Big Box Stores vs. Boutique vs. Doing it yourself

Many of us have relied on Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, and Jerry’s Artarama for our framing needs. I have a definite opinion on who has consistently done the best job for me. But, I’m not saying who… <cough cough cough>… <hack>

OKAY, I can’t keep it down! HOBBY LOBBY has always done a terrific job for me… I can’t say the same about Michael’s or Jerry’s.

I have also used a top-notch boutique framer. They did an amazing job… I got museum glass! THE WORKS! But, what I framed probably didn’t require “the works” or museum glass. I was the victim of “upselling”.

That brings me to this post.

Do we need “the works?”

For most projects, do we really need “the works”? At one of the big box framers, I stood in line behind someone who received her estimate. Sadly, she pushed away the estimate and said “I’ll probably just put this up with ‘push pins'”.

That made me sad. I felt like I could have helped her frame something she loved for much less than what she was up-sold.

Focus on what’s important

What’s MOST important for your new artwork is that you start enjoying it. Get it on the wall. While protecting it is also a consideration, you can “grow” into the more expensive elements. For example, if your art is a print on archival paper, you can wait on buying “conservation glazing”. It is more expensive than regular glass.

Framing on a budget

If you are on a budget and you are buying a print that is dear to your heart, here are my tips so that you can start enjoying it without breaking the bank :

  • If you can afford it, buy a print that is Giclée print on archival paper. A Giclée won’t fade even though the original painting may fade, especially if the original did not use top-notch, expensive paints. (I learned that the hard way!)
  • Buy a ready-made frame on sale; but, replace the backing with something that’s archival quality. You can get that at Jerry’s or Hobby Lobby. They will cut it for you, but the charge per cut. You could probably cut it yourself, but go slowly. Cut it to the size of the original back, which should already fit inside the “rabbet” of the frame. Measure twice and cut once.
  • Always put a dust cover on the back of your artwork… A bug will capture the eye and drawer attention away from the piece. (If you are an entomologist, you can ignore this tip.)

    Just use a roll of brown craft paper, to start. Eventually, you may want to replace it with archival quality dust paper. But, that’s not as important as a good backing. The backing touches the art but the paper does not.

    Google for a video on how to apply dust paper. It’s not that hard; and it’s up against the wall, anyway.
  • Keep the glazing that came with the frame until you can afford something better. Although I don’t like the reflection of the glass that comes with standard frames, I can live with it until I can afford something better, especially if I am framing it myself.

    Personally, I’d rather spend money on anti-reflective glazing than archival glazing… But, that’s a whole philosophical discussion.