Custom Framing FAQ

Alternative Arts provides custom picture framing at our Bloor Street West shop in Toronto. We frame artwork, photographs, diplomas, keepsakes and customer-owned posters, with choices based on the piece, where it will hang and your budget.

These answers cover common planning questions. For advice on a specific project, contact the shop or review our custom picture-framing service.

Can you frame anything?

Yes, we can frame just about anything you want including: photos, paintings, drawings, sketches, fabric and needlework, objects, sports memorabilia, jerseys, collectibles, records, trophies, medals, mirrors and more.

 

How should I choose a frame?

Start by choosing a frame that will enhance the artwork with the right colour, shape, and style of moulding. Then make sure it suits the environment and your individual taste. We have hundreds of frame samples in both wood and aluminum to choose from with styles ranging from ornate to modern.

 

How expensive is custom framing?

Custom framing is more expensive than buying stock size pre-made frames, but the benefits far out-weigh the costs and there are a number of options to fit almost every budget.

 

What determines the cost of custom framing?

The overall cost depends on the size of the piece you are framing, the frame you choose, and additional components such as matting, speciality mat cuts, and type of glass.

 

Do you frame on-site or send it out?

We frame on-site at our Bloor Street location. We also have an on-site computerized mat cutter capable of precision fancy mat cuts, letter cuts, oval openings, and multiple openings.

 

What is Conservation Framing?

Conservation framing, also referred to as Museum framing or Archival framing, is a term used to describe the use of materials and techniques which provide protection to framed works of art. Any materials used in the framing process must be acid-free (PH neutral) and the artwork should never be permanently mounted, but rather hinged and then backed by acid-free foam board.

 

Do you offer Conservation Framing?

Yes, we have a great deal of experience in conservation framing and can advise you on the best materials to use including conservation backing, matting, and glass.

 

Do you frame movie posters?

Yes. We can custom frame a movie poster you already own, using a frame, matting and glazing selected for the poster and its display location. This framing service is separate from buying a poster or ordering a reproduction. You can browse movie posters currently offered by Alternative Arts; availability depends on the individual item. Printing a reproduction is a different service and requires a suitable source file and permission to reproduce it.

 

Do you frame photographs, diplomas and original art?

Yes. We frame photographs, diplomas, works on paper, paintings and many three-dimensional keepsakes. Light-sensitive or valuable pieces may benefit from conservation framing and an appropriate choice from our picture-framing glass options.

 

What should I bring for a framing estimate?

Bring the piece whenever possible, along with any preferred colours, room photos or display requirements. The final estimate depends on the exact size, moulding, matting, mounting and glazing selected for that project.

 

Where are you located?

We are located in Toronto’s Annex at 474 Bloor Street West, near Bathurst.

 

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. There is limited street parking in front of the store on Bloor street and there is a Green P parking lot located at 365 Lippincott Street just south of Bloor and just east of Bathurst.

 

How do we get there by transit?

By subway: take the Bloor line to Bathurst Station. Exit the station and turn left to reach Bloor Street. Cross Bloor Street to the south side, turn left, and walk the short distance east to our store. By bus: take the Bathurst bus to Bathurst Station follow the same directions above to reach the store.