Picture framing can be expensive for several reasons. Firstly, the materials required to frame a picture properly can be costly. For example, high-quality wood or metal frames, acid-free matting, and UV-resistant glass can all add to the price tag.
Secondly, the labour involved in picture framing is also no cheap. A-frame service such as EasyFrame typically employs skilled craftspeople who are trained in the art of picture framing. Another reason is that picture frames are often made to order, which means that they are not mass-produced and therefore can be more expensive.
All these factors combine to make picture framing one of the more costly ways to display a picture. In this article, we are going to explore some of the reasons why picture framing can be expensive:
Picture framing has been around for centuries, with the first known examples appearing in Egypt around 3000 BC. In those early days, picture frames were made from a variety of materials including wood, stone, and metal. The most common type of picture frame back then was the wooden frame.
Wooden frames were typically made from expensive hardwoods such as mahogany or walnut. They were also often decorated with intricate carvings or inlays. This made them both expensive to produce and very heavy, which meant that they were not always practical for use in the home.
The cost of framing a piece of art varies considerably depending on a few factors. When purchasing picture frames, keep in mind that every aspect of the frame has an impact on the price. The moulding style, glazing type, whether there is a mounting (or mat) on the frame, and the size of the frame are all factors that influence the overall cost of the frame as well as labour costs. As production scales up, all of these elements' pricing will go down, but so will quality.
Another big factor that contributes to the high cost of picture framing is the time it takes to properly frame a piece of art. A typical framing company will spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours on each individual frame job. This includes measuring the artwork, selecting the right moulding, cutting and joining the pieces of wood, gluing on the fabric or paper backing, attaching any hardware, and assembling the finished product.
Although we feel that framing is considerably less expensive than people believe, it's also worth noting that for different individuals, the word "expensive" has various meanings. It all boils down to how much you value displaying and safeguarding your artwork, after all. Different price points provide a range of advantages and disadvantages to consider while selecting a frame for your work.
Extras such as extra premium wall fixings, material options, and other variables may all impact the final price of your frame. Understanding what these things are and how they influence the cost is useful when shopping around or setting up a frame. It's also crucial to consider the value of your artwork - different price points will influence how effectively it is preserved. We wouldn't advise framing an open edition or "throwaway" print in the same way as a limited edition or something that is truly unique to you.
The simple answer to this is that the cost of living is rising, and with it, the cost of running a business. The price of materials, especially wood, has risen sharply in recent years due to global shortages. This has had a knock-on effect on the price of picture frames.
There are also the repercussions of coming out of the global pandemic where many businesses have had to raise their prices to stay afloat. COVID-19 has thrown numerous organizations into turmoil throughout the last year, and due to a shortage of supplies and a high demand as businesses resume operations, prices for raw materials have risen in 2021. Circumstances like these are difficult to anticipate of course.
Preserving your photos by framing them is always worth it. Whether it's a casual snapshot or a more formal portrait, framing your photos will not only keep them looking great for years to come but will also encourage you to hold onto those memories for longer.
When it comes to picture framing, the old adage "you get what you pay for" definitely rings true. There are many factors that contribute to the high cost of picture framing, but ultimately it boils down to the time and care that goes into each individual frame job. If you value your artwork and want to ensure its longevity, investing in a quality frame is always worth it.
At Easyframe we are in the business of providing picture frames to capture your mood and presenting them in a way that can be enjoyed.
You can contact EasyFrame on 01234 856 501 and or sales@easyframe.co.uk and they'll always chat even if you don't want to buy!
Article Posted: 23/05/2022 09:11:42