How do you "handle" large prints?

By handle, I mean with framing, matting, etc. By large prints, I mean anything 24X36 or larger.

Do you usually bother with matting & framing on larger ones, or use a gallery wrap, or what? I'm thinking of getting some images printed larger and can't decide how I want to do it. Matting and framing would get to be pretty darn expensive on larger prints. How do most of you do this?

Any replies would be appreciated - thanks in advance!

We leave it up to the clients Bill. But we keep examples of each style on hand for them to look over. We no longer do any of it ourselves, rather we simply have a local frame shop do it and pass along the cost. It's surely simplified our lives!

Bill, I struggled with this same issue myself for awhile, trying several things : traditional matting / framing, gallery wrapped canvas, etc. I finally decided on the Duraplaq method of mounting. Traditional framing and gallery wrapped canvas is too common for my tastes. Many people comment on the unique look of the plaque mounting, as it isn't to common, although I've seen many on NPN who offer this for their images.

With the plaque mounting you can go one of two ways with your look - more modern without any type of framing around the edges, or you can even frame them ! You can forgo the matting and glass/acrylic issue.

Hi Bill, I just did an exhibit where I had to get 15 new photos ready. A few of them we did large... and my favorites, given my photos/style, are mostly on canvas, with exceptions of course... one was of my fauna gallery EP pick "The Apparition", we did almost 40" x 30" on canvass, with a "distressed" looking, beautiful 3-inch wood frame to match the trees in the image--wow. The new printer/framer I'm using gave me great prices, but it still of course is not cheap. Not trying to boast, as much has to do with its treatment, IMO that particular photo would look at home in any gallery or museum setting.

Others we did with the photo stretched around a 1 1/2" border for a 3D kind of look, some satin prints, others just canvass wraps, and still others traditonal paper/mat/frame.

Again, just IMO, it all depends on the photo... but cost wise, I'd say you get the most bang for your buck with canvass--if you can find someone to do it cost effectively. Not to mention the venue, audience, etc. I've seen what Mitch is talking about and like it, I've just never tried it myself.

Bill - I am going through the same thinking process as I prepare for my first string of shows this year. I have taken a hybrid approach - I have large prints on 4 different formats - Duraplaq, canvas, Metal print and framed (in metal frames). I love Duraplaq, though it can be very heavy for large prints. Canvas is awesome in terms of weight, but many may not like the look of it. Metal prints are really gorgeous - but again heavy. The metal frames I bought from Documounts with all the mats and board and assembled by myself - that makes it pretty reasonable in cost. I will see which format generates more interest in the shows and decide the mix of inventory based on that. I heard that canvas was really popular last few years - Metal prints are pretty new on the block. Duraplaq prints are not so common - most artists tend to go with traditional framed format. For most gallery showings, they tend to prefer framed arts (with white mats, black frame), but canvas is becoming more common

Another option is mounting on foamcore or gatorboard. I've had panos done by Kinko's on foamcore, and that works out very well. I've also 24x36 prints mounted on Gatorboard by my local framing shop -- a little more expensive, but still way cheap compared with framing or giclee. There are special hangars for putting board-mounted prints on the wall, and my framing shop is the only place I've found them. Here's what they look like on the wall, fwiw: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwallphoto/4394704899/

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions.

John - I've heard of Gatorboard but have never examined it or used it. What keeps it from warping if unframed? Also, how about glass for it - I would be worried about damage to the print from it being unglazed.

Bill, I got the Gatorboard because it's not supposed to warp, but I have not experienced warping even on cheaper foamcore. I have stuff that's been mounted on foamcore for 10 years, and still no warping. The Gatorboard is supposed to be even better, but I take it on faith that it actually is an improvement on foamcore. I don't know what damage the print would be protected from by glass, but we wanted the prints to be light in weight in case an earthquake bumped them off the wall and onto our sleeping heads (we're in San Francisco). I try not to have sunlight directly shine on them, but I'm not worried about fading. I suspect I'll be long in the Happy Hunting Grounds before those prints are washed out.

I've framed large prints in frames up to 32X40. I use acrylic glazing on these larger sizes to keep the weight manageable. And I've done Duraplaqs in 24X30 and 30X40 sizes. I'm happy with both methods.

I have gone the Duraplaq route. It is less expensive than matting and framing, has a UV protective coating, there is no glare as associated with glass (except the mega-expensive museum glass), and is easily cleanable.