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

[Roy Keane]

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.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

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.

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.

 

[Roy Keane]

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.

Yeah, those are really beautiful, but I don't think my prints have earned that nice of a frame yet.

 

[dpurdy]

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.

 

[Roy Keane]

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.

Well, at least you've confirmed what I've found -- Michaels, etc. are a less expensive option than online providers. (Kohls, oddly enough, also seems to have frequent frame sales).

I guess i just assumed there would be some killer, inexpensive web source for just the individual parts. Oh well

 

[Roy Keane]

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.

BTW, Ralph...I'm sure you get this all the time, but your book really helped to demystify things as I start to learn about working with film (let alone printing in the darkroom). Fantastic.

 

[jeffreyg]

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

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

 

[Roy Keane]

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

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

Thanks Jeffrey - will check it out

 

[Kino]

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...

 

[Roy Keane]

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...

Great idea, actually. Seems like, if you don’t want to spend $30 per frame, might as well go super cheap. Not a lot in between

 

[mklw1954]

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.

 

[Roy Keane]

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.

thanks - will check it out

 

[bdial]

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

 

[Roy Keane]

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

Seems bonkers expensive

 

[pentaxuser]

I didn't see a more fitting forum .

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

pentaxuser

 

[Pieter12]

Dick Blick, maybe.

 

[Roy Keane]

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

pentaxuser

Top class dad joke

 

[mshchem]

My Dearly Departed Dad made frames for me. Table saw , router mounted upside down in a table. He also made some super simple frames with scrap crating material, worm holes and all.

Depending on how handy you are with tools.

 

[MattKing]

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-Perf...l+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.

 

[logan2z]

I've never bought from these guys so can't vouch for the quality, but they carry a variety of 12"x12" frames and their prices seem fairly reasonable.

https://www.frameusa.com/

 

[Don_ih]

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.

 

[Roy Keane]

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.

I was just looking at those very frames....thanks for tip!

 

[Roy Keane]

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.

Thrift stores....another good call

 

[MattKing]

Also look for record album frames - they too are a "thing".

 

[removed account4]

dollar store, family dollar, dollar tree all have inexpensive frames, and if you live near and ocean state job lot, they do too.
not sure if they are as big as you print .. ikea also sells frames that are affordable.
you might also look into "gallery clips" all you need is a mat board cut and a sheet of glass. its no frame, but its useful for presentation...
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/ambi...rRSATj59aajz3rXgOFbb417gybYKHfHBoCtDgQAvD_BwE
if you search "gallery clips". you will find other places that sell them too...