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02/16/2010 12:30:36 PM · #1 |
Hey, everyone, I want to dedicate a large wall in my home to displaying some of my photographs. I plan on having a dozen or more 8 X 10's & 8 X 12's. I would like to mount them simply and cheaply.
I am thinking the cheapest thing to do would be to get simple black, pre-cut mattes for these two sizes and then get pre-cut glass and backing to clip over the matted photos.
Anyone know a good place to get this stuff (on line I suppose) affordably? I live in the states.
Thanks everybody.
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02/16/2010 12:34:28 PM · #2 |
Michaels and Hobby Lobby are good sources for prefab mats and frames. I'll there are a few in the Dallas area.
Message edited by author 2010-02-16 12:34:34. |
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02/16/2010 12:40:01 PM · #3 |
| Do you have a Michael's Crafts by you? They are reasonable and always have a 40% off coupon in the paper. |
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02/16/2010 12:54:30 PM · #4 |
do not use Michaels for mats. They do such a crappy job. I had to have mine done 3 times at the one here before I was satisfied with them, they were rough, knobbly, mis-shapen and just crap.
I get mine done now at Blue Cube Imaging from oregon and they are prefect.
I did get my frames from Michaels but only during the sales because otherwise the prices stink. Check out Amazon too, they have great deals. |
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02/16/2010 01:16:12 PM · #5 |
Michael's depends on location. The one near here does a decent job.
Another option is to use the 40% off coupon to get yourself a Logan Mat cutter and do the mats yourself. |
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02/16/2010 08:43:06 PM · #6 |
thing is, at Michaels they cut their mats with a knife and screw it up. BCI cuts them with a CNC routing machine that is mathematically perfect.
If you want the best, shop around.
I pay $9 for an 18x24 mat with an 18x12 aperture from BCI btw. |
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02/16/2010 08:56:32 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Tez:
thing is, at Michaels they cut their mats with a knife and screw it up. BCI cuts them with a CNC routing machine that is mathematically perfect.
If you want the best, shop around.
I pay $9 for an 18x24 mat with an 18x12 aperture from BCI btw. |
Maybe at your Michaels location. However, if the store has a proper framing department they should be doing it with proper mat cutting tools. At least at the Michaels I go to they use proper mat cutting tools. The framers there I've dealt with a pretty good for the price I pay. I wait for the 60% off custom framing deals. |
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02/16/2010 09:02:18 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by jjstager2:
...a dozen or more 8 X 10's & 8 X 12's. I would like to mount them simply and cheaply... |
I can't offer much advice, but for the long term, cutting your own mats and hinge-mounting is best and cheapest. Clip-on glass is cheap enough but what about using archival materials? Exhibition frames cost more but are often reasonably priced and offered with plain glass, which could be alright, if you don't expose your prints to direct light...
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02/16/2010 11:43:23 PM · #9 |
yes they do have a framing department.
Is this going to be an argument over mats that suck and mats that don't? Or how your Michaels store is better than the one near me?
And btw, a craft knife is a proper mat cutting tool... if it's used correctly.
Anyways...
when it comes to frames, Amazon sell basic 8x12s (black frame, basic glass) for like $12. The ones I got were 1.5 inches wide and just plain black. No beveling or anything else, but just simple frames. I got 4 of them and they're perfect for what I wanted. |
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02/22/2010 03:35:43 PM · #10 |
when i buy in bulk i get my mats from matcutter.com and my frames from framesbymail.com. i get my bags and foam board from clearbags.com.
i've had good success with all these vendors, and it has been worth it. once you get going, it's pretty quick. |
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