and wondered what gives it that polished finish, chances are a good mount had a lot to do with it.

Let’s take a closer look at picture mounts, including what they’re called in the US, how to measure them, and what to use if you’re not using one.

What is a Photo Frame Mat?

A photo frame mat (or “mat board”) is simply the US term for a picture mount. If you're browsing international suppliers or your customers are using American terms, it’s helpful to know that these are one and the same.

In both cases, we’re talking about a cut piece

Glass has been the go-to material for photo frames since they were invented, and for good reason. It’s clear, protective, and gives your favourite images a polished, professional finish. But not all glass is created equal.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of glass used in picture frames, explain what makes one better than another, and help you decide what’s right for your needs, whether you're framing a favourite memory or designing a product for resale.

Tip: Want to compare glass with other materials? Read our Glass vs. Acrylic Photo Frames guide for a full breakdown.

What is the Glass in Picture Frames Called?

Most commonly, it's referred to as picture frame glass or glazing. This term doesn’t just denote regular glass, but encompasses any transparent material used to cover and protect artwork within a frame, which can be any of the following:

• Tempered glass: A strengthened, heat-treated glass (more on this shortly)
• Acrylic glazing: Not technically glass, but often

Choosing the right photo frame isn't just about how it looks - the material matters. Whether you’re framing a favourite family moment, an artwork, or a personalised product for resale, the choice between glass and acrylic can affect everything from how your image looks to how long it lasts.

Glass vs. Acrylic: What's the Difference?

Glass has long been the traditional choice for photo framing. It offers a classic, premium finish and excellent clarity. Our Glass Mounts are made from tempered glass, which means that even in the rare case of breakage, they shatter into blunt, pebble-like pieces - far safer than standard glass.

Acrylic (also called Plexiglass), on the other hand, is a type of plastic that’s lightweight, shatter-resistant, and versatile. Clear acrylic sheets can even be laser-cut into virtually any shape, making them the go-to material for creative custom products.

We use high-quality acrylic plastic sheets to create products with a clear, consistent finish that’s ideal for tree

Snow globes have brought wonder and whimsy to the world since the 19th century, but how? How are their enchanting little scenes and swirling snowfall effects made, and how does it all work inside the globe?

Whether you’re simply curious about these charming decorations or want to stock them in your store and need the background info first - this blog is for you. We’re exploring what snow globes are made of, how they're made, their history, and more. 

The Components of a Snow Globe

A snow globe has three main elements: the dome, the liquid, and the base. The dome, which was traditionally made of glass, provides a clear, durable enclosure that protects the scene inside. Most modern snow globes, however, use high-quality acrylic, which is lighter, much more resistant to breakage, and easier to produce in bulk. 

Inside the dome, if there is a decorative scene, it’s typically molded from resin or plastic and painted in fine detail to enhance its visual appeal. Adventa’s personalisable photo

Valentine’s Day is never far off, which means that one of the biggest marketing events is around the corner too. There can be no doubt about it, the day of love has become a great opportunity to market, sell, and attract new customers.

That being said, is it still as big an opportunity as it was five to ten years ago? Should your business take advantage of a Valentine’s marketing opportunity?

In this blog, Adventa examines the amount Brits spend on Valentine’s Day and whether it's worth changing your marketing strategy during this period. We will also examine Valentine's customer activations to determine whether you should buy Valentine-specific products to sell to customers.

How Much Do Consumers Spend on Valentine’s?

Valentine’s Day is a big spending holiday worldwide, focusing on gifts and tactile expressions of love and affection. Flowers, chocolates, soft toys, photo frames, heart-shaped trinkets (check out the Adventa heart-shaped wholesale keyrings), and jewellery put back UK

What Are Jute Bags?

Tote bags have become an absolute staple in most households. With the much-appreciated capacity to hold all your groceries, everything you need on an autumn day, or an entire picnic, these large, sturdy bags had just about cornered the market. Until jute bags stepped in. 

Jute bags, which build on the classic tote, are versatile, durable bags made from natural jute fibres, celebrated for their eco-friendliness and practicality. They also look great, and customisable photo jute bags can be customised into a favourite shopping bag or for packaging and promotional purposes. But what exactly is jute, and why are these bags gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives to a cotton or polyester tote bag?

What Is Jute Fabric?

Jute is a long, shiny, rough fibre found in the skin of the plant (the bast). Raw jute fibres are spun into strong, coarse threads to make jute material. Primarily grown in India and Bangladesh, jute yarn is known as the “golden fibre” for its silky

Mixtiles are designed to peel, stick, remove and restick - so you can freely chop and change your decor. These sticky art and photo solutions have become hugely popular, as they offer a chance for anyone to create beautiful, personalised gallery walls in rented homes and offices due to their adhesive backing, eliminating the need for nails. However, you do need to remove them very carefully, if you want to be sure not to damage your walls. 

At Adventa, we offer an excellent alternative to Mixtiles with our StickY Frames Range and Airframes. These customisable wall art solutions offer the same benefits as Mixtiles - they’re easy to hang, and can be removed and restuck.

Tip: learn how to hang Mixtiles here.

Tips for Removing Mixtiles Safely

Here’s how to remove Mixtiles (or an equivalent) without damaging your walls:

• Peel Slowly and Gently: Start by grabbing a corner of the tile, and slowly peel it away from the wall, keeping it as flat against the surface as possible. This minimises the

Having art on your walls is such an excellent way to personalise a space and make it a home, but getting great pieces on your walls can be expensive, not to mention tricky to mount. This is likely why Mixtiles have become so popular - they’re simple, stylish, and completely customisable.

These lightweight, adhesive-backed photo tiles allow you to create gorgeous gallery walls without the need for nails, making them ideal for renters and anyone who wants to avoid wall damage. But did you know Adventa offers an alternative that’s just as easy to use and customisable? 

Products like Adventa’s Airframe and Sticky Picture Frames provide a practical, high-quality option for those looking to transform their walls effortlessly. Let’s explore how to hang these tiles beautifully, and we’ll answer common questions about their use.

Tip: If you want to know more about what Mixtiles are, read our dedicated blog.

How to Hang Mixtiles Evenly

Gallery walls have quickly become a favourite amongst interior