Picture framing - already mounted prints etc

Manxman_in_exile

HI

We've spent the last few weeks decorating and doing some much needed spring cleaning.  We've come across 20 pre-mounted prints that we want to have framed and hung.

What we thought we could do (in the spirit of MSE!) was simply buy some ready-made frames and do them ourselves.  The problem is, of course, that virtually none of the pre-mounted prints are a "standard size", so we're having real difficulty finding corresponding ready-made frames.

Seems to me we've got four choices:  (1) simply go to a professional framing shop locally and get custom made frames to fit our mounted prints, or (2) go to a professional framing shop locally and have new mounts cut and attached to the prints to fit ready-made frames, or (3) measure up and buy custom made frames online, or (4) persevere looking for suitable ready-made frames.

The first sounds expensive.  (I've not got any quotes or anything yet, but if it were £40 average - ??? - per print, that's £800).  The second sounds like it should cost less but I'm not sure.  Have to have mounting cards cut and fitted to the prints, but presumably we could then do the framing ourselves?  The third sounds like a possibility, but again I'm not sure.  The fourth sounds hit and miss and potentially a waste of time.

I'm well aware it depends on the sizes of the mounted prints (they vary from 59cm x 46cm down to 25 x 20) and on the type of frame, but I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas, suggestions or advice?  And have we missed any options?

Thanks

(EDIT:  I know I said "any suggestions", but no, we are not going to make frames ourselves!)

FreeBear

I have had quite a few prints mounted & framed in the past. £30-£40 per frame is about right from memory. I've also had my framer cut just the mounts for a few prints. This is usually just a few quid to cover the cost of materials.. If you are feeling adventurous, you could always try cutting your own mounts.

A couple of other options - Cut the existing mounts down to fit standard "off the shelf" frames. Try to keep the edges the same proportions, and don't forget the bottom edge is usually a bit wider.

Or... if the frame is slightly larger, cut a second mat and attach the original mounted print behind it. Use gummed paper to attach the print/mount rather than sticky tape.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

when things get back to normal, take a note of your measurements and have a plunder round the charity shops, usually plenty of pictures for sale, then just adapt to suit.

Manxman_in_exile

Not long after I posted my wife had a framer recommended to her.  We went round to his shop this afternoon and we've decided to keep some of the existing mounts as they are, and get made to measure frames for them, and for the others we'll get new mounts cut to fit readymade frames.  It's going to end up relatively expensive (about £40 per print) but we think it'll be worth it to get them framed properly.  We were both impressed by the guy and he had a great eye for colour matching and suggesting appropriate frames.  We ended up spending just over two hours(!) looking at frames and mounting cards.  Fortunately, what with Covid etc he only had one other customer come in while we were there and he sorted them out in five minutes.

Thankyou all.