Framing Success
October 3rd, 2006 by Jerry
What is one to do when they want to frame a 20×30 print and none of the local stores carry that size? They say it’s not a “standard” size, but it sure-as-heck is! It’s a big 4×6 or a small 24×36. Nobody seems to care that standard film and digital sensor sizes are 2:3 ratio. Any of the other aspect ratios are fine for posters, etc. but they’re stupid for non-croppable photographs. They even sell non-custom frames online for 20×30.
Anyways, unless you order online, the only options are to either have a frame custom-made, or use a sectional framing kit and get glass and mounting cut the right size. It’s amazing how easy they’ve made the process of framing using the sectional framing parts.
Step one: get the glass and backing cut. Depending on the type of glass and quality of the backing material, it runs anywhere from $15-20 to $30-40.
Step two: put the print between the glass and backing. (Careful, this is a long and complicated process… 
)
Step three: assemble the frame. It’s actually very easy, and they sell the frame parts in pairs of almost any length. Get one pair for the width, another for the height. The glass-print-backing sandwich slides in easily, and spring clips hold it in place.
Step four: hang picture and enjoy!
Oh, and step five: get a papercut-like cut from either the freshly cut glass or the sharp metal frame parts. It’s inevitable. Reminds me of my old computer case – no upgrade or repair was complete without a few annoying shallow cuts.
All said and done, it was under $50, and considering Michael’s wanted almost $80 for a similar frame, I consider that a decent price. It’s not something I’ll do with that many prints, but if the picture is worth it, this is a great way to display it (without getting an evil 16×20 print that crops out huge parts of the image).
Step one: get the glass and backing cut. Depending on the type of glass and quality of the backing material, it runs anywhere from $15-20 to $30-40.
Step two: put the print between the glass and backing. (Careful, this is a long and complicated process… )
Step three: assemble the frame. It’s actually very easy, and they sell the frame parts in pairs of almost any length. Get one pair for the width, another for the height. The glass-print-backing sandwich slides in easily, and spring clips hold it in place.
Step four: hang picture and enjoy!
Oh, and step five: get a papercut-like cut from either the freshly cut glass or the sharp metal frame parts. It’s inevitable. Reminds me of my old computer case – no upgrade or repair was complete without a few annoying shallow cuts.
All said and done, it was under $50, and considering Michael’s wanted almost $80 for a similar frame, I consider that a decent price. It’s not something I’ll do with that many prints, but if the picture is worth it, this is a great way to display it (without getting an evil 16×20 print that crops out huge parts of the image).