Custom framing cost depends on four things: the size of the piece, the moulding you choose, the number of mats and the type of glazing. A small photo in a simple frame costs far less than a large canvas behind UV-filtering glass. The fastest way to know your number is a written quote at a design counter before any work begins.
At ATL Collectibles & Custom Framing, we quote every order before production, so the price you approve is the price you pay at pickup. If you are comparing shops for custom framing Atlanta collectors trust, this guide explains exactly what moves the price up or down.
Key takeaways
- Size is the biggest single driver of custom framing cost, because every material is priced by the inch.
- Moulding (the frame itself) ranges from simple profiles to wide, ornate or hardwood options.
- Mats add cost per layer, but they also protect the art and change how it reads on the wall.
- Glazing ranges from standard glass to UV-filtering and anti-reflective options.
- Mounting and extras such as shadow box depth or nameplates add labor.
1. The size of the piece
Every component in a custom frame is cut to measure: moulding by the length around the outside, mat board and glazing by the area. Double the width and height of a piece and you roughly quadruple the area of glass and mat. That is why an oversized print or canvas costs noticeably more to frame than a small photo, even with identical materials.
Tip: If you are buying a print and plan to frame it, ask for the image size and the paper size. A wide white border on the paper can be covered by a mat, which may let you choose a smaller overall frame.
2. The moulding
Moulding is the visible frame around the art. A slim black or natural wood profile is usually the most economical choice. Wider profiles, hand-finished hardwood, gilded or carved mouldings and deep floater frames for canvas cost more, both in material and in the labor of joining them cleanly.
For most prints and photographs, a clean profile in a color pulled from the art looks better than an elaborate frame. The frame should finish the piece, not compete with it.
3. Mats: single, double or none
A mat is the board border between the art and the frame. It keeps the glass off the surface of the art, which prevents prints and photographs from sticking or picking up moisture. A single mat is standard; a double mat adds a thin accent line of a second color and a little more depth.
Acid-free and archival mat board costs more than standard board, but it will not yellow or burn the edges of the paper over the years. For signed prints, originals and family photographs, archival board is the right choice.
4. Glazing: the glass or acrylic in front
Glazing is where custom framing cost can change the most for the same size frame:
- Standard glass keeps dust off but blocks little ultraviolet light.
- UV-filtering glass blocks most of the ultraviolet light that fades ink and yellows paper. We recommend it for any signed or limited edition piece.
- Anti-reflective options reduce glare in bright rooms and cost more again.
- Acrylic is lighter and safer for large pieces or children's rooms.
5. Mounting, depth and extras
How the art is attached inside the frame matters. Reversible hinges and archival mounting protect valuable art and add a little labor. Objects with depth, such as jerseys, medals or keepsakes, need a shadow box with spacers and stitched or pinned mounting, which costs more than flat framing. Nameplates, photo cutouts and multiple openings add to the order as well.
How to keep framing affordable without cutting corners
- Choose a simple moulding and spend the difference on UV-filtering glass for a valuable piece.
- Use a single archival mat instead of a double mat when the art is busy.
- Frame several pieces in the same moulding at once so the design work is shared.
- Buy the art and the frame together. At our gallery, every print purchase earns 25% off its custom framing.
Why a written quote matters
A custom frame is built once, to your piece. Ask any framer for a written quote that lists the moulding, mats, glazing and mounting so you can compare like with like. At our framing counter inside The Mall at Stonecrest you can preview moulding and mat combinations on your piece before production begins, then approve the design and the price together.
If you are framing a newly purchased signed piece, read our limited edition African American art prints guide first to understand which pieces deserve museum-quality materials.
Frequently asked questions
Why is custom framing more expensive than a ready-made frame?
A ready-made frame is mass-produced in standard sizes with standard glass. A custom frame is cut to your piece, uses mat and glazing chosen for the art, and is assembled by hand, which protects the art for far longer.
Is UV-filtering glass worth the extra cost?
For signed prints, originals and photographs you want to keep for decades, yes. Ultraviolet light fades ink and yellows paper, and UV-filtering glazing blocks most of it.
Can I get a price before I bring the piece in?
You can book a free framing consultation online and describe the piece. The final quote is confirmed once the framer measures the art and you choose materials.
Get your framing quote
Visit our framing counter at ATL Collectibles & Custom Framing, Level 2, Suite 2280, The Mall at Stonecrest, 2929 Turner Hill Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038, or call 678-526-8028. Start with our custom framing Atlanta page to book a free consultation.
