Off Topic: Where can I buy frames?

[jani]

IKEA? Really? I'll try that.

Yes, really.

I'm not sure that their selection of frames is the same from country to country, but I've seen several frames that at least look decent there. Some of the frames come with cheap artwork inside, though.

I just bought a few sets of those frame-less frames (glass cover held in place by steel clips) for the equivalent of USD 3 per 2 pcs, those work pretty well in most homes while being almost completely neutral.

I've seen aluminum frames there, too, but I really didn't look closely at them, since that's not what I like (I'm not a professional, so I don't have any clients telling me what they like).

[Tim Gray]

I order mine from matshop.com

[David R. Gurtcheff]

To dwdallem:
I cut my own fome-core from sheets with a sharp exato knife and straight edge; it is not difficult.
Dave

[dwdallam]

I know this is off topic, but where else to post?

I need to buy some aluminum frames. I want them to be quality, clip style back loaders, but not millions of dollars each. I need them in 18 x 24 and 16 x 20, which are standard sizes.

Do any of you have any information where I might get these--no Micheals, Target, etc., don't carry them in bulk. I need 20 of each. I'm just using them to display my work, so I'll be swapping mats and images into them, but not selling them with the pictures.

Thanks, and sorry for the off topic post, but I'm kinda at a loss here.

[dwdallam]

You're kidding, right? You mean there are other places in the world besides the USA?

I wasn't even thinking about that--lol. Thanks for the heads up.

IKEA? Really? I'll try that.

[Scott_H]

You could try these,

http://www.americanframe.com/

http://www.framesbymail.com/

I haven't tried them yet myself, but I have been looking into inexpensive frames.

[Jonathan Wienke]

Corrugated cardboard or hardboard makes a good backing.  More work, but cheaper.

And guaranteed to damage the print, as cardboard is not acid-free, as well as discolor the print due to the brown showing through the paper. White foamcore is reasonably cheap, and won't give a color cast to the print due to "show-through".

[David R. Gurtcheff]

I buy tons of frames in pairs from Frame Fit in Philadelphia. If I call in the morning, they ship the same day, and I have them at my door the very next day via UPS (I live in NJ). They are very reasonable, the quality is first rate. I have used them for years. The original owner was a friend of mine (he passed away; his son now runs the business). But even if I did not know these folks, I would buy from them. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! They are at www.framefit.com
Good luck
P.S. I second the advice re: fome-core. I use 3/16" thick for frames as large as 28"x38"
Dave

[dwdallam]

OK good information. I've tried art supply stores, but they are expensive and don't have 30 frames at a time. I also need quality for reusing them and swapping mats and images from them.

 Tried Ikea--nothing I can use, but it was a good idea.

I tried matshop, but they don't have the size I need. I talked to the sales rep.

I found framesbymail and Frame Fit on my own last night, and both seem promising.

Foamcore it is. 3/16 is slim and if it worlks for frames that big, then I can use it too.

Also, I'm not cutting that stuff myself. That would take too long and I'm not good at it. After I get the initial 15 18x24s and 15 16x20s I'm set for a while. That sould be enough to display what I need for now. So I'll pay teh extra.

[dwdallam]

Frame Fit seems like the ticket. Thanks for al the input!

[dwdallam]

To dwdallem:
I cut my own fome-core from sheets with a sharp exato knife and straight edge; it is not difficult.
Dave

True the backing would not be that hard. But I did the math on a sheet compared to cut backing in 18x24 and 16x20 sizes, and the cost in neglegible for 30 or so that I need for display purposes.

I have contacted Frame Fit and they have what I want at a great price too. Probably order tomorrow--and thanks for all the great input.

[jani]

You don't mention where in the world you live, so it's hard for anybody to give specific advise.

But have you tried IKEA?

[wolfnowl]

I need to buy some aluminum frames. I want them to be quality, clip style back loaders, but not millions of dollars each. I need them in 18 x 24 and 16 x 20, which are standard sizes.

Any good art supplies store will have frame 'pairs' - i.e. you buy one pair of 16" sides and one pair of 20" sides and put them together.  Clips and hardware are included.  You'd also have to go to a glass supplier and get some glass - probably 3 star, but just tell them its for a picture frame.  Corrugated cardboard or hardboard makes a good backing.  More work, but cheaper.

Mike.

[Richowens]

I second Frame Fit.
 I have been using them for about a year and no complaints. The quality is very high, the price is reasonable and their service is second to none.
 I order online and usually have them in four working days and I'm in California.
Highly recommended, to steal a line from Michael.  ::

Rich

[fdi]

I am very biased...but if I can help let me know...
Frame Destination, Inc.

Cheers,
Mark

[AWeil]

Jani, you live in Norway? Try to get the frames from Germany. The 'Halbe' company supplies a lot of the German museums. They are magnetic frames (loading from the front), no clips or other parts that tire out over time with a strong backing. Custom sizes on request, delivery very fast. Ok, they cost a bit more, but they are durable because they are designed to be used for frequent changes.

I have no relationship with the company.

http://www.halbe-rahmen.de/index.htm

Angela

[jimhuber]

I've bought dozens of frames on several occasions from Frame Destination, in sizes from 6x9 inch art in 11x14 inch frames to 20x30 art in 28x38 frames, both metal and wood, standard sizes and custom cutouts.

Great products, great service, great prices - happily recommended.

Frame Destination

[DarkPenguin]

I like american frame.  Probably doesn't help Jani.

[Steven Draper]

I'm based in rural Canada and framing and matting was a real problem when I started to sell prints. There are sources but expense and shiping an issue.

So I decided to produce my own. I invested in a C+H pro matt cutter and a thumbnail jointer, as well as a good mitre saw. I try to batch produce which keeps the time down. There are a few tricks like frame filler and it takes a little practice but potentially I have a couple of large frame orders for next year from local galleries that could supplement my print sales nicely

Other than batch producing buying in bulk is also a massive factor.

I only use fully archival materials as for most sales it seems to be standard. I use my knowledge of matting and framing as part of my sales talk and it also has enabled me to win a number of "jobs" by being able to work with a client to show them various options and by being flexible.

Good Luck

[fike]

I have bought dozens of frames from American Frame.  Every order has been perfect.  I also prefer their selection of metal frames.  Many metal frames are too thin to really look any good.  American Frame has a bunch of wider metal frames.  I have called them on big orders to make sure they got the entire set correctly.