How much does framing art prints cost: a framed vs unframed comparison

Framed vs unframed art prints cost comparison at the same shop

For a 50x70 cm (20x28 in) archival pigment print on 310 gsm cotton-rag paper, unframed prices average $80–$150 from reputable print houses. The same print in a conservation-grade frame—using acid-free matting, UV-protective glazing (e.g., Artglass AR 70), and a solid wood or aluminium profile—ranges from $350–$600. Smaller formats like 30x40 cm (12x16 in) drop to $120–$250 framed, while larger works such as 70x100 cm (28x40 in) climb to $800–$1,200. The Fine Art Trade Guild notes that framing constitutes the single largest variable in print ownership costs, often exceeding the print’s own value by 3–5x for mid-tier works.

Offset lithographs (e.g., Hiroshi Nagai’s commercial editions) may frame for 20–30% less than giclée prints due to lower material sensitivity, but archival standards still require UV glazing and acid-free backings to prevent foxing or fading. Glossy finishes demand anti-reflective glazing to avoid visual distortion, adding $50–$120 to the total.

What you pay for: material breakdown

Framing costs distribute across five components, ranked by expense:

• Glazing (30–40% of cost): Standard acrylic runs $20–$50 for 50x70 cm, while museum-grade UV-filtering glass (e.g., Tru Vue Optium) reaches $150–$200 for the same size. Anti-reflective coatings add $30–$80.
• Matting (15–20%): Acid-free, 100% cotton rag mats (4–8 ply) cost $40–$90, with custom bevels or layered designs increasing labor time. Pre-cut mats reduce this to $15–$30.
• Frame profile (20–25%): Standard aluminium sections (e.g., Nielsen Bainbridge) start at $50–$120 for 50x70 cm; hand-finished hardwood (e.g., oak, walnut) begins at $200. Depth matters: shadow-box frames for textured prints add 15–25%.
• Backing & hardware (10%): Acid-free foamcore, hanging wires, and bumpers total $15–$40. French cleats for heavy frames (5+ kg) add $25–$50.
• Labor (15–20%): Hand-assembly by a certified framer (e.g., CPF-certified) runs $75–$150/hour. Machine-cut joinery reduces this to $30–$60 for standard sizes.

Matte vs glossy: framing implications for family homes

Glossy prints require anti-reflective glazing to mitigate light scatter, adding $50–$120 to framing costs for 50x70 cm sizes. In family homes with variable lighting, the International Fine Print Dealers Association recommends matte finishes for their lower glare and forgiveness in non-controlled environments—though matte surfaces demand higher gsm papers (300+ gsm) to avoid sagging, increasing print costs by $20–$50.

For offset lithographs (e.g., vintage travel posters), glossy finishes are traditional but prone to fingerprinting; framing with spacer bars to prevent surface contact adds $15–$30. UV exposure tests by the Tate demonstrate that glossy prints behind standard glass fade 2–3x faster than those with UV-filtering glazing, necessitating the upgrade for longevity.

Is it worth it: addressing the underlying concern

The hesitation stems from a measurable disparity: framing often costs 3–5x the print’s base price. The justification lies in protection and display physics. An unframed print exposed to 50,000 lux-hours annually (typical for residential walls) will show noticeable fading in 3–5 years; framed with UV glazing and acid-free materials, the same print retains integrity for 25–40 years (per ISO 18909 standards).

Resale value also factors in. Christie’s Prints & Multiples department reports that framed works in auction catalogs achieve 15–25% higher hammer prices than unframed equivalents, assuming conservation-grade materials. For collectors, the $400 framing investment on a $100 print can yield $200–$300 additional return at resale.

Lastly, the two-thirds rule in hanging art (center at ~145–150 cm / 57–60 in) assumes a framed work’s visual weight. Unframed prints, even with clips or rails, lack the structural presence to anchor a composition above furniture, limiting placement options.

Offset lithograph vs archival giclée: framing cost differences

Offset lithographs (e.g., mid-century advertising prints) use petroleum-based inks on coated paper, allowing simpler framing: standard acrylic glazing and alkaline mats suffice for short-term display (5–10 years). Framing costs run 20–30% below giclée equivalents—$200–$350 for 50x70 cm vs $350–$600—due to lower material sensitivity.

Archival giclées on cotton-rag paper (e.g., Epson UltraChrome HDX prints) require UV glazing, acid-free mats, and often spacer bars to prevent condensation damage. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s conservation guidelines for pigment prints specify that even "archival" designation demands active protection, as the inks remain light-sensitive despite 100+ year longevity claims in dark storage.