Buying Frames

You have just purchased a beautiful painting and now it is time to put it in a frame. If the painting came with a price tag in the thousands of dollars, you are not likely to have sticker shock when you get the quote from the framer. But, let’s say you bought a photograph for around $500 or less. It’s time to show it off in your home. You may be surprised to find that a quality frame, an archival quality mat and museum quality glass could triple or quadruple the cost of your investment. We will get to the reasons for this.

First, let’s examine some inexpensive, low quality options. These are the options that you will find on the shelves at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s or Walmart. Or you may find them at online frame shops. Most of these frames are made with MDF (medium density fiberboard), have non-archival (acid containing) mats that will discolor over time, and reflective glass. MDF products are what most of us would select for short term wall art….the posters we have in our first home or apartment, perhaps some photos of the kids growing up, or an award your received for community service. MDF frames can absorb moisture and distort. They are also more likely to come apart since joints are not as strong. Some of the big box art stores offer custom frames designed in MDF materials. Be sure you know what you are getting. 

Look at the end grain of a frame sample or the back side of a frame to determine if it is MDF. Wood frames will show grain, MDF will not.

Custom frame shops offer the largest selection of wood frame styles and, usually, the highest quality workmanship. This is their job! If your preference is to select a custom frame from a huge wall display of Velcroed corner samples, then buy your artwork without the frame and take it to the shop. Once you make a selection, your cost will be calculated based on the number of feet of material required for the frame. The frame material is then ordered from the manufacturer or distributor. 

It might be helpful to understand how frames are sold on the wholesale level. Frames can be ordered completely assembled, which raises the cost and shipping, but lowers the in shop labor. They can be ordered in lengths to be cut and joined by the shop. Or they can be ordered “chopped” to exact sizes and joined by the shop. Small shops are likely to order materials already assembled or ready to assemble. They are usually custom ordering one frame at a time.

Let’s compare this to a framed piece you purchased from a gallery or at an art fair. The artist takes into consideration a frame design that flatters the artwork, but is not necessarily the best fit for your home or office. In my case, I try to keep frames fairly simple to put more emphasis on the artwork and to appeal (or not “unappeal”) to as many patrons as possible. Most artists are more than happy to change out frames or sell the artwork without a frame so buyers get exactly what they want. 

Many artists receive preferred pricing through a frame shop or online source. A few, such as myself, will build their own frames and buy straight from the distributor. I do this for several reasons. First, the challenge of assembling a frame is an art in itself. Woodworking has always brought pleasure to me. This might not be an option, however, for a very busy artist. A second reason is cost savings. Frame shops buy low quantities...each buyer wants a different frame. I use just a few designs, so it makes sense to buy in larger quantities.

Art in galleries is generally marked up at three to four times the artist’s raw costs which is about double what the artist is paid by the gallery. For most of us, that means that if a frame and glass costs me $400 in raw materials, the increase to you in retail price will need to be around $1500. By buying a “box” quantity of a single frame material, raw costs can be reduced by 60-70%. This is one reason you will see artists display just a few materials selections for their frames.

Frame styles are an individual choice. For the most part, stained wood works best with color photographic prints. These frames should have a width that does not overwhelm the art. You likely want the style to also go with your home decor. Black and white prints can have black painted or stained frames with a simple design. For high key images, a white frame might work. If you have an arrangement of smaller prints on one wall, you can add interest by selecting frames of one color but different face shapes and different widths and depths. Just keep them all fairly narrow and simple if you do this. 

Quality frames go with quality art. Have fun in designing your frames so they show off your artwork purchases and fit in your home! Budget for the frame as well as the artwork.