Now this often-asked question “how much does it cost to frame a picture?” is easy to answer IF we know all the details about the picture or artwork that needs to be framed. What pleases us is that just asking this question means that you have already decided that you would like something framed and wish to find out more. You have arrived at the right place to embark on this journey of what we expect is your first time having something professionally framed.
The cost of framing anything depends on certain things:
Artwork type
Different types of artworks require different process to arrive at a successful framing result. Is artwork a painted canvas? Is it rolled up in a tube or already stretched onto a wooden rim? Are we talking about a work on paper? Is then that paper of a thick handmade kind or translucent? Is it a photograph? And does that photograph have a standard satin finish or is it super glossy? Is the picture you have in mind a digital image that you would like us to print? Was it taken with a phone or a high-end camera? What is the resolution? Et cetera.
Artwork size
Size is a major component of “how much does it cost to frame a picture?” Generally, the larger something is the more materials it will need and therefore the cost increases proportionally. Here at SohoFrames we frame anything from passport-sized photographs and strips to large photographs and paintings with a maximum frame size of 2000mm x 1.500mm. One or tice we have framed larger artworks off-site at the hanging location. The photograph attached to this blog shows one such piece, which we framed in a art dealer’s gallery surrounded by old masters…a nerve-wracking experience! As you can see, it is pretty large (and wonderful if we might say).
Framing style
This means how you would like the artwork presented. There are four main styles; straight to edge, window mounted, flat floated, shadow floated. Then there are canvases that can either be framed in a tray or canvas floater frame (link) or “conventionally” in a frame with a lip or rebat. These frames can either be also glazed or finished without glass. There are also other elements that can be added. Floated works should always have a spacer to keep the glass off the work. Window mounted works do not need one but are sometimes requested foe aesthetic reasons. Clicking HERE will take you to a page that has visuals of each style. Just click on the relevant descriptions.
Materials
These includes the following:
Frame type. Standard frame, luxury frame, solid wood, custom carved, custom sprayed. Profile size and shape. All have an impact on cost.
Mountboard type and method. We stock several kinds of mountboard in various thicknesses. These can be conservation board, archival board or museum standard board. Mounts can be float or window, or presentation, which can be a combination of the two. We also use Japanese hinging when required, depending on the artwork in question. Then there is glass type, standard or anti-reflective, which comes we offer with three levels of UV protection. We also use acrylic of various types.
Next is the backing and hangings, which are pretty straightforward in terms of costings. Occasionally we are asked to supply frames with special backings like Marine Ply or damp-resistant MDF for example, for frames that will be hung against a cold outside wall.
So there you have it. The answer to “how much does it cost to frame a picture?”! This should guide you through the things we need to know to assemble a quote for a client. We are however, always there however to guide you through the process step-by-step, and you can be assured of the very best customer service. Information is free. So please, any other questions please just ask! There is never any obligation.