Darkroom prints -- where can I get frames...

Roy Keane said:

I didn't see a more fitting forum (sorry if I missed it) for this: I'm printing a lot of 7.5"x7.5" b&w prints. I want to, like, actually frame them instead of just keeping them in a "done" pile on the bed in the spare room.

I have a mat cutter...now I'm looking for the best, reasonably inexpensive option for frames and glass in the DUMB size of 12x12, especially if they discount for bulk. I don't need mats, I don't need foam board (I mean, I need them but I don't have to acquire them at the moment). Just the wood, or fake wood, and the glass. I'll assemble them, even. I just don't want to have to saw or paint anything.

So....anyone know a great place for all of the above? I have not found one that doesn't seem really expensive for four pieces of wood and some glass.

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RalphLambrecht said:

the best and most flexible, albeit most expensive, frames are the German magnetic Halbe frames. They are perfect for frequently changing print displays.For pure storage, an archival box will do and costs the least.BY THE WAY, small pints, such as 5x7 look great and very precious in large oversized frames.
good luck.

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dpurdy said:

Yes framing is quite a problem. I like to have my own prints around in frames. I shop department stores or a craft shop called Michaels that have standard sized frames that go on sale regularly especially around Christmas you can get them at 2 for one prices or 40% off. The problem is that you are stuck with standard sizes. I want my frames to hold 12x15" mats and they just aren't available cheaply. Still. that is the size I most like for my work. I am looking into using a table saw and miter saw and learn to make my own. The only way to get what I want at an affordable price.

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RalphLambrecht said:

the best and most flexible, albeit most expensive, frames are the German magnetic Halbe frames. They are perfect for frequently changing print displays.For pure storage, an archival box will do and costs the least.BY THE WAY, small pints, such as 5x7 look great and very precious in large oversized frames.
good luck.

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jeffreyg said:

try American Frame
https://www.americanframe.com/

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

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Kino said:

You're gonna laugh, but take a trip down to your local Dollar Tree and have a look. Most have actual glass, which is always a plus, but some are surprisingly good for the price and I don't think you can find anything less expensive...

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mklw1954 said:

Check out https://www.pfile.com/product/j-ff-12/12x12-Picture-Frames (their MCS format frame). I have used these inexpensive black plastic/glass frames (8x10 and 11x14) because of the quantity I use (15 b&w and 15 color prints on two living room walls), cost, the ease in changing the prints out, which I do frequently, and they look nice on the wall. They do have quantity discounts. Of course, being plastic, they're not the sturdiest, and if you drop one it will likely crack, but they've met my needs.

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bdial said:

Frame Destination is good. They've been a Photrio sponsor, not sure if they currently are.
Good prices and a good range of products.
https://www.framedestination.com

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Roy Keane said:

I didn't see a more fitting forum .

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pentaxuser said:

I'd say that a "fitting forum" sounds about the right place for questions on picture frames

pentaxuser

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MattKing said:

The Presentation and Marketing sub-forum would be a good choice: https://www.photrio.com/forum/forums/presentation-marketing.90/
As it is a "general" forum, your thread will also catch the eye of the relatively few purely digital photographers here.
Post here if you would like a moderator to move the thread.
I too like 12"x12" frames, and have been really quite happy with these from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gallery-Perfect-Decorative-Hanging-Template/dp/B00KY08L52/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=GALLERY+PERFECT+9+Piece+Black+Square+Photo+Frame+Wall+Gallery+Kit+#14FW1018&qid=1629393302&sr=8-1
They are best suited for hanging on a wall or putting on a stand.
And they are a lot cheaper through Amazon.com then Amazon.ca.

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Don Heisz said:

12x12 frames are extremely common due to scrapbookers: that's the size page they normally make and they like to frame them, sometimes.

I have bought frames (clip frames, for the most part) from Dollar stores specifically to get the glass to use in a frame I was making. That glass is very thin, so very easy to cut without breaking.

The location, however, to get premium frames and glass for low prices: thrift stores. You can get the very best glass there, sometimes (anti-glare glass is what I'm talking about).

Making a picture frame is as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. I tend to make mine with hardboard backs inset. Like all woodworking, it's a matter of doing the operations in the correct order and knowing how to make a joint that doesn't fall apart.

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