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Best Way to Frame/Display Poster?

Question:

I have an 18"x24" signed Blink 182 poster I just got and am having a tough time deciding how to frame it.

They make 18"x24" frames, but none matted. I really don't like the idea of these graphs touching the glass.

Here are my current options:

1. No matte, just put in 18x24" frame and be done with it

2. Purchase custom .5"-1" matte for an existing 18x24 frame. (There is sufficient space on the sides of the poster so this would not interfere with the graphs)

3. Framing store mentioned "spacers" you can put in the frame which makes space between the poster/glass. (and of course they do not sell them...)

4. Pay probably $150+ to get it custom framed at Michael's and possibly include my guitar picks I caught/VIP badge within the frame...

I'm worried that if I did the "custom frame job" they would have to tape the poster/picks/vip badge which I am NOT a fan of...

*Any suggestions/tips at all would be appreciated... I've had this a few weeks now and really want it on my wall!

*I also have quite a few 8x10s in normal frames that I am looking for a cheap solution to get some "space" between the photo and the glass. Any ideas? I really don't want to buy 20+ "matted frames", as those are typically quite large. I've even considered very small strips of cardboard, but I'm not sure if those would stick to the photo over time?

Thanks,

-Ryan

Tags: Framing, frame, poster, tips

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Permalink Reply by Rich on January 3, 2014 at 5:07pm

I'm 0 for 1 on Michael's. Brought an Arnold photo to get framed by them years ago, and they couldn't even cut the matte straight! Some of those franchises (even pricier options like Fast Frame) are surprisingly mediocre in what they do.

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Permalink Reply by Null on January 3, 2014 at 5:44pm

I have a general distrust of leaving my signed stuff with anyone, much less an 18 year old in the frame department at Michaels LOL. That, along with their outrageous prices was enough for me to try it on my own. That 22x28 frame I got at Michaels for $22 (50% off coupon used), that custom matte cost me $7.50 (Hobby Lobby had a 40% off coupon), so that poster cost me $30 to frame on my own. Michaels quoted me $55 for the matte alone, and at least $150 for a custom frame job (and that's WITH a coupon) so I think I made the right choice. I also got to handle the items myself and ensure no tape was used. Even with my screw up of the first matte, I'm satisfied LOL!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on January 3, 2014 at 6:00pm

Your point is well taken Ryan. Perhaps it is more of a local issue. The workers in the framing department at the Michaels that I use are pretty good and they let me hold my item until the framing materials arrive. They call me when the framing materials arrive and I bring my item to them to have framed immediately. It is definitely worthwhile to build a professional relationship with your local framer. It doesn't hurt to be a little bit personal as well. I give them Christmas gifts, usually 8x10 photos of their favorite actors and actresses. Unsigned of course.

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Permalink Reply by Mizestacy on July 31, 2015 at 12:22am

Hi, first of all remember the following points while making a 18x24 size frame s-
-Decide where you want your frame. Make sure you measure the space you have available for your frame.
-Select the photographs you want to use for your 18x24 frame. Remember they should vary in size and shape.
-Review the types of collage picture frames available. Look for one that allows one or two large photographs and several small ones.
-Lay out your pictures according to size. Measure them against the frame you have available. Crop any pictures you need to so they fit correctly in the frame.

You can buy cheap 18x24 size frames from arttoframe having a good quality. If you have something that is special to you and needs to be framed the right way, and you want it to last a long time, it's better to just do it right. Have a professional help you out. For everything else, save a few bucks and try to get your picture frames cheap.