Any art major knows how rough framing pieces of art can be. From family portraits to classic art prints, framing can be one of the best ways to preserve your favorite images while allowing them to increase in value. However, if you don’t have the money to invest hundreds in the framing process you might not get exactly what you want out of your framing experience. There are many different tricks that can help you avoid spending a lot of money on your frames. With these tips you can easily reduce your price for shipping while finding the perfect match for your favorite art work to find a more permanent home.
1. Avoid Galleries
There are a lot of galleries out there that will promise you a professional quality framing job and they won’t be lying. When you go to a gallery you’ll end up with a beautiful frame and moisture proofing that will keep you work looking great for decades. Of course, you will also be paying a small fortune for something that probably isn’t even worth a half of what the art is worth. When you head to a gallery you’ll be paying full price, or more, for a custom frame, glass and all of the other services that are required when it comes to framing. When you choose to go to a gallery you are at risk for having to pay a lot of extra hidden fees. So, you should always make sure that you have all of the prices written down as a confirmation before you leave your work with the gallery. If you’re unsure about the price ask the framer to break down all of the cost so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for. You might even ask the framer if they have items on clearance prior to making any final decisions. A lot of galleries also will try to push services you don’t need, so make sure to know what you’re looking for before you go in so you won’t leave paying for things you don’t.
2. Standard Sizes
A lot of the major charges when it comes to framing have to do with the type of art you bring in. If you can, it is always good to work with art that comes in a standard size. Standard sizing will help you save money simply because it means you won’t have to buy a custom frame. Purchasing a custom frame can really run your hundreds of dollars for the frame alone, so if you have a standard size you will already be frame and mat ready,. This means there will be less of a charge for the frame and glass cutting. The less work someone has to put into your project is the less you will actually have to pay for your project. It also means that you’ll be getting your work back a lot sooner.
3. Unique Sizes
Unique sized artwork can be difficult and expensive to frame, but there are a few ways to help keep your budget down without forcing you to to sacrifice your work. One solution to your problem is to cut off any excess paper to help give the shape of a piece that can fit into a standard size frame. Of course, a lot of the this isn’t an option. In this case all you need to do is shop for a frame that is three frame sizes larger than your piece. Once this has been taken care of you can easily create a custom mat that will take away from the misshaped frame. Mats are generally a whole lot cheaper than buy a frame so you can easily spend more money in this direction opposed to actually creating a frame for an awkward sized piece. This tip is especially important for painters who like to frame finished work for selling purposes.
4. Buy in Bulk
If you’re planning to open up a show, or just like uniformity in the home then buying in bulk will certainly help you out. Generally, you can buy a large selection of mats or matting supplies in bulk which is especially good for anyone who loves to add a little extra color to their pieces. Mats give artwork a finished look and can really add to a dull frame when given the opportunity. A lot of people use mats to make oddly shapes pieces look more at home in frames, so if you come across a package of mats it might be wise to pick it up if it is generously priced. Of course, you can also pick up a lot of frames in bulk. This is especially true if you love the modern metallic frame look. These frames can be used for so much and really had a distinguished look to your work. The best thing is a lot of them come in two or more packages to help many artist keep a uniform look for their gallery or exhibitions.
5. Avoid Cheap Materials
Although you might not think about it at the time, buying cheap materials can really cost you a lot of money in the future. Usually, when people decide to opt for this type of material they are on a tight budget and feel that it will help them make the most out their art for the time being. Unfortunately, years down the line many people find that they have to replace the frames and sometimes the art work too. Cheap materials allow dust and grime to build up without you realizing it, which means your favorite portrait or art piece is slowly going to decline in quality until one day you won’t be able to show it off any more. When you do spend money on frames that offer a professional quality you won’t have to deal with this because the frame is air locked so your art will be preserved for decades to come. A lot of cheap materials will also leave marks on your artwork. For instance, if you use a black frame then you might know a black ring around your artwork that you won’t be able to erase. So, even if it seems like the best bet to take your work the cheaper route, if you intend on keeping it presentable your might want to reconsider the more expensive route.
6. Do It Yourself
Like with many hobbies, learning to do the work on your own will allow you to take a lot of the power over your artwork. Learning this craft might be easier than you think and will also allow you to work on your projects so you can have it completed faster than ever. One of the easiest part of framing is learning how to cut a mat. This step can be done by watching free tutorials online or using the trial and error method. Even if you only take the hobby this far you will be saving a lot of money when it comes to the final cost of your framing needs. Learning how to do the actual framing aspect of this hobby might mean you need to take a course. Some people can pick it up fairly quickly though, especially if they have a lot of experience with wood and glass work. If you want to learn to build your own frames then you might be on a new educational adventure. Framing itself can be very lucrative though, so if you do learn how you can always use it to make a little extra spending cash. It will also mean that you’ll have to go through framing companies a lot less that you normally would.
7. Coupons and Sales
All frugal shoppers know how to spot a good sale or coupon when they see it. Framing sales and coupons can be a little different though. You will actually have to go in search of these items and keep an eye for them constantly. A lot of hobby stores, such as Micheals, will allow provide sales once a month that offer as much as 75% off custom framing jobs. So, if you have a lot of work that needs to be completed then you will want to send it right away when these sales occur. Generally, if you’re a loyal customer you will be given emails that have plenty of coupons too. You might end up not seeing your work for awhile though because these sales are so big that many people will rush in to get their art and important documents framed up. However, if you’re in no rush and you’re looking to save then it might be best to go this route. You should also check on other framing locations in your town to see if they offer a program to help frequent framers out on their purchase.
8. Paint
You might find that sometimes you get the urge to have something reframed just because the frame is looking a bit old. Well, there are many solutions to this problem that don’t involve you spending a lot of money on a new framing arrangement. To begin with, you might want to try adding a coat of paint or stain to an old frame. Generally, older frames that are made of certain materials tend to look worn down if they aren’t kept up. So, try to add a vibrant color to make the frame a little bit more modern or child friends. If you’re looking for a more professional look then add a nice stain or a coat of black paint to give it a sleeker look. Make sure you put painters tape around the glass though as this will help keep the glass clean. Of course, if the problem is the glass then try having a fresh piece cut. This will only cost a small amount, so you won’t have to waste money on getting the whole item re-framed. If you feel like the frame isn’t working with your art then try adding a fresher piece to it! This will allow you save one buying more frames when you still have perfectly good frames in use.
9. Recycle Glass
Glass is an expensive part of the framing process, but you can work around some of these major cost. For instance, a lot of glass from frames that look worn out of have been broken can be replaced by glass from other frames. This is a great way to keep your favorite frames in commission while getting rid of frames that just don’t work out with your style or theme. Of course, not everyone wants to keep the glass from frames. So, if you find yourself with a lot of extra glass you can always take it into a recycling facility. It depends on the state in which you live, but many will actually give you money back for bringing in the glass.
10. Utilize Spacers
An easy way to cut down on cost is to use an item called a spacer. Spacers are generally used to help bring definition into a frame. This amazing effect will really help improve the way your favorite art pieces look in the frame. However, a spacer can always be used to replace a mat. Instead of doing several layers of mats you can choose look and use a spacer to make the frame job look complete. This is a particularly good step when it comes to saving money on larger jobs, without having to sacrifice the look of your custom work.
Framing can add a nice look to your home or gallery if you want to create a professional atmosphere. With these tips you can actually save money on something that used to cost people hundreds of dollars. Now, your guest will be so impressed with your home’s look that they will have to tell everyone how art savvy you are.
