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Common Poster Subjects => Framing & Storage => Topic started by: AjTheGreat on November 20, 2014, 12:37:03 PM

Title: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 20, 2014, 12:37:03 PM
Michael's craft and framing store has some impressive discounts on special right now, so I took one of my favorite posters in to get an estimate. I noticed 2 things right away.

1. Looking at the pricing before discount, its significantly more then competitors.
2. There pricing is cheaper then competitors in the area. (with discounts)

example: The great frame up (a competitor who I used plenty of times) quoted me $325.00, but Michael's quoted $540.00. (Total and pre-discount)

Great frame up has a 30% coupon....new amount $228. (regular glass).
Michaels has a 65% coupon.......new amount $180. (This includes there masterpiece glass)

While I don't question the great frame up's quality or construction, I have never used Michaels service before. I know people that have and said they were great, and Michael's boasts about there "certified framer's", but it almost seems like they jack up the prices so the discounts are just below the competitors which I thought was weird.

Im wondering if they do this because they dont see as much "framing" business as the Great Frame Up, after all they're a craft store that does framing.  I think I might give it a go.

Anyone here use Michaels before?
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: guest4669 on November 20, 2014, 01:49:00 PM
I have used Michaels on three occasions. Once about 10 years ago for two large items (largest was a approx 3' x 4 1/2') and the frames came out great. They were pretty expensive but I didnt know any better. The second was a small picture that came out ok, again equally expensive. After this I started going to an independent framer who was a tad cheaper. Last time I went to Michaels was for a reproduction japanese film poster and they totally botched the job. I had a coupon which is why I went but it still cost about 250 bucks. There are waves all over the place, I didnt bother to take it back. So I guess it just depends on who there does the job. They are really hit or miss...

Luckily for me, I found a great framer in Tijuana that does outstanding work for about 1/3 what it costs here in the US, so I havent looked back.  
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 20, 2014, 01:54:59 PM
I have used Michaels on three occasions. Once about 10 years ago for two large items (largest was a approx 3' x 4 1/2') and the frames came out great. They were pretty expensive but I didnt know any better. The second was a small picture that came out ok, again equally expensive. After this I started going to an independent framer who was a tad cheaper. Last time I went to Michaels was for a reproduction japanese film poster and they totally botched the job. I had a coupon witch is why I went but it still cost about 250 bucks. There are waves all over the place, I didnt bother to take it back. So I guess it just depends on who there does the job. They are really hit or miss...

Luckily for me, I found a great framer in Tijuana that does outstanding work for about 1/3 what it costs here in the US, so I havent looked back. 

Yeah I was trying to grill the guy to see what he knows, and he seemed qualified. He assured me it would come out great and there would be nothing wrong. They have a good return/refund or repair policy so as long as they dont actually ruin the poster, I think it should be ok to give them a try.

I agree, even with a coupon it seems pretty pricey. For those kind of prices I better not see anything wrong haha.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 20, 2014, 01:56:49 PM
And just be sure they don't mount it to any kind of backing board...

That would be awful!  crying



Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: guest4669 on November 20, 2014, 01:57:07 PM
I agree. Good luck, dude. As long as you stay on top of it, then it should be all good.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 20, 2014, 02:15:32 PM
And just be sure they don't mount it to any kind of backing board...

That would be awful!  crying


I would go NUTS if they did that haha.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 20, 2014, 02:25:20 PM
I would go NUTS if they did that haha.

Can you imagine?? You go in and find that they have used spray adhesive to mount it to a piece of foam core......

It would be a combo of  moron1 faint2.gif and  crying

Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 20, 2014, 03:23:04 PM
I agree. Good luck, dude. As long as you stay on top of it, then it should be all good.

Yeah, Im gonna ask them to confirm that they dont do anything like that haha.




Can you imagine?? You go in and find that they have used spray adhesive to mount it to a piece of foam core......

It would be a combo of  moron1 faint2.gif and  crying


Dam it Jeff, now you're just trying to scare me haha.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 20, 2014, 03:24:17 PM
Nah...

Just wanting to make sure you tell 'em exactly what you want done and more importantly, what you do NOT want them to do...  ;)

Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 21, 2014, 11:51:26 AM
Nah...

Just wanting to make sure yo tell 'em exactly what you want done and more importantly, what you do NOT want them to do...  ;)


Good point, im going in there today. Will keep you updated with the details.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 22, 2014, 01:26:12 PM
Update: I took them up on there offer, ill post pics when I get it back.

Woo hoo.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: lynaron on November 22, 2014, 03:06:03 PM
As a former Michaels Farts and Crap framer, I can tell you that some of the folks have a very good knowledge of archival framing, others not so much, as it is a working poor box store.  Just because you talk to someone who is knowledgable doesn't mean that person will actually be the one framing you work.  It's a factory and each day there is a list of the frame work to be completed. I saw good and bad while I was there, mostly good.  Michaels does have a "certified" framer certificate but it one you get by taking a computer program class, which I felt was a waste of time and never bothered with it. If you have any COAs or other documentation, be sure to request it to be pocketed on the dust shield.

As far as pricing. Whooo.  Well, even with my employee discount (25%) it was cheaper for me to use my internet frame supplier (americanframe.com). I also waited for the half off sales and recommended many of my clients to wait a week or so and take advantage of the upcoming sales.  And Michaels, at least in the New Orleans area where I was, did a ton of work.  The frame shop operated on a slightly different level than the arts and crafts merchandise portion.  They do have a pretty good selection of ready mades for certain sizes.  You can get for example, a 16x20 and have a mat only cut to 11x14 and DYI for a lobby card, just depends on your "frame" of mind  ;D.  Hope this is of some help.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 23, 2014, 12:20:35 PM
As a former Michaels Farts and Crap framer, I can tell you that some of the folks have a very good knowledge of archival framing, others not so much, as it is a working poor box store.  Just because you talk to someone who is knowledgable doesn't mean that person will actually be the one framing you work.  It's a factory and each day there is a list of the frame work to be completed. I saw good and bad while I was there, mostly good.  Michaels does have a "certified" framer certificate but it one you get by taking a computer program class, which I felt was a waste of time and never bothered with it. If you have any COAs or other documentation, be sure to request it to be pocketed on the dust shield.

As far as pricing. Whooo.  Well, even with my employee discount (25%) it was cheaper for me to use my internet frame supplier (americanframe.com). I also waited for the half off sales and recommended many of my clients to wait a week or so and take advantage of the upcoming sales.  And Michaels, at least in the New Orleans area where I was, did a ton of work.  The frame shop operated on a slightly different level than the arts and crafts merchandise portion.  They do have a pretty good selection of ready mades for certain sizes.  You can get for example, a 16x20 and have a mat only cut to 11x14 and DYI for a lobby card, just depends on your "frame" of mind  ;D.  Hope this is of some help.


I appreciate the info, and yeah I agree that some are good and bad. But luckily the one by me has all positive reviews, you jerks still got me worried though haha. 

I should try americanframe.com, everyone seems to use them.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: CSM on November 23, 2014, 07:07:47 PM

I should try americanframe.com, everyone seems to use them.

I frame my own posters but use their materials.  They come highly recommended from me
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 25, 2014, 09:25:51 PM
HOLY F*CKIN SH*T

So I decided to call Michael's and spoke to what sounded like a high schooler just now and asked if they use any adhesive backings or spray adhesive to mount a poster to the backing board. Guess WTF he says.

"Yes we do but sometimes it depends, sometimes we will just staple or screw it down to the frame"....????

Im like are you serious? I dont want any of that happening on my poster, and he replied well we also have an acid free tape that we use that doesn't damage posters or artwork (I read online that this is sometimes common). I asked to speak to the manager who is also the person I was dealing with and is also the framer....they said he will be in tomorrow.  I got the poster with a matte, so would tape be common for framing?

I think Im having a STAGE 5 melt down right now.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 25, 2014, 09:31:50 PM
I think I would call them back ASAP, and tell them to do nothing to your poster, until you talk to the manager....

YIKES!  Doh.gif

Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 25, 2014, 09:34:17 PM
I think I would call them back ASAP, and tell them to do nothing to your poster, until you talk to the manager....

YIKES!  Doh.gif


The manager told me it would be 2 weeks because they have to order in the frame, so I dont think it will be touched. In the mean time, they said he will be in tomorrow night so I will be going there to make sure.

Jeff, there shouldnt be anything when framing a medium sized poster right?
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 25, 2014, 09:41:48 PM
Aj, is this a backed or un-backed poster?

And when you ask if there should be anything for framing that size poster, what do you mean exactly?

Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 25, 2014, 09:54:27 PM
Aj, is this a backed or un-backed poster?

And when you ask if there should be anything for framing that size poster, what do you mean exactly?



Yeah its backed, and what I mean is taping backed posters the standard when framing?
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 25, 2014, 10:10:20 PM
Yeah its backed, and what I mean is taping backed posters the standard when framing?

If the poster will be sandwiched between a mat and the acid free backing board, and the frame is made to the exact size, I dont know why it would need to be taped, as the would be held securely, once it was all assembled. Did they say they use this archival tape all the time, as a matter of practice? If the archival tape was used on the linen only, and not touching the poster, that would also not pose any problem.

Im sure some others here might chime in, too..

BUT NO STAPLING...lol.. be sure to tell them that!
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 25, 2014, 10:40:45 PM
If the poster will be sandwiched between a mat and the acid free backing board, and the frame is made to the exact size, I dont know why it would need to be taped, as the would be held securely, once it was all assembled. Did they say they use this archival tape all the time, as a matter of practice? If the archival tape was used on the linen only, and not touching the poster, that would also not pose any problem.

Im sure some others here might chime in, too..

BUT NO STAPLING...lol.. be sure to tell them that!

No they didnt say that they use it all the time, Im hoping this kid was just talking out of his ass haha. Ill find out more tomorrow with the manager I guess, and yeah you make a good point... If its measured correctly and to size there should be no use for tape or staples or screws LOL.

Yes I will make sure to tell them NO STAPLES EVER haha.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 25, 2014, 10:51:41 PM
No they didnt say that they use it all the time, Im hoping this kid was just talking out of his ass haha. Ill find out more tomorrow with the manager I guess, and yeah you make a good point... If its measured correctly and to size there should be no use for tape or staples or screws LOL.

Yes I will make sure to tell them NO STAPLES EVER haha.

Yeah.. but the issue is.. had you not called... they could have stapled or screwed your poster into the frame... and that would have had me worried, too.

Good thing you called them, AJ.... whew.

 :D
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 25, 2014, 11:09:58 PM
Yeah.. but the issue is.. had you not called... they could have stapled or screwed your poster into the frame... and that would have me worried, too.

Good thing you called them, AJ.... whew.

 :D

I know, I had this random feeling that I should call and kinda glad I did.....whew is right.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: Neo on November 26, 2014, 12:41:05 AM
Personally, I just send the measurements to the professional framer folks, and they make the frames, and then I can put my posters in myself.  It's very simple, and the best method, for various reasons, IMO.

Anyway, good luck.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 26, 2014, 10:06:28 AM
Personally, I just send the measurements to the professional framer folks, and they make the frames, and then I can put my posters in myself.  It's very simple, and the best method, for various reasons, IMO.

Anyway, good luck.

Thanks man, ill post an update tonight.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 26, 2014, 01:19:28 PM
Well guess what just happened? I received a phone call just now saying "Hi Adrian, your poster is framed and ready for pick up." I responded with....are you serious? I was told it would take 2 weeks? (I started to panic). The lady who happened to call was the framer, so I told her what had happened when I called the other day and she said "Do you know who you talk to? We would NEVER staple/screw/ or use any type of adhesive on any artwork or poster". She said they have specific techniques that they are to use and ONLY allowed to do preservation framing techniques and no hodge podge framing will be done there.

She also stated that they do sometimes use archival preservation tape and Michael's protocol only allows it to be used on the matte (if matte is being used) and NEVER on posters or artwork. Lastly, she said they do use an acid free sealing tape on the frame to protect any chemicals or etc from coming in contact with the item.

So overall, I feel all my concerns were addressed and Im pretty sure my poster will be safe haha.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 26, 2014, 01:32:08 PM
From 2 weeks to one day!! WOW!

The sealing tape on the back makes sense... and good to know she reassured you that no tape is used on the poster or art itself...

So lets hope that bonehead kid you talked to last night had his hands no where near your frame or poster...

and that he left his staple gun and screw driver at home... hahaha!

Sounds like it will be nice. What color frame and mat did u get with your poster?

Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 26, 2014, 02:27:39 PM
From 2 weeks to one day!! WOW!

The sealing tape on the back makes sense... and good to know she reassured you that no tape is used on the poster or art itself...

So lets hope that bonehead kid you talked to last night had his hands no where near your frame or poster...

and that he left his staple gun and screw driver at home... hahaha!

Sounds like it will be nice. What color frame and mat did u get with your poster?


I called you right before I posted Jeff haha. The poster looked a million times better under bright light (as oppose to my house where my basement light was sort of dim when I opened it). I never noticed how vibrant the colors really were, so I went with a cream color matte and a gold and black frame. I was gonna go with all gold so I can give it that vintage classic theater look, but the frame I ended up choosing gives it a clean modern look. Much better for the house of a young bachelor hahaha.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 26, 2014, 02:31:17 PM
Sounds like it all came together ... so you picked it up, sounds like.

GOOD for you, AJ.

 thumbup
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 26, 2014, 03:10:40 PM
Sounds like it all came together ... so you picked it up, sounds like.

GOOD for you, AJ.

 thumbup

I didnt pick it up yet, gonna go in a few hours. Finishing up some work right now and will post pics asap.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 27, 2014, 01:44:15 AM
Picked up the poster today, and it looks great. The quality is A++

Will post pics in the morning.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 27, 2014, 02:05:11 AM
Picked up the poster today, and it looks great. The quality is A++

Will post pics in the morning.

 clap clap clap clap clap
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 27, 2014, 12:16:15 PM
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q589/hotland4sale/Mobile%20Uploads/20141127_110335_zpsrk6jzzse.jpg)

(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q589/hotland4sale/Mobile%20Uploads/20141127_110242_zpsmtafvrtu.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: CSM on November 27, 2014, 12:25:30 PM
Looks very nice!  Also a good choice on the frame colours...






Also, also - your wall outlet is sideways and conflicts with my OCD  8)
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 27, 2014, 12:42:28 PM
Aj, that looks fantastic!

And that mat works VERY well, too!

 cheers
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: jedgerley on November 27, 2014, 12:48:44 PM

Also, also - your wall outlet is sideways and conflicts with my OCD  8)




(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56630616/APF/forRUM%20pikts/201ROTATEDOUTLET.png)


Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 27, 2014, 01:31:48 PM
Looks very nice!  Also a good choice on the frame colours...


Also, also - your wall outlet is sideways and conflicts with my OCD  8)

Hahaha, Its like that so the wires fit behind the flat screen that Im still too lazy to install.

Aj, that looks fantastic!

And that mat works VERY well, too!

 cheers

Thanks Jeff, its a cream color mat with a Gold/Espresso/Gold frame.  (From a distance it almost looks black)....but I love it.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 27, 2014, 01:37:02 PM
Sweetness, all the way around, Aj..

Great color combo!

And so much for the mat naysayers. It works great, IMO.

 thumbsup.gif
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: Crazy Vick on November 27, 2014, 01:38:52 PM
Good work AJ nicely done.  What's the damage all in?
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 27, 2014, 02:24:08 PM
Good work AJ nicely done.  What's the damage all in?

After the "70%" coupon it came out around $170 and some change, would have been about $30-$40 bucks cheaper but I got the masterpiece glass.
Overall, Im very happy with the construction and quality.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 27, 2014, 02:25:07 PM
After the "70%" coupon it came out around $170 and some change, would have been about $30-$40 bucks cheaper but I got the masterpiece glass.
Overall, Im very happy with the construction and quality.

Glass??

or UV plexi?

Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 27, 2014, 02:29:43 PM
Glass??

or UV plexi?

Its glass, conservation masterpiece.

(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q589/hotland4sale/michaels_zpse27637cd.png)
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on November 27, 2014, 02:35:51 PM
Is the Conservation Masterpiece acrylic a lot more $$ than the glass?

Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: AjTheGreat on November 27, 2014, 02:38:32 PM
Is the Conservation Masterpiece acrylic a lot more $$ than the glass?



I believe so, I cant remember the exact dollar amount. But I do remember passing on it haha.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: bigmike on March 03, 2017, 06:07:55 PM
I know this is an old thread. But I went to Michaels 3 months ago.
To custom frame a 27x41 frame with a basic thin metal frame, they wanted $600. What a joke.
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: erik1925 on March 03, 2017, 06:10:04 PM
600 bucks!?!  :o

Mike, they dont carry pre-made, cheap 27x41 frames?

Or maybe all those "off the rack" are 27x40?
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: bigmike on March 03, 2017, 06:12:06 PM
They have those cheap 27x41 frame with the plastic cover and cardboard backing, but even with the 50% off coupon, its $50-60.
They used to carry the metal frame pre cuts at a very very decent price, but not anymore for some reason...

FYI, I am referring to the ones in  Canada, that I have been too. So not sure about the US ones.

It's amazing, when customers come in and you hear how much they pay, I feel like saying I can frame that cheaper for you. But I guess because its a name company, they go with them. But Extremely expensive where I am. Even for Foam Core. They won't even allow you to use coupons on full sheets
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: Stefano on May 24, 2018, 03:59:51 AM
Bigmike and others:

I'm glad someone else noticed the spike in pricing for frames at Michaels. 

I have to tell you, I love Michaels frames and have had only positive experiences with them.  But they have gotten so expensive!  Back when I was in high school in the early 2000s, I got a lot of Belgian posters (around 14x22") framed by them in black matte aluminum frames.  The price before discount was around $50, then factor in the 40-50% off sales that they were running CONSTANTLY, and I could easily drop off two posters at once on my paper route money. 

Well, fast forward a decade or so, and the same poster will run you upwards of $160 WITH a discount!  So, that's an increase of about 5 TIMES within ten years.  Man, even real estate hasn't increased nearly that much.  Not to mention, our economy sucks (DANG, it was easier to find a job BEFORE I went to university!). 

So for a special job, I still would trust Michaels, because of the quality, but they are a chain store, so bear in mind that you may need to screen the teenage associates.  I was always able to tell them exactly what I wanted, and they delivered.  Never used dry-mounting or anything like that.  I tried pricing Hobby Lobby, but they didn't seem much cheaper, and I was very put off when I tried to buy some acid-free backing board, but nobody on staff could tell me whether the board was indeed acid-free or not. 

For standard frame-ups, I'd like to try americanframe.com.  Nice prices, but their acid-free backing is only 1/8th inch thick...  Sounds very thin to me.  Can anyone comment on how study or flimsy their framing material is?

OK, so funny story about my frames from Michaels.  A few years after having some things framed (I was probably in undergrad by now), I took the posters out of the frames, because I was concerned about the paper being pressed up against the glass, as I live in a rather humid environment (East Coast, anyone?).  I wasn't sure how I was going to approach the situation, but it wasn't urgent, since the posters in question were out of the frames (and when you're in undergrad, is anything ever urgent, except turning in your next paper?). 

I mentioned to my mother that I was considering selling some of the frames at our upcoming garage sale (thinking I could get a good chunk of money back to invest in an alternative, or.. more posters!).  Well, the day of the garage sale, I sauntered out of bed around 10 am, and my mom tells me, "Hey, good news, I sold almost all of you're frames!" 

I responded groggily... "Huh? Oh... really?  For how much?" 

She responded "Well I didn't know how much to charge, so I figured a dollar each, but then one guy wanted to buy the whole lot..."

"A DOLLAR??!!!!  EACH???!!!!"

Umm... yea.  Wasn't happy.  I still tease her about it to this day, but I'll never let her near my custom frames again! 
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: CSM on May 24, 2018, 11:27:49 AM

For standard frame-ups, I'd like to try americanframe.com.  Nice prices, but their acid-free backing is only 1/8th inch thick...  Sounds very thin to me.  Can anyone comment on how study or flimsy their framing material is?



I have nothing but positive things to say about Americanframe (although they are not super cheap).  They have quality materials and in my experience for my framing needs their acid free backing is rigid enough and works great.  My main issue is shipping in to Canada grrrrrr...
Title: Re: Michael's has 60% off on framing and 75% off next month.
Post by: Stefano on May 25, 2018, 02:01:47 PM
Thanks, Chris.

I'll definitely try out Americanframe in future.