How to Frame Artwork for Cheap

Custom frames are very expensive. Sometimes it is not necessary to custom frame. Find out when

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• frame
• artwork

1. Once you have a piece of artwork then you should measure it. If it is smaller than 24" on all sides than it should be easy to find a frame it would fit in. If it is larger it may become more difficult but not impossible.

2. Once it is measured you will need to do some shopping. During your shopping you will want to look for frames at home decor stores, discount stores, and flea markets. You are looking for something that has similar proportions but is larger than your artwork. The size of the mat does not matter. The only thing that matters is the measurement of the inside of the frame.

3. Once you have found a frame that is large enough for your artwork to fit inside of it you will want to take your artwork to a custom frame store along with your frame. While at the store take measurements of the artwork and the inside of the frame. when measuring make sure to take the 1/4 lip of the frame and the 1/4 overlap of the mat into consideration.

4. Pick out a color of mat and if you need glass select the type of glass you need.

5. Have the store cut the mat for you. Have them put the frame, glass, and mat together for you. It will cost more for you to have them do it but, no where near the cost to have a custom frame.

Tips & Warnings

• Let them help you with finding the correct measurements
• fabric mats will cost more and so will double matting.
• if you want the mat to match anything in your home bring a sample of that color.
• Not all framing stores will do this. You may want to call ahead of time
• Very large artwork will need to be custom framed.