How do you mat and frame your photos?

I would like to know how other photographers mat and frame their prints.

I am interested in economical and good-looking framing options (I think custom framing is expensive). I currently buy pre-cut mats (11x14 opening and 16x20 mat), then place matted photos into premade 16x20 frames. The total cost to me is about $25. I am pretty happy with the price and looks, but maybe other photographers have a better approach that they are willing to share.

Thank you in advance.

I don't know that I can get good frames, glass, and all for $25 - in fact I'm pretty sure I can't. But aside from doing my own mat cutting, I'm pretty much in your camp. I get frames from a number of locations depending on the style and availability; right now I cut mats from full-sized board, but will be going to pre-cut blanks (I still cut the opening...).

I was getting all my supplies pre-sized from AmericanFrame.com for a while. I also framed one piece with a self-cut mat and a premade frame from Aaron Brothers, but the results were about what you'd expect from someone who had never done this before. Since then, I've found that I can get a better final product, the same price or a little cheaper, at RCF Framing here in town (and I don't have to do the work!) Definitely can't match the price you're talking about, though.

Sometimes you just decide to do away with mats and frames...



ooops, sorry folks. I may have had a wonderful experience.

I have a mat cutting system. Its not the best from what I understand, but it has worked reliably for me. I pre-buy my frames from hobby lobby in 18X24 only when they are 50% off. This generally results in frames that are around $17. They generally have 3 complete styles. Mahogany, Black wood, and barn wood. You can buy other styles and they sell glass in the common styles in the back. I think standard glass is $3 for a 18X24. They'll cut to size for you as well. Mat board and foam core is generally $6/ board which yields 2 frames at 18X24 or 4 frames @16X20. You can get mat board for 50% off also. Hobby lobby offers about 1/4 the selection of colors of Meiningers, but Meningers is never on sale. And the last thing is that you'll need some picture wire and eye bolts to make the frams ready to hang. Both can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot for cheap.

Result - 18X24 frame = $17 + mat 1.50 + foam core 1.50 + hardware $1 = $21 and about 2 hours time. I am planning to replace my glass on my works at home with non-glare at some point.

I had been using a double stick acid free tape to mount the photos, but I found that with changing humidity, the photos would warp and I now use a hinged mount with single sided art tape. I haven't done alot of frames lately, but the couple I used this on are working better than my old frames.

Oh, and I have arelated question. I've printed a 13X44 pano. Any ideas on how to get mat board larger that 32x40. Something in a 60" length? Glass and frame will have to be custom cut.

Thanks for the info Mel. Sorry I cannot help with your large mat needs.

I used to do what Mel does before I got into the art and framing business on my own. Look into getting a Logan mat cutter. They are reasonalby priced and do a good job for low volume use. Another option is simular to what Ken does, except put a frame on a mounted and laminated print. I've done a few like that lately, and they show great without glass. Mel, I can help you with the oversize materials.

Agree on the Logan mat cutter. I recently picked up a 450 for my low-volume needs, and it does the job. For higher volume, I suggest a higher-end cutter, but I whipped through a couple dozen full-sized boards and a dozen foam cores in a reasonable period of time... Results: 1 dozen 18x24 double-mats and two dozen 14x18 double-mats, with backing,

Just be careful to put the cutter on a flat surface, or...

Momo, don't know if you're using them already, but redimat.com has a good selection of pre-cut mats for good prices - if you're willing to purchase in the $100+ range at a time and are good with 6+ per style. They also have excellent prices on blanks, without the 6+ minimum.

And I remembered what type of mat cutter I've got. Its an Altos system. Its worked well for me, but I've never tried the Logan system to compare to.

Thanks to Ron for the offer for help in oversize materials.

Thanks everyone again.

Momo, I dont sell prints but i do mat and frame quite a few, I use sheets of mat board from Hobby Lobby and a simple cutter to cut the mats, I think the results are good and inexpensive. I get frames from Michaels when they are on discount. Most of the advice on frames and mats (if selling) is to use a white mat and a metal frame (often black), at least that's the cheapest and least offensive option.

Good luck,

Bill

Frames from framingsupplies.com

Mats and backing from mattesandmore.com, a western CO company with very reasonable prices, custom cutting, and no minimum order.

Non-glare glass from local glass shop.

I can typically frame an 11x16 print (final 16x24) for approx. $35.00 using "regular" mat board and metal frame. Price obviously goes up from there for wood frames and archival mats.

Thank you Chuck!