Suggestions on Framing

wolfejm

Howdy all,

Since getting into digital photography I find myself wanting to print and hang some of my better shots around the house or even around town. I kind of like 16x20 as a decent size for the print, and I prefer to have the pictures matted and placed under quality anti-reflective glass.

Now for the question - how the heck can I do this for a reasonable cost? Custom framing from Michaels runs on the order of $300-$500 for prints this size. The largest standard frames I've found have been 16x20 which obviously doesn't leave room for matting. What do you think this should cost?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Sam

Don't ask, "what do I think it should cost", I'll always be low.

I don't use 16 X 20, but as an example you can buy a 20 X 26 kit including frame, plexi-glass, pre cut mat, and foamcore backing for about $48.00. A 24 X 26 kit would run about 64.00. I have use Frame Destination, and been pleased with both the quality, and service.

Frame Destination Quality Frames and Mats

I don't know if you think that's expensive or not.

Sam

LittleLisa

Hi Jeff, I know what you mean about framing costs being ridiculous! I had to frame about 8 pieces for a gallery once and it just about killed me. I ended up cheaping out on the framing - just went really simple and hoped people would buy the photo for the actual print and not for the finished framing job. (I did sell one, so that was good).

Anyway I'm not sure about exact pricing, and I haven't ever framed anything that large, but I usually go semi-custom for my framing. Michael's has a 50% off sale on frames with no glass about once a month I think. So I'll buy my frame and all supplies from them (glass, backing, etc) and have them cut the matte, but I'll assemble it all myself. Sorry if you've tried this or if they don't carry anything large enough, like I said I've never framed anything that large. I'm planning on checking out that online source that Sam mentioned. (Thanks Sam!)

dgrinjackson

Swap the glass
You can also buy museum quality glass and swap out the glass that comes in the kits with that. The glass is a little more expensive and you have to handle it properly, but if you do a side by side comparison you'll probably think it's worth the extra money as I did.

wolfejm

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. Doing some more research online (imagine that), I found a couple sources that look appealing. One is www.pictureframes.com. They do appear to have a ton of pre-made and custom frames available. They even have a print & frame service where you supply them the digital files, and they claim to giclee print, mount, & frame the image.

As for cost, I think around $100 would be entirely tolerable for framing a print this size. I could spend a little more if it really was a nice package. It looks like this outfit would be 120-150 for a custom frame shipped, and around $200 if I have them print and finish the whole job. All in all, this is still considerably less than Michaels, even with the coupons.

Anyone ever try this approach or this vendor?

I've come across two variables I hadn't really considered before. Most of the online places are offering clear, UV-protected, acrylic instead of glass. Does this usually look good or cheap? I'm not used to non-glass glazing. The other variable is the paper. Any thoughts on how to select fine art paper? Here are the papers they offer: http://www.pictureframes.com/html/paper.html

Cheers & thanks again!

claudermilk

Here's what I have done:

I get the frame kits from americanframe.com -- though I'm probably going to cross-shop framedestination.com next time (they are well regarded on FM and are apparently phtoographers themselves). I stick with the simple, black aluminum frames.

I get archival mat board from the local discount art supply house and cut them myself. For smaller stuff, they also carry the Bainbridge pre-cut at a decent price. The mat cutter cost me something like $20 for a basic one--I don't do enough yet to justify the fancy all-singing, all-dancing $150 ones.

Finally I get my UV plexi from a local plastics house custom cut to my size.

It's more footwork on my part to gather supplies, but it's a lot cheaper than $300-500 at Michael's to do something I'm perfectly capable of doing myself. Beside, I figure I started the project by tripping the shutter, so I ought to finish it with the framing.

jdryan3

See if there is a Hobby Lobby in your area. They often have 50% off sales, & will custom cut mats at very reasonable prices.

BeachBill

framedestination.com
I highly recommend framedestination.com. I recently purchased five complete kits from them. Their products and pricing are very competitive and their customer service is Smugmug quality. The owner of Frame Destination, Mark Rogers, is very friendly and very responsive to e-mail. He is also a photographer and dgrinner (username "fdi").

wolfejm

Thanks all. As usual, some great advice and useful pointers.