How to get a cheap custom framing

I’ve held off sharing my tips. I thought that most people would know this trick. But, after seeing my friend spending $350 on a custom frame that looks like IKEA Ribba, I decided to share my tips! Maybe, my tips will help people decorating their space beautifully.

Large picture frames don’t always have to be expensive. There are ways to frame large artworks beautifully at a very low cost. Above painting is sized at 45-inch TV. I was able to frame them for around $50, including frame, mat board and everything.

Approach 1: Regular Picture Frame + Custom Cut Mat Board

The frame above fits my artwork seamlessly. It pretty much look like custom framed artwork. The truth is, the frame is from IKEA. They look great since the mat board (thick, artist white paper between frame and artwork) is customized. They are custom tailored to fit your artwork perfectly.

How difficult is to get a customized mat board?

It’s much easier than you think. All you need to is to get picture frame & artwork dimensions. Order online here and they show up at your door step in days. The task takes no longer than 10 minutes.

It’s very affordable as well. Custom cut mat board usually cost somewhere between $5 — $30, depending on your artwork size. Largest ones (like 45-inch TV sized ones) won’t go beyond $30–40.

With IKEA fame and custom mat board, you can get the framing done for $15 — $50 (even the largest ones). When you consider custom framing largest artworks often cost hundreds, it’s really attractive option. With the money for one custom frame, you can decorate your whole apartment!

Learn more here if you are curious with this approach!

Frames are composed of three parts. Molding (frame itself) & glazing (glass), mat board (a thick white paper between the frame and the artwork), and the back board. You can find them all at an art & crafts store.

Approach 2: Readymade Frames (= Buying Each Frame Parts)

This sounds hard, but it’s really easy, In my opinion, it’s much easier than assembling an IKEA furniture. A frame only composed of three parts, and you can buy all of them from Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, and any other art & craft supply shops.

• First, choose your frame (molding) & glass (glazing)

When you go to an art supply store, you will see bunch of readymade frames (just the picture frame). Select your favorite color & material. On the same section, you can find a precut acrylic or glass fitting the size above. Readymade frames and glasses often come in standard sizes, so it should’t be hard.

• Second, get your mat board

Most art supply stores and frame shops sell mat boards. They cut your mat board according to your dimensions as well. But, a lot of them charge “custom framing prices” for those custom cut mat boards. Also, it will take couple of days for them to cut. You don’t want to go back and pick up in days.

That’s why we recommend online ordering services. You can enter your frame & artwork dimensions here, and it will be delivered to you.

Third, end with a back board

Backboard is the easiest part. It is the last layer of a picture frame. They are usually made with condensed wood chip boards. You can use a thick foam board or paper board to replace them. Depending on your need, you may want to glue your artwork on the board with adhesives (to stretch them properly). It’s pretty easy and straightforward.

The backboard size needs to be matched with frame & glass size (step 1). Again, most of them come in standard sizes, so it wouldn’t be hard.

Above all, by building your own frame, you get to select exactly what you want at a fraction of cost.

Approach 3: Custom framing (but shop around)

It’s expensive, but custom framing is great when done it right. I have done plenty of times myself. When you have an artwork that you know you will keep it for whole life, you should go for custom framing. Frame shops have so many more framing options.

Here are tips on how you can shop around:

• Don’t visit story by store. It’s too much walking & talking. Find the best reviewed picture framing shop on Google or Yelp. Call three of them.
• Give your artwork dimensions. Ask them how much would it cost for them to frame your artwork with cheapest molding with two inch matting. This way, you can gauge the price level of each store in general.
• Try to find framing shops that are around art schools, artist studios, or artsy, hip, industrial area. Artists often select the best value for money. They have keen eyes. Also, the ones that are far way from city center does all the frame manufacturing work themselves. Of course, without a middleman, framing would be much cheaper.
• Ask them if they are willing to give you a discount if you pay them in cash.

Summary

Either way, framing is an exciting experience. You give a birth to your artwork. You fill your space with a new source of energy. Happy Framing! :)