Alternatives to traditional framing

The cost of matting and framing of moderately large prints is daunting. I use a couple of local framers who do professional quality work and whose costs are comparable. For example, a mounted, single-matted print in a 30" x 40" wood frame, with non-glare glass, costs about $140 plus the cost of the print. I prefer wood over metal for the frame and using regular glass would reduce the cost but the I find the reflections too objectionable. The cost of larger sizes goes through the roof.

Printing om canvas has been suggested, but to my eye canvas is not an appropriate medium for black and white photographs. Does anyone know of a suitable medium for the presentation of large black and white prints that is less expensive than traditional matting and framing?

Buck, I've seen some excellent canvas wraps on B&W prints. Have you actually SEEN a well-done one? If not, do - you may change your mind.
Sandy

Lots of folks at the RMNP forum rave about DuraPlaq. Any questions you may have will be answered if you post there, I'm sure.

One money-saving tip that I picked up from Fstoppers was going out and buying a mirror from a place like Bed, Bath and Beyond, taking out the mirror glass and inserting your own piece of glass and your photo. Sort of a DIY solution, but if you can find the right frame this could save you a lot. I've seen nice-looking large framed mirrors selling for $50 or less.

I was able to find the video discussing the idea.

Max

May be it is not cheaper, but the result is impressive. Have you seen photos printed over wood? The finish is really beautiful both for Black and White and color pictures. Here (in Spain) it is called Laminamarc (http://www.laminamarc.com/ in Spanish) but, for sure, you will have it there. The durability is also excellent.
Regards
Joana

Sandy - No I haven't seen black and white printed on canvas. I had a chance encounter with a photographer acquaintance this morning who concurred with your opinion. I'll ask my printer about it

John - I'm aware of Duraplaq but haven;t actually seen photos mounted on any of their products. I went to the Duraplaq link you gave. That site seems to be aimed at resellers. It doesn't have prices and it doesn't say how the photo is affixed to the plaq. Do they laminate a paper print onto the particle board, plexiglass, or aluminum. If they print it directly onto the surface, I'm concerned about their being able to meet my expectations for a back and white print. I tried out a lot of online printers before I found my almost local guy who does good work. I sent them an email query.

Max - I'll keep an eye out for low-priced framed mirrors. H owever, the frame needs to be properly sized to fit a particular print size plus mat, so there might be a problem finding the correct size. Also, I think the non-glare glass is a significant part of the cost and would still be needed for a mirror frame.

Joana - I checked out Laminamarc. It looks to be the same as or similar to Duraplaq.

Thanks everybody for the suggestions.

In regard to the Duraplaq, they laminate to the substrate. They can also print directly to aluminum I believe. If you call and speak with Tim, the owner, he will set up an account for you. If you have a business tax ID number you will get the wholesale price which I think is about half of retail. This is done for professional photographers who sell their prints. I have probably had 15 prints done with them, most around 24''x36", but did one at about 64"x30" and highly recommend their work.

After lamination they put a protective coating over the print and have a variety of finishes ranging all the way from matte to glossy. This gives a nice finish that doesn't show fingerprints and can be easily wiped down. I usually get a satin finish which prevents most glare, which is great for display especially when you have lighting directly on the piece.

I am amazed that the price was so low for the framed 30x40 print. Wow, it'd be a lot more than that here.
Regarding B&W on canvas, I have a few, and it works really well for some images, not so well for others. Probably much like color images.
I understand wanting to try something different from traditional framed prints. I do my own framing, and I get really tired of mats and glass/plastic!

Another vote of confidence for Duraplaq. I have used them a few times with good results.

I've used Duraplaq for many years. Their work is excellent. I've done several B&W's on a double and single mounted black board.
up to 26x36. Tim is a great guy and will help you through the process.

I don't think it will save money, but you may also want to look at metal prints. I've seen ones from Image Wizards and Bay Photo, and they can be very nice, although not very cheap.