How Can You Bring Down Custom Framing Costs?

So, you have finally decided to frame that stunning photo you happen to buy at the flea market for a cheap price. However, there is no way that you will spend a few hundred bucks so that you can frame the piece. You don’t have to worry because when it comes to picture frames, you can now bring down the costs. Yes, you can still get innovative picture frames that will not break the bank and achieve the results you want for your special piece. 

Probably one of the biggest mistakes of most artists is that they often go for framing as a mere afterthought. Many of them even assume that going to a picture framing store in NYC will only make them shell out more money than what they could afford. What they don’t realize is that their choice of frame can either make or break a photo or work of art. The right frame can make even the cheapest piece look expensive or a wrong frame can make a pricey piece look dull and drab.

Custom framing is exactly what its name suggests. It is custom and it must be equivalent to buying fine furniture pieces. The hardwood and quality moulding used for frames of fine art & Giclee printing in SoHo, NYC is usually imported and in general, only the higher end framers carry a selection of hand carved and real gold leaf frames.

Frames could be made of soft woods, hard woods, polystyrene or MDF or medium density fiberboard. Colors and profiles may look the same when you go for ready made or store bought frames but expect that you will only be getting what you pay for.

If you want to save money, you can go for a smaller or narrower profile but try to avoid MDF or plastic. You can also use a single mat instead of a triple mat complete with spacers. However, you should not skimp on the preservation mounting or choose mat boards which are not of conservation quality. A regular glass is more affordable compared to museum glass but try not to forgo UV or ultraviolet protection.

Avid collectors will expect that the suitable frame styles are used according to the specific art period of the particular framed piece. For instance, the western oil paintings in style of Taos Society of Artists must have a frame appropriate to the period which is a gold leaf and closed corner one. On the other hand, for a modern cowboy painting, you can go for rustic barn wood frame for a lesser price.

If you will frame a series of paintings that will be put up in an exhibition, everything must be consistent. As they assume that the frame is not important at all, many artists tend to bargain shop at this aspect. However, as they do so, little do they know that they may actually be unintentionally reducing their work’s sales potential. As mentioned earlier, a cheap frame might make even the most expensive arts look cheap. The proper and suitable frame can further increase your work’s value.

As far as framing is concerned, you must not just think of your pocket alone. If you plan to display your work for sale or you want it to be the center of attention in your home, always consider your audience and invest in quality workmanship and materials.