We get phone calls and emails every day asking about the various aspects of picture framing. Having encountered recurring questions repeatedly, we have compiled a comprehensive list of picture-framing frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much does custom framing cost?
Size is usually the most important aspect of the price –the bigger your art is, the more expensive the framing will be. The fact that you bought a massive painting in Bali for $49 does not mean the framing will be cheap, too. On the flip side, if you bought a Picasso the framing will be a fraction of the price you paid for the art.
And then there’s the frame you choose. When people call us asking for a quote we usually base the price on something in basic black – the simplest, cheapest way to frame the artwork. This a good starting point for what you can expect to pay – and things go up from there.
When framing something like a university degree, for example, your choice of a frame could mean the difference between the job costing $150 or $300.
Glass is also a factor in the price. We quote people based on regular glass unless they are asking for something else. We stock 7 different kinds of glass –from regular to UV to museum glass and each one is a different price.
Matting affects the price, too. Framing something with matting around it always makes things more expensive because it makes everything bigger. If we frame an 8-1/2 x 11” university degree without matting the frame will be the same size as the degree. If we put, say 2 inches of matting all around it, then you now have a larger frame, a larger piece of glass and a layer of matting. All of that adds to the cost. And maybe you want to use a double mat. Or triple mat. Or a velvet or fabric mat…
Do you stretch canvas?
Yes, we do. We build a wooden frame to fit your canvas. Then we stretch the artwork and staple it to that frame. We cover the staples on the outside edge with black or white fabric tape, put a wire on the back and you’re good to go. You can now hang the piece on your wall as it is, or add a frame to complete the look.
We can also do what’s called a Gallery Wrap. This is a style of stretching where the painting or photo wraps around the sides of the stretcher bar. Most people chose not to add a frame to a gallery-wrapped canvas as the image itself becomes the frame in a way and a proper picture frame at this point would cover that.
Do you make mirrors?
Yes. We can put a mirror in just about any of our frames. However, the frame you choose must be sturdy enough to support the weight of the glass. And mirror glass is heavy. So if you want a big custom-framed mirror for your dining room, it will need to have a fairly hefty frame around it to support that glass.
And yes, we can do bevelled mirrors, too.
How long does it take?
Our usual turn-around time is a week-and-a-half to 2 weeks, depending on how busy we are. If you need something sooner, we can often accommodate a rush job.
Can you deliver?
Yes, we can deliver. Many people bring artwork that is rolled up in a tube. Once we frame it, it no longer fits in their car. If it will fit in the company vehicle, we can deliver for a small fee.
Do you hang pictures?
Yes. We can hang your artwork or install that mirror for a fee.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, we have an appointment system for incoming orders. book it here or give us a call and we’ll set up a time: 604-738-0017