Ready-Made Frames or Custom Framing: Which Makes Sense?

Ready-made frames can suit a simple print or a temporary display. For an important or difficult-to-replace piece, the difference is the frame, fit, finish, materials, time and equipment needed to do the job properly.

What a ready-made frame is good for?

A ready-made frame can be sensible when the artwork is a standard size, the piece is replaceable and a functional result is all you need. Some examples where ready-made frames are good alternatives:

• Standard-size posters and prints

• Short-term displays

• Low-cost projects where a close fit is acceptable

• Changing works (e.g. children's artwork that will be replaced with other works)

Why the Result Often Looks Different

The main difference is usually consistency. Professional framing starts with the artwork. The moulding, matboard, mounting and glazing are selected to work together, then the frame is made to the required size. A ready-made frame uses standard dimensions, so the artwork may need to be trimmed, crowded into the opening or padded out to fit. It usually also comes with a mat that is pre-cut and in a single white colour which may or may not suit the piece.

That does not make a ready-made frame wrong. It is designed for speed and standard sizing, not for every piece.

The Common Surprise With Ready-Made Frames

A ready-made frame can be the quick option. But once the artwork is an unusual size, needs a matboard, or has to work in a particular room, the fit can start to look compromised.

• The artwork sits too close to the edge or does not fit the opening well

• The frame profile does not suit the artwork or the room

• The supplied backing and mounting approach are not suitable for long-term display

• The finished piece looks uneven because the measurements or joins are slightly off

• The matboard colour does not match the paper colour or colour of the artwork

• The glazing is usually not conservation grade and might allow the art work to deteriorate

When Professional Framing Is Worth It

Professional framing is worth considering when the piece is important to you, difficult to size, intended for long-term display or needs to look consistent with other framed work. It also gives you a chance to compare frame, matboard, glazing and mounting options before deciding.

At Amarisco, framing is completed in our Artarmon workshop. We can show you the practical trade-offs between different frame mouldings, matboards, glazing and mounting methods, then quote the option that suits the piece and your budget.

A Simple Way to Decide

• Use a ready-made frame if the size is standard and the result only needs to be functional

• Use a professional framer when presentation, fit, consistency or long-term care matter

Need a Clear Framing Option?

Bring the piece into our Artarmon workshop, or send us the details. We can talk through the options and provide a clear quote before you decide.