Picture framing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What picture framing is

A framer helps you choose mats, frames and glass for a print, photo, certificate or artwork, then cuts and assembles the frame. The right choices protect the piece from light, moisture and dust, and they make it look finished.

Signs you need it

  • You have a photo, print or certificate that needs a frame
  • You have a valuable piece that needs archival framing to protect it from fading
  • You want to match the frame to the color and style of a room
  • You have a piece with an unusual size or shape that needs a custom frame
  • You want help choosing glass, such as UV-filtering glass, for a piece near a window

What the pro does

  • Looks at the piece, its size, its medium and the room where it will hang
  • Helps you choose a frame style, mat color and glass type that suit the piece
  • Measures the piece and cuts the mat and frame to fit with accurate corners
  • Mounts the piece to a backing or hinges it so it can be removed safely
  • Assembles the frame with the glass, backing and hanging hardware
  • Checks the finished frame for dust and gives you hanging and care steps

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size and shape of the piece and the frame
  • The frame material and finish, such as wood, metal or a specialty finish
  • The number of mats and whether a double mat is used
  • The glass type, such as standard, UV-filtering or non-glare glass
  • Whether the piece needs archival mounting or a conservation backing
  • Whether the framer must order a specialty frame or moulding

What a written quote should spell out

  • The frame style, the frame size and the material
  • The mat color, the number of mats and whether the mats are archival
  • The glass type, such as UV-filtering or standard glass
  • Whether mounting, backing and hanging hardware are included
  • The completion date and whether a rush option applies

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are the mats and backing acid-free and archival for this piece?
  • What glass do you recommend for this piece and this room?
  • How will you mount the piece so it can be removed later?
  • Can you show me samples of frames and mats before you order?
  • How long will the frame take, and when can I pick it up?
  • What happens if the frame does not fit the piece?
  • Can you frame a piece that is fragile or oversized?

Red flags

  • Glues the piece directly to the backing or the mat with no way to remove it
  • Uses standard mats and backing for a valuable or archival piece with no explanation
  • Will not show mat or frame samples before ordering
  • Cuts the mat or frame without measuring the piece
  • Recommends glass that does not suit the piece or the room, with no reason

What you can do yourself

You can frame a simple print or photo with a ready-made frame, a backing board and a sheet of acid-free mat board if the piece is not valuable. Keep the piece away from direct sun and moisture, and clean the glass with a soft cloth. Hire a framer for valuable or archival pieces, oversized work, custom frames, and any piece where the mounting method affects its long-term condition.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for picture framing, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for a portfolio of finished frames with mat and glass details, and proof of training.

Picture framing questions

Is UV glass worth it?

UV-filtering glass helps reduce fading from sunlight. It is most useful for pieces near windows or bright light. Ask the framer whether it fits your piece and your room.

What are archival mats?

Archival mats are made with materials that are acid-free and lignin-free, so they do not yellow or damage the piece over time. Ask the framer which mats they use and whether they are labeled as archival.

Should I frame a valuable piece myself?

It is safer to have a framer handle valuable work, because the mounting and the glass choice can affect the piece. If you do it yourself, use archival materials and check the mount carefully.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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