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10/14/2005 11:33:44 AM · #1 |
I am getting an order ready at American Frame.com, and I would like to know a bit about what other people do and their opinions.
I realize that most if not all of the questions below are basically one requiring opinions that will differ widely among people depending on taste. So in that case, consider it either giving advice or a survey! And feel welcome to use this thread to sound off in general about framing, give tips, etc.
I have only custom framed a few of my shots before. What I seemed to learn from that--right or wrong--is it's just better to use a simple black frame, and mainly white matte with a black inside matte (double matte, black used as inside border). That way photos "hang together" better on a wall, or do you disagree with this? When I do things online, I think photos look good with a black matte with an inside white border, so I am not sure I am making the right conclusion to do all in mainly white.
But using the same matte colors also would let me preorder some frames in standard sizes (I've been doing a lot of 10x15 landscapes on DPCPrints).
Also, it adds as much as $6 for the second inside matte. Is double matting worth it, in your own opinion? Or is there a better way.
Likewise, framing: I have mainly used a thin "radius" metal frame and 2" border matting. But we had some professional framing done (expensive) and they used broad frames. So I was thinking about trying "Techline , Matte Black 21" which is a bit broader black, to go with those. Again, do you think it presents a problem mixing frame types/styles (in your own opinion of course).
The glass at americanframes.com is always plexiglass. I'd be tempted to get the UV reducing version, but I really think nonglare is the most important. How long does it take a print to fade in non-UV verus UV protective glass/plastic?
Lastly, has anyone found anywhere better than americanframe.com for prices, quality, and service? I like them but I really hate the fact that as soon as you put a custom frame in your cart, you lose the ability to go back and see the configuration and/or change it without starting over.
Ok, use this thread to sound off about framing, give tips, etc.
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10/14/2005 01:10:57 PM · #2 |
I build my own frames from bare wood and my wife cuts the mats. I go with two schools of though:
A: I'm making the frame and matting to best match the photo. I use colors in the mat and a frame to compliment the photo. I do this if it's going to be put up for sale or in a show.
B: I'm making the frame and matting for mine, or someone else's house and I need to match the decor of the house.
Basically, everu photo is going to look different in different frames and mats. Often times, the right frame/mat can actually make a plain photo a wow photo, and vice versa, the wrong frame/mat can ruin a great photo.
Message edited by author 2005-10-14 13:11:27.
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10/14/2005 02:56:52 PM · #3 |
I work in a framing shop and I have learned a few things during this time...
You mentioned plexi, so let me start off with my opinions on that. Plexi is lighter than glass and less of a problem with it breaking, but it's not a great solution for picture framing in my opinion. The only time I ever use plexi is when the frame is very large. Large pieces of glass are dangerous to work with and very difficult to handle. Plexi also scratches VERY easily, which makes it difficult to keep clean. You also have to clean plexi with a non-ammonia based glass cleaner. Over time, ammonia will cause plexi to fog up and it's ruined. Plexi is more expensive than regular picture framing glass as well.
I used to like metal frames before I spent some time working with wooden mouldings. The only thing I don't like about metal is that it's difficult or impossible to put a dust cover on the back of the frame. Metal is durable and strong, but it's just not nearly as 'archival' of a solution as a traditional wooden frame.
I have purchased components from americanframe.com and I was happy with my purchases there.
Wooden custom framing is more expensive, but I think it's worth it. Also, if you have something worth framing, it's worth using UV filtering glass at a bare minimum. |
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10/14/2005 03:02:26 PM · #4 |
I've been told by framers that some of the new plastic and composite framing materials are the way to go. Largely due to warpage/shrinkage issues and acidity in the wood products.
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10/14/2005 03:08:43 PM · #5 |
I build my own picture frames from scratch. I use various woods/stains/paint, make my own "molding" etc... For most of them I use plexi because alot of the photos that I end up framing are just "snapshots" that will be replaced before the plexi gets to fogged or ruins the photo. If I make a frame for a "nice" photo that I want around forever I use glass.
I am new to woodworking but someday hope to sell frames etc...
Just my 2 cents |
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