How to Choose a Custom Framing Shop

You finally decided what you want to have custom framed. You understand the basic needs of the piece. You decided where you want to display the piece. Now you need to chose a frame shop.

What Options are Available?

There are three basic types of custom frame shops: independent, chain, and large retail.

Independent frame shops are run by a single person or small group of people. Most of the work will be done in house. They will offer a greater flexibility in what they can design with. If a custom part is needed - like a hinged door or custom fabric mat, an independent store will most likely be able to order it. The cost can vary widely between different shops. The tradeoff is knowing that everything will be done by specialized employees with years of experience.

Chain frame shops are run by a company with multiple locations. They have standard equipment and standard design elements for the company. They most likely use one brand of matting and a specific distributor for glass and molding (the technical term for the frame). Depending on the chain, the custom framing work may be ordered in or done entirely in house. The trade off is the quality and variety of work that can be produced as well as the experience of the employees.

Large retail frame shops are small shops contained in a larger arts and crafts supply store. There will be a single brand of matting and standard molding and glass options in each location. There will be standard sales run every other week. The shops will try to convince you their company is cheaper, faster, and better than any other frame shop. The trade off with any large retail shop is the experience of the employees. Some may have been framing for years, while others may have only been doing it for a day.

What to Look for in a Custom Frame Shop

The most important thing to look for in a custom frame shop is your own level of comfort. Do you feel relaxed by the manner of the employee? Do they seem knowledgeable about the procedures? Do you feel your piece will be safe in their hands? If you cannot say that about the frame shop you go to, do not be afraid to excuse yourself and try another shop. Nobody is forcing you to do anything.

The second most important thing is the experience and understanding of custom framing in the shop. Unless your piece is easily replaceable, anything done in custom framing should be 100% reversible. If the frame shop does not convince you they know how to use proper custom framing techniques, you should try another shop that does.

The third most important thing is the capabilities of the shop. As comfortable as you may be in a custom frame shop, if you need a piece dry mounted and they do not have the equipment, you will have to go somewhere else to frame that piece. If they do not have just the right molding or matting for your needs, see if they can order it in. Independent shops most likely can find what you are looking for, while chain shops and large retail most likely cannot.

The fourth most important thing is the quality of the materials. The molding should be solid wood or metal, not plastic. The matting should be acid and lignin free to protect the art. The glass used should be UV protective. Anything they do to mount your piece in the frame should be 100% reversible unless the piece is easily reproducible.

The least important thing from a custom framing perspective is cost. You are paying for the quality of the materials. A quality frame shop will try to find a way to bring the cost down without compromising the integrity of the piece.

Conclusion

The most important thing to think about in a frame shop is your comfort level. Are the employees knowledgeable? Does the shop have the equipment you need? Can they put everything together with high quality materials? Do not be afraid of asking questions. Feel free to visit more than one shop before choosing. While custom framing can be expensive, there are safe ways to reduce the cost without destroying the piece. The design of the piece will dictate the cost.