What to Look for in a Frame Shop in Sydney
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When you search for a frame shop in Sydney, the results show everything from franchise stores to specialist workshops. The right choice depends on what you are framing, the quality you expect, and how much guidance you need.
Custom Framing vs Standard Framing
The main difference between frame shops comes down to whether they offer custom framing or just standard sizes.
Standard framing means picking from standard sizes, a small selection of mouldings and mounts. It works for common sizes and simple prints but the options are limited.
Custom framing means the frame is built to your artwork's exact size, with your choice of moulding, mount colour and glazing. That means the shop can work to nearly any size, match existing profiles and adjust the approach to suit the artwork or object.
If you have an oddly sized piece, a valuable artwork, a jersey or memorabilia to frame, custom framing is the right choice.
What to Look for in a Workshop
Not all frame shops are the same. A good custom framing workshop will:
Offer a wide selection of moulding samples to see and touch (including Tasmanian oak, stained finishes, custom-painted frames, timber veneers etc)
Discuss glazing options (standard glass, acrylic, art glass etc)
Explain mounting methods (hinging, flat float, raised float)
Can cut mats (mounts) in-house with reverse bevels, v-grooves, pen lines etc
Can handle different types of work including complex items, delicate items and tight deadlines and can show examples of previous work
Give a clear quote before starting
At Amarisco, we encourage customers to bring their piece into our Artarmon workshop so we can talk through the options. It is hard to choose a frame without seeing moulding samples in person and looking at the artwork with the mouldings and mats.
Why Location Matters
Some framing shops in Sydney operate as drop-off points where your work is framed offsite. That means you never see the workshop or talk directly to the person doing the work.
A workshop where the framing happens on site means you can discuss the piece with the framer directly. That matters for complex jobs like jerseys, memorabilia or artworks that need conservation-grade treatment.
We are based in Artarmon on the North Shore, and most of our work is done on-site in
our own workshop.
What a Good Frame Shop Should Ask You
A good frame shop will ask questions about the piece, the room it will hang in and how you want it to look, if you expect to get a lot of glare and how important and expensive the piece is. If they skip straight to quoting without understanding the artwork, that is a sign to look elsewhere.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Frame Shop
Before you decide, ask these questions:
Do you frame on site or send work out?
If the work is done elsewhere, you may have less control over the result.
What glazing options do you offer for UV protection?
Standard glass blocks almost no UV. For valuable pieces, ask about art glass or UV acrylic.
Can you show examples of similar jobs?
A reputable framer will have a portfolio of completed work.
Do you use acid-free mounting materials?
For anything you want to keep long term, acid-free materials prevent yellowing and damage.
What is the turnaround time?
Custom framing typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on complexity. The more complex the work is and the larger the size, the longer it could take. If you are on a deadline, mention it upfront. A good frame shop will tell you whether they can accommodate it and won't make a promise they cannot keep.
Ready to Talk About a Framing Project?
If you have a piece you want framed, send us the details and we will come back with some recommendations and a quote. Or alternatively, pop by to visit us. We are open during business hours during the week and between 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
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