How to frame odd-sized art print, inexpensively.

October 11, 2007 12:01 PM

How do I frame an odd-sized art print without spending $100+?

I have a nice art print on thick paper I bought for $25. I want to frame it under UV-resistant glass, but given its odd size (something like 13 X 25), a custom framing job is $130+.

Is there some way to frame this attractively in UV-resistant glass without breaking the bank?

Thanks.

posted by 4midori to grab bag (14 comments total)

Well, you could mount it on a piece of matt board (or matt it properly) and then frame it in a standard frame.
posted by MrFongGoesToLunch at 12:03 PM on October 11, 2007

I would shop around discount stores (Ross/Marshall's/TJ Maxx?) for a frame size that will work, and take it to the frame shop, having the UV-resistant glass cut there.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:12 PM on October 11, 2007

Get a custom cut mat that will fit in a standard, off-the-shelf frame.
posted by clh at 12:15 PM on October 11, 2007

though not specifically about odd sizes, this thread that I came across earlier this morning had some good suggestions for discount framing
posted by horsemuth at 12:28 PM on October 11, 2007

We've been going through the same difficulties with an image 54" by 20". Your profile doesn't say where you are, but if you're out West, Cheap Pete's has all sorts of odd sized frames up to 30" by 40" or so at off-the-shelf cheap prices.

Also, The Great Frame Up (with locations all over, I think) has a 30% off sale through the end of the month- it is still a custom frame place, but that makes its wares significantly more affordable.

You could also buy an off-the-shelf frame that doesn't quite fit, and use matting to work it out. Ebay has this 25" by 22" (I know, I know, its way too big) fram for sale, and you can cut mat board at your neighborhood art store. Anyone can mat! Just watch your corners, they're the part of the job with the biggest potential for unsightly errors.

Finally, the best (and most fun) cheap way to get frames if you can't find an off the shelf frame at Bed Bath & Beyond or Michael's or Target or wherever is a Frame It Yourself place. The link I sent only shows Denver locations- similar stores are all over the Midwest, and they don't charge you for labor. You pick the frame, and then do all the work yourself (though their employees are there to guide you)

Hope that helps-
posted by arnicae at 12:29 PM on October 11, 2007

There are basically three types of framing: ready-made, sectional, and custom.

13 X 25 is not a standard size, so ready-made is out. Custom is likely going to cost you more than $100, so that leaves you with sectional.

Basically, it's the same kinds of rails that are used in custom framing, but it's pre-cut into specific lengths. 12", 14", 16", etc.

Because it's all pre-sized, it's considerably less expensive than custom. Most frame shops will offer it.
posted by quin at 12:41 PM on October 11, 2007

I've done this: Get a standard-sized frame a little bigger than your print. Get a piece of colored matboard that contrasts nicely with the print. Take spray adhesive and spray the back of your print, and mount it to the matboard, then frame. Cheap. Easy.
posted by wafaa at 12:47 PM on October 11, 2007 [1 favorite]

You can get the top and side elements of a frame separately. You'll need to cut your own mat or have it cut at a frame shop, and have the glass cut, but at least that way you can control the size of a frame.
posted by matildaben at 12:52 PM on October 11, 2007

Enjoy this earlier thread about online picture framing. I recently priced a 12" x 15" piece at about $60 (less if you look for discount frame stock) -- not sure about UV-resistant "glass" (they all seem to ship Plexiglas of some kind), but you could have the glass custom-cut locally, then get the rest of the kit from one of these online sources.
posted by amtho at 1:48 PM on October 11, 2007

Seconding quin. If you live near a Hobby Lobby, they sell metal sectional frames and their custom frame shop will cut the glass for you (not sure if they have UV-resistant glass, though). Should cost you under $30 for everything.
posted by puritycontrol at 2:03 PM on October 11, 2007

Do you have a Michaels near you? About once a month they run circulars in the newspaper offering 50% off custom framing. I know someone who worked there and all the employees would just keep a coupon at hand at the register to scan anytime someone checked out, whether or not that customer had their own coupon. So, it's just a matter of knowing when the sale is.

In fact, their website, under"customer service" has "this week's ad." You have to imput your zip code and then select a store.

Here's the ad for the store closest to my house. It has buy-one-get-one-free custom framing on it.
posted by Brittanie at 3:56 PM on October 11, 2007

To follow up one the online options: we've bought frames from pictureframes.com and were quite happy with the results. If you get a framing package it comes with backing and acrylic (glass is not an option, but they claim that their acrylic has better UV protection that glass). You could easily get something (including framing package and shipping) for under $50.
posted by imposster at 8:01 PM on October 11, 2007

For just one frame, absolutely do pictureframes.com.

(For larger orders, get cheap excellent custom-cut mats from matdesigners.com and frames from frameusa.com. For nice and decently cheap custom frames for a digital image [you upload, they print/mat/frame], imagekind.com.)
posted by allterrainbrain at 11:26 PM on October 11, 2007

Thanks all. I will check in to these options.
posted by 4midori at 10:42 PM on October 17, 2007