We are an eBay affiliate and may be compensated for clicks on links that result in purchases.

Framing and matting my graphs

Hi all - I got my logan cutter and am ready to begin framing and matting some of my favorite graphs!

Please share with me your favorite products, vendors, tips etc. to best protect my items as well as display them tastefully and economically :)

Im especially interested in what you guys/gals use for mounting, taping, etc.

Thanks in advance!

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Josh Board on August 30, 2019 at 10:03am

I've always sucked with analogies, so this one will probably suck. The advice I will give you is this. Framing autographs is a lot like tattoos. In 10 years, you're going to regret it. Why would you regret it? A number of reasons. Maybe you would've gotten...other members of the cast to sign that photo from the movie still. Maybe you would've framed it different. Or, that frame, which looks good with the photo...doesn't match the frames of your other ones and looks awkward next to it. maybe that framed photo of O.J. Simpson (yes, I had one)...you now don't want to display (I have a signed Bill Cosby album thankfully...I never framed, mostly because it's on the gatefold and would require a huge frame to have the album open to twice its size).

I say....until you buy a house. And your significant other is cool with it THEN and only then, decide what pieces to frame and how, and go from there.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by just some dude on August 30, 2019 at 10:28am

House, check

Wife, check

Cutter, check

I know all about regret and styles coming in and out of fashion - thats just life.

And Im still happy with my tattoos - the key is to ask your future self BEFORE you get the ink.

So what I’m looking for is product advice and tips from those who like to display their goodies, thanks

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on August 30, 2019 at 11:28am

Well, I would suggest using a photoshop program to try out different combinations of color mats and frames. I try to use match the first (thinner) mat with a secondary strong color to unify photo stills and signatures (if separate). The more visible mat should not distract from the signature - I try to pick the secondary color to echo the ink where possible (Bowie's orange hair for example), and then pick a more dominant but slightly lighter or darker (depending) large top mat. The ink color should sing the loudest. Framing color photos with "b/w" cuts is distracting to me, as are overtly ornate frames. Wood frames hold and emit moisture and acid (bad, oak being worst), not to mention the known finish on the outside. Anodized aluminum however is the museum choice as it is totally inert and stays so. It is available in a wide array of profiles and finishes for all needs. You could use the same profile and alter the color/finish of the frame to add another layer of coherency to your collection while maintaining individuality per piece. Be sure to use acid free backboards as well as mats. I use acid free "corners" to secure the signed item and/or photo to the undermat/1st backing board. I never do anything that is not very easily reversible. A lot of things can be done with selections to mitigate any minor problems or to enhance some aspect you admire - perhaps both at the same time. Good luck, have fun and use new blades :)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on August 30, 2019 at 11:43am

Hi Dude,

I went and found a thread where much more of my ideas and suggestions are detailed, hopefully of interest/use, and can be read in three posts I added to the question linked below:

Framing

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by just some dude on August 30, 2019 at 1:19pm

Perfect, Eric

Thank you!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on August 30, 2019 at 1:34pm

You are most welcome :) My pleasure. I used to be a framer 35 years ago. Some things change, others (making choices) don't :) Very happy to help (and happier I remembered that linked thread LOL! ). Looking for to seeing your handiwork! BTW, the aluminum frames can be ordered in pairs of sides by the inch, for any project, and they are MUCH cheaper than their more destructive out-gassing acidic counterparts so win-win :)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by B. Anderson on August 31, 2019 at 11:35am

You can also make HQ scans, frame those,and keep the real items safe and protected from sunlight/the elements/theft, and it would make it more accessible to other things such as adding additional signatures, etc. Obviously not everything will lend itself to this, but it is something to consider. If you had something personalized and wanted to show it off at work in office for instance but did not trust the security (cleaning staff), that could be an easy way to achieve this.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Harald Greisen on September 3, 2019 at 2:54pm

I don't do framing myself but when i pay to have it done, i always ALWAYS use anti-glare museum quality glass. Nothing worse to have a framed item on your wall that reflects so much background that you cant see the display. Also to use acid free matting. I have owned frame jobs that have been on my wall for almost 20 years and the autograph still looks new. good luck with your framing jobs.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by rob kunne on September 4, 2019 at 6:49am

i frame mine items for many years and first of al i do repair frames which i get from second hand stores or from a moving company and spraypaint them any color i like. i do the cutting of the cardboard and the plaques ''nameplates'' are made by a local engraving company. wil post some photo's...al frames are large because i don't like small items.