Picture framing

[Feltwell]

I've got quite a few prints now that I'd like to get framed, so I got a quote recently - by'eck it's not cheap, way more than the prints themselves cost, and that was for quite modest frames!

Anyone had a go at it themselves, is it overly difficult, any tips to offer?

 

[Abi Cott]

There is a huge range of variability in quality and price with picture framers. A close friend of mine is a 'fine art framer' his prices are frankly eye-watering. I am sure the quality of the job is better and well worth it when you are framing a valuable original, but there are framers that will do the job for about a sixth of his prices. The finish and material quality isn't as good, but at the end of the day being able to look at a picture on the wall is better than it being rolled up in a tube.

 

[malcolm]

My recent frames were from Ikea. Less horrid than other reasonably priced frames.

 

[paulc]

An alternative is to scour the local charity shops - They quite often have half decent frames for very little, but it is pot luck if you are wanting a consistent size & style.

One thing I would say - It is worth getting an overmat cut so that the print is not in direct contact with the glass. If you just whack a print in without an overmat, it could become stuck to the glass and is impossible to remove without damage.

I'll often pay a local framer to make a frame & mount my photographic prints. Yes, it is expensive, but for the right print, well worth it. Sometimes, my prints can be quite a challenge for the poor guy especially the orotones that I occasionally do.

 

[plasticpigeon]

I've had luck on ebay and antique shops, which often have boxes and boxes of frames.

 

[88v8]

Here's an overview
https://www.pictureframeguys.com/articles/making_picture_frames.html

I haven't made a frame for ages. iirc the main challenge was cutting the mounts cleanly.

Needs an accurate mitre saw.
Mitre clamp or box.
Brass pins to fix.
Mounting card of suitable shade, or cream. Or white.
That special tape to fix the print to the mount.
https://www.pullingers.com/c/71891/framers-tape?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=pricecomp&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CJ-12bSzxtECFW4A0wodv10Gww
... and sometimes as a shortcut on the back instead of gluing an overall brown paper backing.
Glass which could be old and wavy or modern non-reflective.
Backing card, or plywood.
Brown backing paper and glue to keep dust out.

Once set up, one can cheaply buy old frames of the wrong size and repurpose them.

Gesso frames with corner ornaments are another ball game.

I guess like most trades it's not that difficult if one wishes to commit the time. Question is whether it's worth acquiring the kit and the skill to do a quality of work that doesn't look as if it were done by Homer.

Ivor