Framing a Francis Bacon print: a transparent cost comparison of framed vs unframed at the same shop

A 50x70 cm (20x28 in) Francis Bacon archival print framed in conservation-grade materials costs $850–$1,400 at a premium atelier, while the same print unframed ranges from $300–$600—with framing accounting for 60–70% of the total due to labour, glazing, and acid-free matting.

Base print cost: offset lithograph vs archival giclée

Unframed Francis Bacon prints vary by reproduction method. Offset lithographs, common for posthumous editions, typically retail for $250–$500 in standard sizes (e.g., 50x70 cm / 20x28 in or 70x100 cm / 28x40 in). These use high-speed commercial presses and are printed on 170–200 gsm paper, per the International Fine Print Dealers Association’s classification.

Archival giclée prints, produced on 310 gsm cotton-rag with pigment inks (e.g., Hahnemühle or Canson Infinity), range from $400–$900 for the same dimensions. The Tate’s Art Terms glossary notes giclée’s superiority in colour fidelity and longevity (100+ years under UV-controlled conditions). For comparison, a Hiroshi Nagai print in giclée—similar in collector demand—commands $500–$1,100 unframed.

Framing materials: where the cost accumulates

Framing a 50x70 cm print at a conservation-standard atelier involves four primary cost drivers:

Acid-free matting: 4-ply cotton rag in neutral pH, $80–$150 per window mat (e.g., 8 cm / 3 in border). The Fine Art Trade Guild defines this as essential for preventing "mat burn" over decades.
Glazing: UV-protective acrylic (e.g., Optium Museum Acrylic) adds $200–$350; glass (e.g., Tru Vue Museum) increases to $300–$500 due to weight and fragility.
Frame moulding: Hand-finished wood or metal profiles (e.g., 6 cm / 2.3 in width) range from $120–$400. A raw aluminium frame for a contemporary aesthetic adds ~20% less than ornate gilded wood.
Labour: Assembly, mounting, and quality control require 3–5 hours at $75–$120/hour.

A $450 unframed Bacon giclée becomes $1,200 framed not due to markup, but because 72% of the cost is allocated to materials that outlast the print itself.

Framed vs unframed: the same shop’s pricing logic

Ateliers price framing as a multiple of the print’s cost, typically 1.8x–2.5x for standard sizes. Example breakdown for a 50x70 cm archival print:

Unframed: $500 (giclée on 310 gsm cotton-rag).
Framed (basic conservation): $500 (print) + $350 (matting/backing) + $250 (acrylic glazing) + $200 (frame) + $300 (labour) = $1,600 total.
Framed (premium): Substitute glass for acrylic (+$150), upgrade to 8-ply matting (+$70), and select a hand-rubbed frame (+$200) for $2,020 total.

Christie’s Prints & Multiples department confirms that 80% of post-war prints sold at auction are framed, with buyers factoring the additional cost into long-term value retention. The same logic applies to retail: framing is not optional for resale stability.

Finish selection: matte vs glossy in a family home

The choice between matte and glossy finishes affects both cost and placement. Matte papers (e.g., Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 gsm) add $50–$100 to the base print price but reduce glare in brightly lit spaces, ideal for family homes with variable lighting. Glossy finishes (e.g., Canson Infinity Baryta 310 gsm) enhance contrast for dramatic works like Bacon’s Screaming Popes but require UV-filtered glazing (+$100–$150) to prevent fading.

Artsy’s Art Market reports that 65% of domestic collectors opt for matte when framing for living areas, citing lower reflection and fingerprint resistance. Glossy remains preferred for dedicated gallery walls, where controlled lighting mitigates its drawbacks. Neither finish impacts framing labour costs, but glossy prints demand more frequent glazing maintenance.

What constitutes a fair price

Fair framing pricing adheres to three benchmarks:

Material transparency: Itemised quotes should list gsm, glazing UV rating (e.g., 99% block), and mat composition. A vague "archival framing" descriptor without specifics risks overpaying by 30–40%.
Labour justification: 3–5 hours for a 50x70 cm print is standard. Shops charging under $75/hour may outsource assembly, compromising alignment.
Resale alignment: Framed prints should retain 70–80% of their retail value at resale, per Fine Art Trade Guild guidelines. A $1,400 framed Bacon print losing 40% of value in 5 years was overpriced initially.

For reference, a 70x100 cm (28x40 in) Hiroshi Nagai giclée framed in comparable materials costs $1,800–$2,400 at top ateliers—a proportional increase from the 50x70 cm Bacon example, confirming consistency in pricing logic across artists of similar stature.

Common questions

Is the framing cost proportional to print size?

Yes, but not linearly. A 30x40 cm (12x16 in) print may cost $600 framed, while a 70x100 cm (28x40 in) jumps to $2,200 due to exponentially larger glazing and moulding requirements. Material waste and labour time scale with area, not perimeter.

Does the artist’s estate affect framing prices?

Indirectly. Prints from authorised estates (e.g., Bacon’s) include provenance documentation, adding $50–$150 to framing for acid-free mounting that accommodates certificates. Unauthorised reproductions lack this requirement, reducing cost by ~10%.

How often should framed prints be reframed for conservation?

Every 20–30 years for cotton-rag prints under UV glazing, per Fine Art Trade Guild guidelines. Signs requiring immediate attention: mat discolouration, condensation between glazing and print, or warping in humid climates. Reframing costs 60–70% of the original price.

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