When your print doesn't fit the frame.

jcmitchell28

Just a regular sized Cliver from Wrigley. Get it home and it's a tad long...maybe a centimeter, but it doesn't fit. Should I take it somewhere to get a tad shaved off the top, or pay a lot more for custom framing?

drakeheuer14

Depends on how much you love it

on2legs

If you plan on selling it someday then don't cut it. Otherwise shave away.

deadendp

Hello, Exacto! Meet Mr. T square! Either have it carefully cut down slightly (take the frame with you to make sure that you got the right amount) or just do it yourself if you have the supplies. I wouldn't hesitate.

jcmitchell28

Thanks guys. Tough call. I'll never sell it!

Ray J. T.

I don't think I could ever bring myself to cutting the poster.

RP112579

I put my Cliver in a frame yesterday, and it fit perfectly. Interesting.

EM194007

You could always trim the opening of the frame lip as well, assuming it's a wood frame, it wouldn't be hard.

EM194007

RP112579 said:

I put my Cliver in a frame yesterday, and it fit perfectly. Interesting.

Not all frames are built exactly perfect these days. That's why I said if it's wood. Take a sharp knife and trim a little bit of the wood away, especially if it's only about a centimeter.

deadendp

Ray J. T. said:

I don't think I could ever bring myself to cutting the poster.

I'm an artist so whacking off a lil from the edge isn't as scary for me as some.

goingonsix

The Wrigley FAILE print doesn't fit a standard 18x24 either. Gonna need a shave.

shetellsherself

Ray J. T. said:

I don't think I could ever bring myself to cutting the poster.

Same.

SJD3232

I'd never cut a print of mine. It sounds like you're going for a pretty basic frame job which wouldn't be too expensive at a frame shop. Good luck..

phan84

I'd never cut a print - it would just be painful doing so

deftones

Ray J. T. said:

I don't think I could ever bring myself to cutting the poster.

mikeliska

If taking 30s to shave a cm off my print is the difference between fitting it in a standard frame and paying hundreds and waiting weeks for a custom frame, hand me that X-acto every time.

deadendp

It's just paper and it is just a minor shave. It's not a cut across the middle! I promise, you aren't stabbing it or anything. I would certainly prefer to shave off a centimeter rather than spend an extra hundred or so for a custom frame to make sure that extra centimeter of white fit. I get that people feel a lil uncertain about taking a blade to a $35 print. I promise, it isn't that big of a deal though. If you lived around here, I'd have you swing by and I would handle it for you. Smile included with every shave!

a5pj

this thread just feels like blasphemy with all the serious poster collectors around here. But at the same time makes a lot of sense, it's just a $35 poster lol

deadendp

a5pj said:

this thread just feels like blasphemy with all the serious poster collectors around here. But at the same time makes a lot of sense, it's just a $35 poster lol

If it was a one shot run, a one of a kind and never another-- I'd get the romance about keeping every shred of paper intact. However, it is a larger run print, not the variant, so it wouldn't hold me back. I would consider the variant a lil differently. In the end, if you aren't selling it and just keeping it for yourself, you want to keep costs down, roll with a prefab frame, shave a lil off and save yourself money. If you want to keep all molecules of this paper intact and want to pay more for framing, have at it. Truly, whatever takes you where you need to go and no judgment from me. Honestly, whatever it takes to have it make it to your wall . . . I just hate these things living in poster files. They are meant to be seen and loved and to have you stand in front of them and say, "Damn! That was a great show!"

BF89905

deadendp said:

It's just paper and it is just a minor shave. It's not a cut across the middle! I promise, you aren't stabbing it or anything. I would certainly prefer to shave off a centimeter rather than spend an extra hundred or so for a custom frame to make sure that extra centimeter of white fit. I get that people feel a lil uncertain about taking a blade to a $35 print. I promise, it isn't that big of a deal though. If you lived around here, I'd have you swing by and I would handle it for you. Smile included with every shave!

I agree.... if the cutting is done while taking one's time, the difference will be negligible. O what makes you happy.... and what seems financially appropriate

jcmitchell28

Thanks for all of the feedback. I never considered altering the frame. May try that first.
I've tried it in multiple frames and it's slightly too big for all of them. Guess I just go the end cut.
At least this gives me a project for the weekend.

deadendp

jcmitchell28 said:

Thanks for all of the feedback. I never considered altering the frame. May try that first.
I've tried it in multiple frames and it's slightly too big for all of them. Guess I just go the end cut.
At least this gives me a project for the weekend.

Given the handcrafted nature of things, I would bet that if you give this poster a bit of a measure, it probably measures out a lil big. So, if you trim off a lil excess and it finishes at 18 x 24, resale shouldn't be an issue as long as the cut was clean and even.

deadendp

And yes I know that you said that you weren't looking to sell it. I wouldn't say not to mention a slight trim if you were to sell it, but if it is then brought to standard size, it shouldn't be an issue.

shecky

How about you buy a standard 22" x 28" frame and have a mat cut (or do it yourself) to fit the poster?
That way you'd have a nice looking 1" border on all sides of the poster without damaging the poster.
I frame all of my posters like this myself and it costs me around $60. each for a really professional look and a well-protected poster.
I would NEVER trim a piece of artwork, there is always a better option than that.

jcmitchell28

You just use an exacto knife to cut the mat?

phan84

Have you considered going to Michaels and getting a custom frame? They have coupons a lot. If it is really an important poster to you- getting a custom frame could be cool.

shecky

jcmitchell28 said:

You just use an exacto knife to cut the mat?

Just youtube "picture framing" and you'll learn everything you need to know.

deadendp

jcmitchell28 said:

You just use an exacto knife to cut the mat?

Yup. A good, sharp one. I have the one that looks kind of like a pen. The end twists so you can pull the blade out to change it. Use a cork backed metal ruler and keep your fingers out of the way. Make sure you measure first and mark lightly with pencil. (People are cringing as they read this.)