DIY Or Professional Framing Pictures?

While there are many picture framing materials available to just pop in a standard sized photograph and have a beautifully framed image, sometimes standardized picture framing supplies don’t work.  In that case, a custom picture framing service may be exactly what you need to ensure that your picture looks its best on the wall.

Advantages of Custom Picture Framing

Custom picture framing is useful when you don’t want to invest in custom picture framing tools like bevellers, mats, and custom cut glass. Custom picture framing can also be useful when your image is not a standard size where you can easily find a readymade frame. Custom picture framing is also useful when you want your picture to have a sealed background that will retain the integrity of the image over time, similar to museum quality framing picture standards.

Disadvantages of Custom Picture Framing

The main, and some would argue only, disadvantage of custom picture framing is cost.  It can be very expensive to have a picture framed professionally.  You are not only covering the cost of the frame like you would if you did it yourself.  You are also paying for labor, picture framing tools the custom framer has to use, and additional sealing or upgraded framing picture services.

Advantages of Do It Yourself Picture Framing

You can choose your picture framing materials. This means you have total control over color, size, mat style, and frame.  If your image is a standard size, you won’t need very many picture framing tools because you can just purchase a readymade frame.  The same goes for picture framing materials such as mats and background papers.

Disadvantages of Do It Yourself Picture Framing

You may have difficulty with custom size images because you will have to purchase picture framing materials that require assembly. This means you may need additional picture framing tools such as glue, hammer, nails, adhesives, or tapes.  You might also get the entire image framed only to find you forgot some important step like cleaning the glass on your picture framing materials and have to start over.  Additionally, if you do framing picture tasks at different time intervals, you may not be able to find matching frames later.

Do It Yourself Picture Framing Supplies

Framing4Yourself.com

You can find a wealth of do it yourself picture framing materials at http://www.framing4yourself.com/shop/. Some of the picture framing supplies available includes picture frames, mat board, and foam board.  Framing 4 Yourself also offers a large selection of tutorial DVD’s and books to assist you with framing pictures.  The free tips and techniques section at Framing 4 Yourself is a large part of what makes this one of the most popular picture framing websites online.

Framing 4 Yourself also offers a free downloadable .PDF file which is their current newsletter. Users of the website can purchase picture framing supplies, but many use the picture framing tutorial articles and the step by step illustrated guides to get ideas about how to handle their framing pictures needs. Framing 4 Yourself also has nationwide hands on picture framing classes available for all levels of experience.

PictureFrames.com

At http://www.pictureframes.com/scripts/WebObjects/PictureFrames.woa/wa/Home, you will find picture framing materials and supplies from Graphik Dimensions, Ltd.  This company offers picture framing supplies including readymade frames, custom frames, and metal frames.  You will also be able to utilize the online frame shop to preview art in mats and frames before purchasing. Graphik Dimensions, Ltd. is considered one of the most popular premier online framing picture websites.

You will also find custom picture framing options for mirrors instead of photographs and art. Additionally, Graphik Dimensions Ltd. offers giclee services, as well as canvas art and print and frame options. Mats and supplies are available through retail or wholesale purchase. Graphik Dimensions, Ltd. also offers volume discount pricing for larger picture framing supplies orders.

Do It Yourself Picture Framing Instructions

How To Frame A Picture

The step by step guide at http://www.tutorials.com/09/0906/0906.asp is easy to understand and follow. You will find a list of picture framing supplies and picture framing materials that you need to use in order to do appropriate framing picture tasks. This tutorial makes picture framing easy.

Easy Picture Frames – Miterless & Mitered Picture Framing Tools
At http://sawdustmaking.com/Easy%20Picture%20Frames/frames.htm, you can learn how to craft your own easy to make picture frames for all your picture framing needs.  You can follow the step by step instructions, or purchase picture framing tools directly from this website. Some of the picture framing tools available at Saw Dust Making includes framing pliers, brad setters, and brad pushers.  You may also find that you need a point driver, mat cutter, or picture frame clamp to create what you need for your picture framing.

The SawDustMaking.com website goes over how to make a miterless frame using a t-square and a saw. Traditional molding profiles are illustrated and discussed.  You will also find picture framing details about creating your own unique molding profiles for your picture frames.  Miter saws and trimmers are also explained. If you choose to create mitered frames, you may want to purchase picture framing tools from Saw Dust Making. Some of the picture framing supplies available includes a miter saw, miter trimmer, and right angle miter gauge.

The “Studio Joiner” available from SawDustMaking.com is another handy item to have in your picture framing materials cabinet.  It allows you to clamp your frame securely and insert nails.  There are many different options available when you choose to create your own picture framing projects.  You can choose to go with mitered or miterless frames to design the perfect frame for your favorite photographs, artwork, or prints.