THE "RIGHT" PRICE FOR A PICTURE FRAME

Picture frames range greatly in price. As a custom frame shop, we field a lot of enquiries into why our frames are more expensive than this place, or less expensive than that place. There are a great many factors that play into the price of a picture frame, just as there are many personal considerations that must be made when deciding what price of frame to buy. This article considers the price of picture frames from both the consumer and manufacturer points of view.

SUMMARY BEFORE PICKING A FRAME STYLE OF FRAME PURCHASE LOCATION PRESERVATION Prior to looking at frames, you should consider whether you're willing to spend more on the frame than the artwork you're willing to put it together yourself the piece requires special framing methods. Frame prices vary considerably depending on whether they're custom or standard what material they're made from the quality of the frame contents. Frame prices vary between the four general sale locations: Chain stores Art supply stores Online custom shops Local custom shops If you've decided your artwork is important enough to require top-quality, archival materials and framing methods, you will need to find a custom frame shop that offers preservation framing.

PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before you even start browsing and comparing frame prices, you need to figure out what you're looking for. If you only want wood, for instance, there's no point in even checking prices for metal and plastic frames. This section outlines some of the choices you'll need to make before you even begin frame selection. Ratio of Frame to Artwork Price There is a theory that you shouldn't spend more on framing artwork that you did on the piece itself. Whether or not you choose to subscribe to this premise, you should at least consider this ratio. If you purchased a print for $15, from an unlimited print run, you may not be able to justify spending $50 or more on professional framing. Sometimes this theory falls short, however - often in the case of photographs, which may be less costly than fine art prints, and certainly cheaper than original paintings. A 15x21" photo, for instance, may cost you only $30, but you're unlikely to find a frame in that non-standard size for less than $80, and that's before adding a mat. That's why if keeping the price of your frame down is of primary importance, you'll want to confine yourself to artwork in standard sizes like 8x10", 16x20", or 24x36". (Learn more about: custom vs. standard sizes.) Who Will Do the Work? Another factor that can greatly affect the price of a picture frame is who puts it into the frame. Will you be bringing the artwork to a framer, or taking the frame home and fitting the artwork yourself? Fitting at a frame shop often costs around 20% of the total price, but if you don't have the space, time, or the supplies (like the proper tape, or compressed air), it might be worth the extra money to avoid the hassle and ensure it is done correctly. How Important is the Artwork? Do you need to have it archivally framed, or are regular materials suitable? Conservation framing - also called preservation framing - involves a framing process that uses only acid-free materials and reversible methods (ie: no gluing to the backing board). This can be extremely costly. If you have an inexpensive print to hang in an area you might redecorate in a few years, it's probably not worth paying for all the required extras. Save that additional expense for those really special pieces, like originals or limited edition prints that might increase in value over the years. Testing has shown it can take up to 100 years for the acids in wood frames and regular matboard to affect paper artwork, so unless you're planning to pass the piece on as an heirloom, you may as well stick with regular. Read more in the Preservation Framing section, below. At KeenART Media we don't offer conservation framing, but we do offer some of the materials. UV-Filtering Plexiglass and Acid-Free Foamboard price calculator. Metal picture frames. Conservation and Museum Core matboard.

Choose a frame comparable in price to the art. Will you do the frame fitting yourself?

FRAMES BASED ON STYLE

In addition to the personal factors, the type of frame you buy will also affect the final cost of your picture frame. Custom Vs. Standard As mentioned above, standard picture frames generally cost less than custom. This is because standard frames - common sizes like 8x10" and 16x20" - can be mass produced in factories. They are often, but not always, constructed of lower quality materials than custom frames, and are more likely to have nicks or defects. Custom frames, on the other hand, are made exactly to your specifications, when you order them. You will generally have to wait a few days for the framer to construct a custom frame. Aside from getting exactly the size you need, custom frames can be useful if you need a frame face that isn't common for that size, even if it's a standard size. For instance, a little 8x10" frame with a six inch face is more difficult to find than one with a popular two inch face. Keep in mind if you order your frame from a custom shop, you probably won't receive a discount just because it's a standard size. Every frame is cut and constructed from scratch, so it doesn't matter if you've requested a 8x10" or a 11x12" frame - you're paying for the attention and labor of a professional framer. Frame Material What the frame is made out of will also affect the price. Plastic frames tend to be the least expensive, followed by metal, and then solid wood. There are some very high quality plastic frames available today, that look just like wood when hanging on the wall. They're a great option for keeping your framing budget down. Metal frames tend to be quite modern in style, and the frame face is generally quite narrow. It's significant to note, however, that metal frames are a good option for conservation framing: as long as the frame has been anodized rather than painted, it is completely - and naturally - acid free. See our selection of metal frames. Solid wood remains the favorite of most art lovers, however. Available these days in every conceivable size, shape, color, and finish, wood frames are often more sturdy than plastic, and offer more variation than metal (plus, no sharp edges). We offer more than 400 solid wood frames in five different price brackets. Frame Contents Glazing These days, acrylic glass in picture frames can actually cost more than real glass in some cases. Acrylic (such as Plexiglass) is often used in professional galleries and museums in place of real glass, which is heavier and causes more damage if it breaks. Picture frames from custom frame shops will always be outfitted with good quality glass or acrylic. Inexpensive standard frames, however, may have paper thin glass which may have defects, and chips and breaks easily, or "plexiglass" which is really no different from the clear plastic used on overhead projectors. If you're not sure what you're getting, either ask the framer directly - they'll be able to tell you the material and thickness of the glazing they use - or, if you're in a retail store, ask if you can open the frame to check the glazing. If it's high quality, glass or acrylic doesn't matter (unless you have a personal preference), but you will want to make sure it's not paper thin. Mats and Backing Don't be fooled by standard frames charging considerably more because they include a mat. Check the quality of the mat to make sure it meets your standards, and decide whether the color (there are hundreds of shades of white) even matches your artwork. And make sure it's the right size, too! If it's not quite what you need, a different frame might be cheaper - use the money you save to buy the right mat. Backing isn't necessarily as important as the mat or glazing, but don't overlook it. If the hooks are attached to the backing and it is very flimsy cardboard, you may want to opt for a different frame, or pick up some hangers you can screw into the frame itself, so your artwork doesn't eventually fall off the wall. Also ensure the backing is secure in the frame, and can't slip out.

Custom vs. standard frames Metal frames are often less expensive than wood Mats are available in various qualities and thicknesses

FRAMES BASED ON PURCHASE LOCATION

Along with personal preference and the style of frame, where you choose to purchase your frame will also have some bearing on the cost. Chain Stores Stores such as Walmat and Target generally offer the lowest price picture frames. This doesn't mean they are necessarily of poor quality, but they will definitely be standard sizes, and probably only the most popular frame faces (ie: no wide-faced, small frames). Frames from these locations will generally be plastic with wood veneer, or wood fiberboard. Often only very basic frame styles will have multiple size and color choices. Otherwise each style will be limited to one size and one color. Average price for an 8x10" picture frame from Walmart: $10. Art Supply Stores (Usually a chain) Retail stores such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby are the next step up in picture framing. While some locations do offer custom frames, their standard frames will likely be of a higher quality than a regular chain store, and in the middle price range. Their pre-made standard frames may be solid wood, as well as various metals and perhaps some plastic. The frames are still mass produced, however, and should be examined for defects before buying. It is unlikely there will be many color or size choices for each style. Average price for an 8x10" picture frame from Hobby Lobby: $25. Online Custom Frame Shops Online frame shops - like us - offer custom framing at the quality of local custom frame shops, for a lower price (at least, they should). They're able to do this by working from a warehouse in an industrial district rather than a storefront in a prime real estate center. This often allows them to have a larger working space - more mouldings on hand - and reach a wider audience - not just local. In addition, online frame shops are able to order frame mouldings (lengths of wood or metal up to 14 feet long, which they then cut to size) in large quantities - much the same way chain stores can order large quantities of standard frames. This allows the online shops to offer better deals on high quality products and custom services. Though the frames and contents (mats, glazing, backing boards, etc) are of good quality, the customer does give up the chance to see the selection in person. They must rely on the website's images, and can request frame samples prior to placing a full order. Some online frame shops - like us - will offer custom framing if the customer sends in their artwork, in addition to shipping out custom frames for customers to fit themselves. Other online stores only offer frame construction. Average price for an 8x10" picture frame from KeenART Media: $40. Local Custom Frame Shops These storefront locations are generally the most expensive option, but they have good reason to be. A local frame shop must be open regularly so customers can walk in. They must make the time to talk with the customer, review their artwork, and help them choose the best picture frame, mat, and other contents. They may also offer other services such as shadow box arrangements, personalization, and multiple-opening mats. Shopping at a neighborhood frame shop means supporting a local business, and being treated to a one-on-one, personalized experience from someone who is trained in framing styles and methods. For that reason - as well as the high quality of the materials - they pay a premium price. Local shops may have fewer mouldings in stock - due to space restraints - so it can take as long as a couple of weeks for your order to be completed. Alternately, they may ship your artwork out to a contractor to complete certain services. If you are concerned about your artwork, always be sure to ask if it will be leaving the frame shop at any time. Average price for an 8x10" picture frame from a local frame shop: $70. Note: It is not advisable to purchase a standard size like 8x10" from a custom frame shop, either online or local, and most custom shops will advise you of this. Ideally, you would save the custom framing for odd picture sizes or very unique style requirements!) Other Considerations An important thing to keep in mind when ordering a custom frame - whether from a local business or online - is the return policy. Generally, custom frames cannot be returned, or there will be a limit on the refund they can provide. Because the frame size and style is unique to your artwork, the business is unlikely to sell the frame to someone else. Most custom frames are final sale. Standard frames, on the other hand, can often be returned if your artwork does not fit or the frame does not match your decor. Frame sizes can also break the mold in the standard vs. custom debate. While a small standard frame is almost always cheaper than a custom-made standard-size frame, a large standard frame may not be cheaper than a large custom frame. Because standard frames are often constructed in and shipped from overseas factories in places like China or India, the shipping costs for very large frames can be quite high. As a result, chain stores may charge a premium for large frames, or not stock them at all. Though this factor may not be advertised to the customer, the manufacturing location of the picture frame or moulding can also affect the price. If the frame was constructed in China, it will most likely be less costly than a frame made in the USA. (I'm referring here to the place where the wood was cut, and shaped, and painted, not just where the frame was assembled.)

Chain department stores sell the least expensive frames Art supply stores sell mid-priced frames. Online shops like KeenART Media sell custom for less. Local frame shops offer more expensive custom framing.

PRESERVATION FRAMING

Framing your artwork using preservation (conservation) methods requires a lot of specialty products, extra time, and training. Not surprisingly, these additional aspects add to the framing cost. This price comparison gives you an idea of the extra costs involved in conservation methods: Product for 8x10" Artwork Regular Conservation Window Mat $8 $11-15 Acrylic Glazing $11 $16 Foam Backing $4 $5 In addition to these products, the framer must use conservation methods, which include sealing wooden frames, hinging art with special tissue, and acid-free tape to seal the frame. Often, specific training is required before conservation framing can be offered. All these factors result in a much higher cost for the framing process, so it's important to consider whether you really require conservation framing for your general home decor pieces.

At KeenART Media, we offer more than 400 wood picture frame mouldings, as well as metal frames, various colors and grades of matboard, and fine art prints, custom cut and built to your specifications. If you have questions about any of our services or products, don't hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist with answers, advice, or suggestions.