Framing printed photos (Page 3): Before I started doing my own, I went the rounds of frame shops. Actually, I found that Michael's was usually higher than stand-alone frame shops. So...

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Before I started doing my own, I went the rounds of frame shops. Actually, I found that Michael's was usually higher than stand-alone frame shops. So don't be afraid to try others. Just know that frames are expensive. But a good frame should increase the value of your artwork.

FrWalt Loc: Albuquerque, NM

I buy stock sizes when it works okay for me. When I want something custom, I use www.pictureframes.com. I've used this company for many years and have never been disappointed. One can upload a photo and see it with various mats, frames, and even different wall colors. Slick as a whistle at about 1/3 the cost of a frame shop.

donneycf

Longshadow wrote:

And they sell 11x14 mats for 8x12 prints.

If you do a lot, their show kits (25 units) are a deal.

Check out online art supply outlets like dickblick.com or jerrysartarama.com. They have metal frames, mats , glass, cutters etc. Lots cheaper than the frame shops or chain stores. If you like gold they have wood plien aire gold leaf frames in standard sizes in bulk 9x12 for around $12 bucks a piece as an example.

TonyBot

Another possibility is https://www.matcutter.com
Top quality amateur and archival matts up to 12 ply (!), occasional over-run specials, and really good deals on frames. I haven't bought from them, but they have a "homey" feel site an offer a lot of not-to-common products.

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

I have had good luck with Craig Frames on ebay. Do a web search and you will find his store as well as ebay and Amazon store links among others.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Ruthiel wrote:

I went to Michaels with a coupon and chose frames and mats in stock. Nothing custom. It’s expensive! Where is the best place to have this done? I’m not framing the Mona Lisa just some nice photos. Comments please 😇

I get my frames from Walmart or Ebay and my matt boards from Hobby Loby and I purchased a Matt Cutter.

If you have to pay someone to do your mats & frames it will cost you severely. The Framing & Matting generally run 10X the value of the artwork , so a $70.00 photo will run you 7 to $800 and you could do it for about $150........Go for it !

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Ruthiel wrote:

I went to Michaels with a coupon and chose frames and mats in stock. Nothing custom. It’s expensive! Where is the best place to have this done? I’m not framing the Mona Lisa just some nice photos. Comments please 😇

They are more expensive than any of the do-it-yourself ideas on this thread; but they do a very nice job. My print was worth it! A little over $100 for a complete job.

A lot more choices for mat colors and frames.

(Download)

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

ngrea wrote:

I shop at thrift stores for framed art. Frequently it has mats. I take the art out, touch up the frame and rarely pay more than $10. The hard part can be finding the perfect frame for a particular photo. But I have found that sometimes it is a surprise how photos and frames will go together. I keep a supply in my garage, especially simple/plain frames.

That’s a great idea! Thanks.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

More ideas for non-traditional, thrift store and other:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-585995-1.html

If you'd like to add to that locked stickied thread, let me know

Also, digital matting that looks real:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-588788-1.html

.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Ruthiel wrote:

I went to Michaels with a coupon and chose frames and mats in stock. Nothing custom. It’s expensive! Where is the best place to have this done? I’m not framing the Mona Lisa just some nice photos. Comments please 😇

I do buy the material and then cut my own mats, sometimes frames as well, I do save quite a bit that way!

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Frames are VERY expensive. Years ago I solved the problem by purchasing a miter vise that holds two pieces together while you glue or nail them. I already a a miter box to cut 45 degree angles and a radial arm saw that made better cuts than I could make with the hand saw miter box. The miter saw was around $50 then and paid for itself. I Also bought a mat cutter that holds the blade at a 45 degree angle so you can cut a professional mat. It all takes a little practice but after. a few frames you are turning out great frames. The radial arm saw is a bit of expense but worth it for the high quality cuts. You can get a power Miter Saw from DeWalt and other manufacturers for less than $500. It takes a lot of frames to pay for itself but the quality will be up there. Just one way to solve the problem.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

bsprague wrote:

Ikea has a large selection of inexpensive frames.

Do you have to put them together?

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Ruthiel wrote:

I went to Michaels with a coupon and chose frames and mats in stock. Nothing custom. It’s expensive! Where is the best place to have this done? I’m not framing the Mona Lisa just some nice photos. Comments please 😇

I find by going to yard sales, you can buy pennys on the dollar frames, mats, etc.
I get a couple dozen together, clean and re frame with my work printed to fit at a Sam's store. Use new wire, paper seal back, and include wall hooks. Sell, give away or keep.
Not hi art, but looks fine.
Also check a local frame shop. They may give away free scrap.

Bill

ngrea Loc: Sandy Spring, Maryland

Longshadow wrote:

Do you have to put them together?

All the ikea frame i’ve Bought have been pre-assembled. They have acrylic, not glass and you need to peel a protective film off each side. The frames may be pressed board. (Sorta cardboard) covered with plastic(?). The backing is cardboard and sometimes the hanging devise is just a cut out in the cardboard. But they look ok.

Bill P

Oh my. You made a poor choice, but how would you know. Th e two major chain stores that offer framing are Michaels and Hobby Lobby, and in the cit y where I live, they are the most expensive. Yes, that's right, they are more expensive than the locally owned framing shop and galleries! If you got the newspaper coupon, you did better, as the regular price is set to allow for substantial coupons.

The downside is, do their employees know anything about framing? There are stringent guidelines for archival framing for museums and galleries. The central theme in these rules is that everything must be reversible. That means no dry mount, no spray glue, and acid free matte board.

I found a highly qualified shop here that does great work, and is remarkably affordable, as framing goes. But you must understand that the cost of framing will often exceed the cost of the print production.