Pre-cut Matte Aspect Ratios

[ann]

I have been using Light Impressions. Believe it or not, they are cheaper than a couple of local shops. Sam Flax's charges almost 45 dollars for a 16 x 20 board with a window and that does not include the back board.

I would have to double check but i know that Light Impressions was much cheaper. I usually wait until they have a special and order a bunch at a time.

 

[mwtroxell]

I just check the Light Impressions website. $12.71 for a 16x20 8-ply vertical, $18.34 for a 16x20 8-ply horizontal, Exeter board. I know its something simple that I'm missing but I still haven't figured out why the horizontal window cost nearly $5.50 more than the vertical window, same 16x20 size board, same 8-ply, both Exeter board.

 

[ann]

I can't answer that question and i don't order on line so i haven't compared.Perhaps it is an error , I would call and ask. However, i have mine custom cut and the price is for the cost of the board , plus 5 dollars for the window. The total is 11 plus s&H. I never order just one. so the window price goes down to 4.50 and even less dedending on how are cut. Westminster board is a little more expensive. $14.oo. These prices are out of the catalog. The Oct. 2003 catalog as the new one is at the lab, but i will check it out. prices may have gone up a bit; but i have never paid more for the same window going in another direction.

 

[Ka]

Cheryl,

You wrote: "I buy 'em pre-cut. I'd rather brush my teeth with a pitchfork than cut mattes. 90% of my mattes right now are 16x20 with a 10x10 window."

Do you orientate the 16x20 vertically or horizontally?

ka

 

[Donald Miller]

Cheryl,

You wrote: "I buy 'em pre-cut. I'd rather brush my teeth with a pitchfork than cut mattes. 90% of my mattes right now are 16x20 with a 10x10 window."

Do you orientate the 16x20 vertically or horizontally?

ka

Light Impressions allows a discount for photographers if the order meets certain guidelines. I believe that the initial order must be greater the $750.00 and more then $750.00 annual purchases. The discount is fairly sizeable.

 

[Jeremy]

If you get a copy of B&W magazine there is a code for 10% off your first order from light impressions in the magazine.

Check the magazine for the code first if this is a reason to purchase as this offer is not in every issue!

 

[ann]

last week i placed an order with light impressions for some windows and told my account rep about the difference in price for v vs h. She indicated that was not correct and she appreciated the input so she could get with someone to find out what the problem was and correct it.

 

[Aggie]

Jeremy a quick trick. If you have access to a college or a college professor who gets the light impressions catalog monthly, they have the code on the back of their issue. I have used that many times.

 

[Jan Brittenson]

I use both, but would rather buy precut ones. Time is precious, I'd rather spend it photographing or working on prints. Matte cutting is really boring if you ask me.

I agree completely with this sentiment. Not to mention the space and hassle required to store a reasonably varied stock of 30x40 boards. I just order mine custom cut, usually from light impressions. It's not cheap, but like bmac I'd rather do something I feel is rewarding rather than merely tedious. And besides, I have a set of frames, mattes, acrylic windows, and foamcore backing that I reuse for display, so I don't often buy additional ones.

 

[Aggie]

Currently I have not deleted this months emailing of sales items from Light Impressions. I just noticed it was for 15% off any order before the end of the month. So if anyone wants to get future discounts that is another way to get them, by signing up for their sales emails.

 

[photomc]

Finally got around to cutting some new mats this week, and after a short schooling by Lee (Thank you Sir), must admit they came out quite nice. I understand that many do not like to mess with cutting their own mats, but after going through some less than acceptable service from outside sources, I will continue to cut my own. I prefer to use a 16x20 mat and cut to fit, so anything other than 11x14 is a custom cut anyhow.

Since many are involved in the print exchange, I thought it was worth bringing the subject up. Two important notes: 1 Have a good clean area to cut the mats and 2. keep a sharp blade in the mat cutter.

 

[galyons]

Finally got around to cutting some new mats this week, and after a short schooling by Lee (Thank you Sir), must admit they came out quite nice. snip

Well I can testify to the quality of Mikes's matting. We are in the same print exchange group. Mike's print is really good and the overmat is cut better than I have been getting at the local framer. So let's see now, the cost of a mat cutter and a ticket to Texas....probably worth it!!

Cheers,
Geary

 

[ann]

We have been using pre-cut windows in class; however, the company has become very difficult to work with and my vendor has given up trying to work with them. She found this company for me (as we use a lot yearly and since they are 8 ply can't be cut by hand).
http://www.redimat.com/

I compared prices with Light Impressions and if you want just one or two windows there isn't that much differences. However, if you start buying 12 or more the savings are serious. They have pre-determined window sizes and then they will custom cut.
I have not ordered any yet, but will be doing so in a week or so, and therefore can't vouch for quality of the board; however, my contact has another customer who has been using them and is very pleased. They too had been using Soho windows in the past and got caught in the same bind i did.
p.s. i compared the prices including my discount with light impressions.

I will get back to you all with feedback concerning quality later in the month when i have a chance to review them myself.