Posted by Anil Rao on September 9, 2007 at 9:40 PM
I need to prepare 5 prints for a gallery show next month. I am thinking of going with the custom cut frames offered by Light Impressions and would like to hear from folks here who have had experience with these frames - things like fit, finish, ease of assembly, etc.
There are cheaper sources around, but we've used LI on and off as a matter of convenience for years. No quibbling about the quality of their products including fit, ease of use and finish. Someone else will likely recommend cheaper sources, but I can't imagine that their service will be any better.
Hi Anil: Light Impressions uses good mouldings, but I'm less fond of their assembly methods (v-nailing the corners, no glue). In the long run, the corners tend to gap and separate (unsightly). I have purchased scores of frames from LI over the last five years or so, but have now pretty well stopped due to my dissatisfaction with their QC and due to the amount of frames I have rejected due to poor cuts/joinery.
I am now buying unassembled wood moulding from Documounts. I have been consistenly pleased with the quality of wood, cuts, and customer service. I join the frames myself using heavy-duty wood glue; my frames are now rock solid.
Posted by Anil Rao on September 10, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Thanks for the replies so far.
Michael: Humm, if Light Impressions cannot deliver good quality on their frames I will have to look elsewhere. I really hate frame corners that have gaps in them. I cannot assemble wooden frames at my place right now so I will have to find another source for assembled frames. It looks like the place you indicated only ships assembled frames that are no bigger than 20"x24".
Posted by Mark Hudon on September 10, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Try AmericanFrame.com, I've bought tons of metal frames from them and a few black wood frame and am very happy with them.
Posted by Andy Richards on September 11, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Hi Mike: I would be interested in knowing how you join the frames mechanically while the wood dries?
Andy: Documounts frames have routed corners for plastic pegs (which they supply). I glue, set, insert the peg, and then use a tensionable frame strapping system. My frames are rock-solid.
Discussion
6 repliesSincere thanks.
I am now buying unassembled wood moulding from Documounts. I have been consistenly pleased with the quality of wood, cuts, and customer service. I join the frames myself using heavy-duty wood glue; my frames are now rock solid.
Michael: Humm, if Light Impressions cannot deliver good quality on their frames I will have to look elsewhere. I really hate frame corners that have gaps in them. I cannot assemble wooden frames at my place right now so I will have to find another source for assembled frames. It looks like the place you indicated only ships assembled frames that are no bigger than 20"x24".