Poster frames

[GadgetGal]

Why is it the frame and the poster never seem to be the *same* size?? It's really hard to "mat" a poster and I don't want to have to CUT it to make it fit.

[squeegeethree]

You cut the frame to any size you want. Then float the poster in the frame so you don't have to worry about a matt.

[JustinHelton]

or measure the poster before ordering the frame....problem solved.

[SammyV]

...what these guys said

[SkatRadioh]

It's not that hard...

[Fuehrer]

It's not that hard...

That's what she said.

[SkatRadioh]

not the first time I've heard that.

[GadgetGal]

Wait, you can CUT poster frames? I don't know why I never realized that. I haven't ordered frames. I previously have purchased them at Walmart. They DO seem rather cuttable, now that you mention it!

[jova]

Hello guys... I actually frame my own prints and its not that hard if you just give it a shot. Or you can pay roughly $250 at a frame shop for the framing.

Say for instance I want to frame my 18x24 print. Awesome. But I only want to frame 15x21 of it. First thing I want to make sure of is the matte board is cut correctly.

1. Matte Board - About $6 buck. I normally give my matting board 2-3 inche border around my framable print area. So I cut my matting board at the size of 21x27 .. 3 inches added to the top and bottom of the framable area is 15+3+3=21... 21+3+3=27... there for you want the total area of the matte board to be 21x27... of course with a 15x21 cut out the center so we can see the art/poster..

I use Cresent matting boards.. you can get these anywhere.. Michaels carries them also.

2. Frame - About $40. This is the easy part. I buy my frames from a local art store. Nielsen Bainbridge Wood Frame Kits .. you can customize the size o your liking. I want a frame of 21x27.. so I buy 1 pack of 21inch frame sticks.. and a pack of 27 inch frame sticks. These are easy to put together.. all you need is some glue. Keep in mind that this is probably the cheapest route. A custom frame from a shop would cost you around $150.. for me its just for my computer room, so I dont mind that its not the nicest frame. i can say that they look pretty good and are pretty solid. Make sure to pick up some framing insert tabs also. They are like 30 cents each.

Frames - ArtSuppliesOnline.com - Nielsen Bainbridge Wood Frame Kits - Matte Black

Insert Tabs and Gun (Gun is optional, you can use a small hammer) - ArtSuppliesOnline.com - Logan Dual-Drive Point Driver

3. Glass - $7. Honestly, I use glass because I thought it was cooler. But I have seen some plexi-glass that is just as clear and a ton lighter. Bt I cant seem to locate a plexiglass cutter in my area.. so I go to any hardware store, like Hardware Hanks or even Home Depot.. I cut my glass to be 21x27. CAREFULL.. the edges are sharp... But yeah..

4. Mounting board - $4. Poster board works. Just get somethig that is sturdy. Even Cardboard will work. Cut it to the same size as the frame/mat board. 21x27. You can buy these anywhere also. Any art supply store should have these.


Then you put it all together.




Mount the print to the posterboard. Then place the Mat board on top of that. Then the glass. Then the frame. Top it off with some insert tabs on the back so everything stays in place.

I know this quick rundown is missing some small minor details. I made image and post real quick. If you got any more questions, please post them and I'll try to help out...

Final Images below...

[swindleking]

Nice write-up. Thx!