Poster framing question...

The Akkus

Anyone ever get their posters framed and matted at a chain Arts and Crafts place like Michael's or Hobby Lobby? If so, how did they do and was the price reasonable? Thank you

RoleModelsinBlood31

I have had tons done at hobby lobby. They often have 50% off sales and I used coupons as well. Each though probably cost me about $50- $70 I'm guessing- it's been a while now...

Of the 8 or so I have framed though, 3 of the prints slid inside the frame while
hanging. Kinda pissed me off. I haven't been back to check if they'll fix them for free or what.

PH20

I've had good luck with Michaels. Have to go in there with a 60% off coupon at least, however. They are available pretty much most of the time, just look online.

The last four I got framed I asked for the cheapest frame and I did one matte. They each ran me right around $100. It would probably be a little cheaper with no matte.

I did the Toronto Moose with an upgraded frame and three mattes, and it cost me around $225.

The Akkus

Thanks for the response!

juddboz80

I did my Ames wrigley poster at hobby lobby....double matted with museum glass with a really sweet frame....cost me $225 and that was with the frame 1/2 off....turned out really great tho and I was very happy with them....have gone back since and had a few others done and depending on size and glass they've been $75 to $150....but if u have a poster of great value and want it done nicely plan on spending a couple hundred!

RoleModelsinBlood31 said:

I have had tons done at hobby lobby. They often have 50% off sales and I used coupons as well. Each though probably cost me about $50- $70 I'm guessing- it's been a while now...

Of the 8 or so I have framed though, 3 of the prints slid inside the frame while
hanging. Kinda pissed me off. I haven't been back to check if they'll fix them for free or what.

I would imagine they would fix them for free but that's better than the poster being dry mounted!

Lftdaporch

I did a few at michaels. But after figuring pricing and etc. I changed how I do it. I pick out a decent frame and then just have them cut me a matte to fit. I then frame myself.

The Akkus

How hard was it to frame yourself?

Brane_of_JFK

americanframe.com is the best IMO

MedozK

juddboz80 said:

I did my Ames wrigley poster at hobby lobby....double matted with museum glass with a really sweet frame....cost me $225 and that was with the frame 1/2 off....turned out really great tho and I was very happy with them....have gone back since and had a few others done and depending on size and glass they've been $75 to $150....but if u have a poster of great value and want it done nicely plan on spending a couple hundred!

I'm a Hobby Lobby guy also.

cmarch007

I've done multiple posters at Michael's. I typically wait for the 80% off coupon in the mail (which I just got one for this month). They must know that I went to shows in 3 cities this fall and need some work done.

The results have been great and they took a good amount of time getting something that looked great for each individual poster. I usually have them finished and back within 10-14 days too.

The Akkus

cmarch007 said:

I've done multiple posters at Michael's. I typically wait for the 80% off coupon in the mail (which I just got one for this month). They must know that I went to shows in 3 cities this fall and need some work done.

The results have been great and they took a good amount of time getting something that looked great for each individual poster. I usually have them finished and back within 10-14 days too.

Thanks Mr. March. Are you on a mailing list for Michaels or is it just in the circular?

pea64

I usually just order a custom mat from http://www.wholesalematboards.com/ and buy a frame on sale from Michael's. Its costs about 40 total for a single mat and frame and looks pretty good.

cmarch007

The Akkus said:

cmarch007 said:

I've done multiple posters at Michael's. I typically wait for the 80% off coupon in the mail (which I just got one for this month). They must know that I went to shows in 3 cities this fall and need some work done.

The results have been great and they took a good amount of time getting something that looked great for each individual poster. I usually have them finished and back within 10-14 days too.

Thanks Mr. March. Are you on a mailing list for Michaels or is it just in the circular?

We're on their mailing list, but hit up their website. They have access to their coupons / deals on there too.

skinnyportagee

Brane_of_JFK said:

americanframe.com is the best IMO

Thanks for the recommendation. Their online frame builder looks really easy to get custom sizing. I just ordered some samples.

FadedGlory

I do a lot of my own matwork and framing, but sometimes, if you work the sales and coupons right at Hobby Lobby, it really pays to have the true pros do it for me instead. Three of my four Wrigley posters last year were able to be worked into a more common size frame. I did triple matting on those, all black top mats and coordinated colors with the prints for the second and third mats. I did regular glass. And because they were just cutting one opening per mat, three of the four cost me only about $18 more each for THEM to do it perfectly than for me to cut the mats at home and do it myself. (The Cracker Jack Shuss print was an odd size, and because of that I had to do a custom frame instead of a standard size, and that one ran me $190. The others were all in the $70 range.)

My trick is: A) Wait for their every-other-week sale on their standard wall frames at 50 percent off. Those come with regular glass already, and it's easy to back an 18x24 poster into a 22x28 frame; gives you 2 inches of matboard all around. A more odd size, like an Ames 19x26ish, it still can be done with a 24x30 frame. Or, in the in between weeks, I get their open-back wood frames for 50 percent off. Then I use their 40 percent off coupon on the glass for it. That usually can turn into about $70 to have them cut the mats (at least two), properly mount the thing, paper back it, and install the wire properly. It's well worth it.

My next big project is going to be a true test for them, though: Moline poster up top, and underneath a 5x7 photo from the show, my ticket, my GA wristband, the sticker, and the button.

EZcomeEZgo

Wow. $70 is great. I've had a few things framed up at Michaels and it's almost always $150-$200 with the sale. The last tour, I started framing everything myself using materials from FramesByMail.com or Craig Frames. They have great kits but you don't get real glass, just plexi. Still, those were way less expensive than Michaels.

The Akkus

Has anyone here framed the 3 PJ20 posters themself? If so, what size frames did you use? Does anyone know the exact sizes of the posters? I hear that ebean can be a little off on poster sizes. Thanks!

MayDay10

I have done a few methods.

American Frame is good, but you cant be 100% sure on the colors based on the computer monitor. The frames for DIY also dont have to seamless "finished" look of Michaels. I have also had a couple prints come loose in transport.

Michaels is pricey, especially if you soup it up... but they do a great job. You go in and actually consult with the framers and pick and choose your frames and mats.

The Akkus

Such great feedback guys. Thanks. Im not looking to break the bank, but not looking for something that is just OK either. I met my wife at PJ20, finally aquired the final 2 posters i needed, and once framed, all 3 will be on our dining room wall.

breylan

Be sure to ask about how they mount the print if you have someone do it, the standard is to affix it to the backing board so it won't slide around, but this can also be somewhat permanent. Most shops will use archival 'corners' to hold the print in place if you want to be sure you can get it back out at some point ..

The Akkus

Thanks man!

Brane_of_JFK

breylan said:

Be sure to ask about how they mount the print if you have someone do it, the standard is to affix it to the backing board so it won't slide around, but this can also be somewhat permanent. Most shops will use archival 'corners' to hold the print in place if you want to be sure you can get it back out at some point ..

Best way, imo, is to use acid-free paper to stabilize the print to the back of the bottom mat. I'm actually framing up a couple posters this evening from americanframe, so I can post pics. Nothing is glued/taped to the print itself, only the mat and it keeps gravity from moving the print.

jason_94

I also use American Frame for all of mine. I always recommend them especially for the price & ease of putting them together.

I do have the luxury of having their business located 5-10 minutes down the street. I don't have to worry about figuring out colors on the computer because I just go there with my posters and use their samples to pick what I want.

The people that work there are great & very helpful also.

Brane_of_JFK

jason_94 said:

I also use American Frame for all of mine. I always recommend them especially for the price & ease of putting them together.

I do have the luxury of having their business located 5-10 minutes down the street. I don't have to worry about figuring out colors on the computer because I just go there with my posters and use their samples to pick what I want.

The people that work there are great & very helpful also.

Lucky you, closest place I have near me is Michaels, and they wanted to charge me over $70 for a 10x18 custom mat...the mat ONLY!
I can't figure it out on the site, but do you know if AF does custom mats with more than 1 cut? I want to get my Baltimore setlist, sticker and ticket framed up, but there is no option to have multiple cuts within the same mat. I suppose I could simply make the bottom part of the mat larger and attach the sticker and ticket directly to the mat, but I'd rather have openings and attach to the back like I would with any poster.

jason_94

Brane_of_JFK said:

jason_94 said:

I also use American Frame for all of mine. I always recommend them especially for the price & ease of putting them together.

I do have the luxury of having their business located 5-10 minutes down the street. I don't have to worry about figuring out colors on the computer because I just go there with my posters and use their samples to pick what I want.

The people that work there are great & very helpful also.

Lucky you, closest place I have near me is Michaels, and they wanted to charge me over $70 for a 10x18 custom mat...the mat ONLY!
I can't figure it out on the site, but do you know if AF does custom mats with more than 1 cut? I want to get my Baltimore setlist, sticker and ticket framed up, but there is no option to have multiple cuts within the same mat. I suppose I could simply make the bottom part of the mat larger and attach the sticker and ticket directly to the mat, but I'd rather have openings and attach to the back like I would with any poster.

Yes, they can do multiple cuts on 1 mat. I have my ticket stub at the bottom of some of mine & it's cut out for that. I'm on my phone right now so I can't post pictures. I did post some in the framed thread but I don't remember what pages they were on.

I would call them & explain what you want to do & they should be able to help you out.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Brane_of_JFK

jason_94 said:

Brane_of_JFK said:

jason_94 said:

I also use American Frame for all of mine. I always recommend them especially for the price & ease of putting them together.

I do have the luxury of having their business located 5-10 minutes down the street. I don't have to worry about figuring out colors on the computer because I just go there with my posters and use their samples to pick what I want.

The people that work there are great & very helpful also.

Lucky you, closest place I have near me is Michaels, and they wanted to charge me over $70 for a 10x18 custom mat...the mat ONLY!
I can't figure it out on the site, but do you know if AF does custom mats with more than 1 cut? I want to get my Baltimore setlist, sticker and ticket framed up, but there is no option to have multiple cuts within the same mat. I suppose I could simply make the bottom part of the mat larger and attach the sticker and ticket directly to the mat, but I'd rather have openings and attach to the back like I would with any poster.

Yes, they can do multiple cuts on 1 mat. I have my ticket stub at the bottom of some of mine & it's cut out for that. I'm on my phone right now so I can't post pictures. I did post some in the framed thread but I don't remember what pages they were on.

I would call them & explain what you want to do & they should be able to help you out.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks!