Author Topic: Picture Framing Services  (Read 2490 times)

OSUBearCub

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Picture Framing Services
« on: March 06, 2015, 01:11:22 PM »
I've got a large (2.5x3.5 foot) vintage photo of my home town that's in an original wood-backed frame.  It. Weighs. A. Ton.

I'd like to get it reframed and was thinking of going to a Michael's or JoAnn Etc with one of their coupons to do it.  Has anyone had any luck with these mass-market options?  Large format art experience?

I think that with new glass technology, the over-all piece will be a lot lighter and better at blocking the UV rays that might damage the photo print.

G-dog

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Re: Picture Framing Services
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2015, 07:44:18 AM »
Has the photo been mounted onto a support? If not, it can wrinkle over time, but since it is vintage I am not sure if you should mount it now as it could risk damaging it.

I have not used michaels or others.  I wonder if you have access to a historical society or college art dept that could give you some recommendations if you have any concerns about preserving this photo.

rosarugosa

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Re: Picture Framing Services
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2015, 05:19:55 PM »
I would avoid Michael's and go to a small independent framing shop.  I had a recent experience where Michael's was going to do what they do with my picture, and which wasn't really what I wanted.  When I took my picture to a small independent, they did exactly what I wanted and for half the price, despite Michael's so-called deals and discounts.  The level of expertise, craftsmanship and customer service were superb at the framing shop. 

Metta

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Re: Picture Framing Services
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2015, 05:53:35 PM »
I've used both Michael's and independent framers in my city and I've been reasonably satisfied with both. Here's what I've noticed, at Michaels it really depends on who you get to do your framing and whether it is something that they are familiar with. In my case I wanted an old piece of textile art mounted and framed and the woman who did it was an artist at this. It turned out that she was actually a fabric artist and knew this type of framing quite well. She took it away from the less-experienced framers there.

In another situation, I chose the independent place because this was to be a present for my husband of artwork that had been done specifically for him and was very precious to him. I chose framers who also did framing for the museums here. I was very satisfied. They let me do some of the tedious labor, which reduced the cost. The framing was simply beautiful and I was very pleased.

Look for people who are good with what you need and who have experience in the type of framing you need whether they are in Michaels or at a framing shop.

OSUBearCub

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Re: Picture Framing Services
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2015, 08:33:34 AM »
The photo came out of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce when they renovated about ten years back.  They just gave away all the art.  The only thing I could find out about the photo is that it is indeed a large-format photo print and not a lithograph.  I guess photos this large are rare?

I'm too scared to start tinkering with the frame myself so I'm not sure what's going on "under the hood" so to speak.  I'm actually pretty concerned that the photo have adhered itself to the glass over the last 50 years.

Thanks for all your suggestions!  I never would have thought to seek advice from a museum or university but that seems the safest bet.

G-dog

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Re: Picture Framing Services
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2015, 05:35:49 PM »
If it has stuck to the glass, you may be able to see that without taking it apart. Just like when you stick tape on something and can tell where it has really sealed, vs. no or minimal contact. Not sure hoe to describe it, but if it is stuck it may look 'clearer' or darker/more saturated, or closer or you may see some residue (unless the whole thing is evenly stuck across all of the glass)