Topic: Printing then Framing suggestions

[Verian]

I am looking into getting a few prints done, which would be square, 18x18 ish, probably colour, from my own scans of a MF negative (does 18x18 seem too large?). The prints would most likely be done on-line, so upload the files and then wait. Then (or at the same time) framed in a simple black frame with a white mount.

Does anybody have any suggestions/advice as the best/favourite place to try an achieve this? Or any pitfalls etc. Oh, this would be for the UK.

Many thanks.

[zapsnaps]

Hi

My only suggestion would be the mount - beware of 'white' - you really need an off-white as stark white can make the highlights in the photo look dull.

[Francois]

If you want the ultimate in neutrality, get a middle gray neutral mat board. This is the only way I know of that doesn't make the print appear overly light or overly dark.

[gsgary]

I'm lucky about 2 miles from where I live  I can get large prints and a mount cut for £10

[LT]

Daler board snow white is perfect, and archival but it does yellow over time. Silverprint museum board is more expensive much thicker but does not discolour. It's my choice for mount board.

Is 18x18 too big? Depends on what the units are!  18" is quite a large print.

[kentish cob]

I run a small framing business (that is... a small business making frames, not a business making small frames... ) and for what it's worth, here's my thoughts...

Good quality framing ain't cheap. You gets what you pays for, and I'm sure we've all seen some shocking quality framing. If you're not doing it yourself, find someone with a good reputation who you can trust, and ask them questions. If they're good, they'll be able to offer invaluable advice.

Simple black frames are a classic look and well suited to photographs, but don't discount other styles. There's some really nice mouldings on the market that will present your pictures beautifully. If it's a reasonable sized frame (and 18" sq print plus mount width is getting on for "reasonable" size), don't go for a really thin moulding, they can tend to twist along the length. With the weight of the glass, a frame can be surprisingly heavy, and a wider / deeper moulding will make a stronger frame.

On the subject of glass, there's loads of different types, ranging from cheap and cheerful to heart-stoppingly expensive. Most framers should have some samples that can be laid over your prints to show the clarity. Standard glass has a green tint which may alter the tone of your pictures. Waterwhite glass doesn't have this but is more expensive.
 
I'd echo zapsnaps with regards to white mountboard. A look at any mountboard catalogue will show you probably a dozen or so variations on the "white" theme... I'd look towards an antique white, which is softer and a little more neutral in tone than a "bright white". Once the colour/shade is decided, the main consideration is quality. Low quality board will turn yellow / brown on the cut bevel after a while, so go for conservation grade board at the very minimum, or museum grade if you want to spend a little more. 

Apologies if I've rambled on a bit, but I hope I've given you some useful info.

[Mike (happyforest)]

Have a look at

https://www.pictureframesexpress.co.uk/

They offer a range of frames\mounts and bespoke sizes.

I have not used them and cannot speak for the quality of their work.

They are based in Coventry.

Mike

[Francois]

If you want to see something out of this world, check out the comparison sampler between regular ar glass and museum quality ar glass...

[Verian]

Thanks all, great advice. I think I should maybe go a little smaller, maybe 16x16 or 14x14. They need to be large but I don't want to overdo it. There will be three on one large wall in my living room. Currently, there is nothing on any of the walls as it's just been decorated.

I have used a professional picture framer before with mixed results. One item is still framed, in fine condition after 20 years, another item, framed at the same time by the same person, fell to pieces, it actually appeared to have woodworm, judging by all the little holes that appeared in it and the way bits of it just crumbled. Which struck me as odd but I don't have another explanation.

I am thinking about £100 for framing but I don't know if that's realistic price, it seems reasonable to me.

(That's per picture)

[kentish cob]

£100 each seems a perfectly reasonable price expectation to me, Verian. But then, I work in a shed at the bottom of the garden, so don't have any overheads...

and the way bits of it just crumbled. Which struck me as odd

Most mouldings are made from plantation grown timber (Ayous - also known as Obeche or Abachi). I guess, being plantation-grown it's a fast growing species. Whether this contributes to ocassional quality variations I really don't know, but sometimes there's parts which are significantly less dense in their structure and have a tendency to crumble when being cut and joined. Common framing terminology for this is "snotwood".! Sounds like that's what you're describing.

Do post a pic when they're done and hung. Always nice to see work nicely presented and on display.

[gsgary]

Does £100 include the print because I can get them printed and framed for less than that

[Verian]

Does £100 include the print because I can get them printed and framed for less than that

There or thereabouts yes. It's a self-imposed budget I suppose.