How do I choose a framer for a print?
First of all decide on the value to you of the print. A poster of John Lennon is one thing, the same poster signed by him is another. If you really want to protect the value of even a page from a telephone directory then make it clear to the framer. Also look at this link. There are materials they can use, and techniques they can employ that will help preserve your precious memories. Actually, framing a page from a telephone directory to last would be a real challenge as the paper used is very acidic.
Next Find Your Framer - then scroll down
The framer you choose should reflect your own design style - which doesn't mean you have to be stylish! Some framers specialise in funky modern styles and others more traditional. Go and have a look at their premises. Don't be put off if they are in a warehouse, work from home* or have a shop. If you like what they have on display in their shop, you'll probably like what they suggest. Look for a big range of mouldings and mountboard and check that framed pictures on display are something they have framed themselves. And don't forget personal recommendations from friends and colleagues.
It’s a good idea to think about the back of the picture frame at this stage, for things to avoid look here.
*Some very good framers choose to work from home and so do some amateurs. Remember this; if a framer has shop they will have to be reasonably successful to stay in business. And I think keeping independent shops in business makes shopping more interesting, and try to support them wherever I can.
© 2008 Stephen Todd
