Getting photos matted and framed

[swmdrayfan]

Don't know if this is the right spot, but maybe some of you could help. I'm looking to finally have a couple of photos printed up to 11 X 14 size, then matted and framed. How do I go about it? And what would be the best paper for doing so?
John

[freygr]

Don't know if this is the right spot, but maybe some of you could help. I'm looking to finally have a couple of photos printed up to 11 X 14 size, then matted and framed. How do I go about it? And what would be the best paper for doing so?
John

Personal I prefer Heavy Mat Paper for framing. As I cut my own mat and make my own frames it's not that costly but going to a frame shop it can be very costly.

[Greg McCary]

I would buy the frames and mattes and do it myself. Try www.mpix.com

Greg

[swmdrayfan]

Thanks guys.

[freygr]

Please note that an Art Supply Store is cheaper than Craft or Frame Stores

[gahspidy]

I use 6 ply mats that i buy locally, but www.framingsupplies.com is a good site to visit for good prices on mats.I order full sheets and get two 18x24" mats and two 12x18" mats from one sheet. One sheet costs me about 6-7 dollars. I use the Alto 4505 mat cutting tool, also available at framingsupplies .com, and find it very easy to use. I use Nielsen aluminum frames that can be cut to any size desired and are very inexpensive and simple to put together. They also have many different styles, but i find i like to use a simple mat black frame to display my prints. Mat paper to print on, especially from Moab has been my choice for quite a while, but lately after discovering Hahnemhules fine Art Pearl papers, I think I will be using it mostly. It has a sheen that is semi glossy, but has the most incredible tonal pop and detail and is truly archival. Expensive, though.

[swmdrayfan]

Please note that an Art Supply Store is cheaper than Craft or Frame Stores

Thanks Gary, that's another consideration.

[freygr]

Thanks Gary, that's another consideration.

The price for a 40 x 60 mat board starts about 5.75 up and up in the Art Supply store but at the craft store the same board is $12.00. Also the one of the Art Supply stores sells precut mats in the common sizes and frame kits (the frame kits cost about the same in either store). You can order all the frame making supplies of the web but you do need a nice miter box with a fine tooth miter finishing saw.