Framing (et al)

[Peter O'Connor]

Hey Y'All,

I have the opportunity to supply a very nice hotel with images for their newly built gym/swim area..

Years ago I made a few dozen frames in a little hardware store, we had all the industrial mitre cutters/mount cutters staplers, glass etc etc... I'm far from a novice but I'm a bit fearful of taking this on with only hand tools, especially considering the nice hotel I aim to please...

Any good suppliers of mouldings/mounts to point me in the direction of?

LARGE panoramas to frame too so I think I may take a cut in profits and outsource the framing ..

Do any of you know of a company I can deal with for this.. the jungle of internet sites is just too great to risk a bodge job... of course money is an important factor.. otherwise I'd pop down the high street framers!

Indeed any other tips/tricks on realising the images on my screen to fully mounted product would be appreciated..

Cheers, Pete.

 

[Pete Askew]

Will sealing against the effects of elevated humidity be an issue? Do they have a preferred style?

 

[Peter O'Connor]

Very good point on the humidity... I'll research that or do you know more?

Preferred style is the 'hard work' factor.. I presumed the hotel (of it's size and prestige) would have an interior stylist to work with ..
The assistant manager (son) is who picked up on my images but it's the mother who has say over decor.
Canvas and giclee framed are wanted for varied rooms and then more for the gym/swim..
I'm going to have to offer bespoke services as such but it's too good an opportunity to put them all in 40mm pine (for example)
They want to use images on their website also but want this use for free (with accreditation)
I think this is a good trade off for the wallspace they offer... for a percentage.... I don't know what % He wants yet...
It's a jumbled opportunity and I'm a bit overwhelmed really.

 

[Pete Askew]

It would obviously be good to get some clarity on the costs / fees but I think the compromise on the website is fair enough. I think Laurie posted something about 'steam proofing' a frame for use in a bathroom a year or so back. Might be worth a PM to her. I have no specific experience. Joan might have some leads regards frames.

 

[Peter O'Connor]

yeah, the monies will be sorted,
The product a priority..
I'll look for that info..
Right on.

 

[Lesley Jones]

It obviously depends on the subject, but a few years ago I had a couple of images done on acrylic - that would certainly be suitable for the location. There are a few companies around, but the personal service I got from a husband and wife team couldn't be beaten. I can get the details if you are interested

 

[Peter O'Connor]

That would be fantastic Lesley,

Any info at the moment is helpful,

A silly question really but how do you find the publics' regard for frames,,

Are people happy enough for standard pine or do people want something more elaborate and are happy to pay for it..?

It certainly opens cans of worms as of how much to price at / mark up at..

High quality framing is quite an investment for a hobbyist ...

 

[Lesley Jones]

Acrylic pictures link as requested. I can vouch for the service and the quality of their work Acrylic Pictures & Prints Homepage

My personal feeling is that choice of frames is like choice of wall colour. Probably why most people stick to neutral colours when decorating their house so it sells better. I've only ever used black frames with off white mounts for the same reason. I bought a friend's framed print when we exhibited together and that frame is a lovely dull grey. Of course, it does depend very much on what is going inside. Janine also used very large mounts and off centre too (so narrower at either the top or bottom). There was a reason one or the other might enhance an individual image, but I forget it now. A sort of optical illusion if you like...

 

[Peter O'Connor]

Yep, I can see how off centre would drawer the eye to where you wanted..
I think I'll walk before running though!

bang on dead centre will suffice for now!

Cheers for the link, I'll have a look now.

 

[Lesley Jones]

If I remember correctly, these were the mounts two of us used Custom Picture and Photo Mounts price calculator, UK delivery. We bought cheap, but decent frames with glass (not plastic) and quality mounts. I bought special tape to secure the prints to the back of the mount so everything was acid free.

Just to confuse you with yet more possibilities, I had one image printed on aluminium - very effective, but not cheap

 

[Peter O'Connor]

Nice, That looks good,
Can't find the 'real glass' option though, I can contact them.
Thanks Lesley, just what I think I'm looking for!

 

[Lesley Jones]

Sorry - I've been in confusing mode again. The acrylic is just that with the four fittings in each corner to keep the picture off the wall and enhance the effect. I meant if you opted for traditional print and frame. I have a poster in a frame with plastic instead of glass and it scratches easily. It also goes dull, even if you take care of it. Non-reflective glass is best, but is about twice the price of normal glass.

So many choices...