Matting and framing large-ish panoramas

[G.M.B.]

I'm going to be printing some large-ish panoramas that I'd like to matt and frame, and I'm wondering if I'll be able to find matt paper large enough for what I have in mind.

The prints will be 8" x 21", and I'd like to give them at least 3" all around. Does anyone have a matting paper they would recommend? Freestyle doesn't seem to carry any large enough (at least, it is not mentioned in their catalogue). Any ideas?

Also, are there any possible pitfalls I might encounter?

Thanks in advance.

GMB

 

[Jon Shiu]

If you have a nearby art supply store they will probably have 32x40 inch sheets and can cut them down for you.

Jon

 

[Dan Henderson]

you can order 32x40 sheets of mat and mount board from American Frame in Toledo, or Dick Blick Art Supply in Illinois. I have done business with both and recommend them highly. Both are online.

 

[Murray@uptowngallery]

You didn't say b/w or color.

Most common mat I use is Crescent 1607, Bright White, an acid-free rag mat. We use something different when warm/cool art doesn't agree with the C-1607, or if it's a series we have to decide whether we can use the same color on all or not.

If you don't have the luxury of putting samples next to your photos & splitting hairs over which white to use, that's what I'd suggest. Mail order would be your cheapest way probably, but please don't go to your local frame shop to use their samples, then leave to place a mail order purchase :O(

 

[G.M.B.]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the local art stores, and if I don't find something I like will check out American Frame and Dick Blick.

GMB

 

[Dan Henderson]

You didn't say b/w or color.

please don't go to your local frame shop to use their samples, then leave to place a mail order purchase :O(

Dang, Murray, I was going to stop in your shop and "browse" your corners today! Well, if not for all of the tourists in town...

 

[jovo]

I've found the best prices for mat board at www.redimat.com. They sell whole sheets, pre-cut mats, and pre-cut blank (i.e. 16x20 etc with no window) mats (as well as other stuff) at very good prices.

Another resource I find invaluable is this:

http://www.russellcottrell.com/photo/centering.htm

Enter the size of your print, and the size of the mat you'd like to consider, and you'll get a pre-view of the way it will look. When I go to cut the windows in the mats, I use the border dimensions suggested and the results are spot on.

I no longer use pre-cut window mats as I like to make the print dimensions suit the image rather than the paper and then make the mat fit the photograph. That's a given with panoramas of course, so sizing aids are really useful.

 

[G.M.B.]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

John Voss -- I enjoyed the many beautiful images on your blog.

GMB

 

[fdi]

My company is an Apug sponsor and we have no problems with custom frames or custom mats. Prices online...info about custom here:
http://www.framedestination.com/picture_frames_help.html#frames

Cheers,
Mark

I'm going to be printing some large-ish panoramas that I'd like to matt and frame, and I'm wondering if I'll be able to find matt paper large enough for what I have in mind.

The prints will be 8" x 21", and I'd like to give them at least 3" all around. Does anyone have a matting paper they would recommend? Freestyle doesn't seem to carry any large enough (at least, it is not mentioned in their catalogue). Any ideas?

Also, are there any possible pitfalls I might encounter?

Thanks in advance.

GMB