framing question 13x19

Thanks everyone for the help. gardenstate,

I don't have any professional labs here in my town. Just a walmart lab and like drug stores that delvelope photos. and to me walmart here doesn't do that great of a job.

Not knocking them all but just the one here in my town. I really don't no about others. I'm going out today and take a look around at hobby lobby tony, we do have one of them here lol.

So guess I will make my mind up after that.
I'm undecided on what to do as of just yet. But I thank all you for your comments.

Hugs Gail,

Well if you dont have a costco, then sure, GO FOR THE PRINTER!

=( Noone is supporting my costco prints!

I have a few of them here in town, I talk to the people who run them and actually ask them questions to assure myself they arnt total idiots. They pretty much cant screw up digital prints, even then systems are checked daily and calibrated should they need it.

Film, chemical , temp and everything is checked on a day to day basies. Seems like a good deal for me, since i dont want to spend the initial 500 to own the printer.

I do admit, having one would be nice, and instant results for prints is also a very nice thing to have around too.

Worse case for me is I wait an hour (assuming costco is open)

Maby one of these days when im selling more pictures Ill buy my own unit. I feel that if i actually bought a system, id go BIG and spend on a plotter unit =) Large Format 60" Banner photo printer.

YES, Im Dreaming.. thoes units cost thousands. Ink cost hundreds. And the canon rep im sure is making some good $ too. Damn Trade Shows! Get me too intrested in big boy gear.

www.framedestination.c​om

They sell pre-cut mats to fit 13x19 images, for a couple of different frame sizes. They also sell frames that are proportioned right for these prints.
I have found that the 20x26 frame with the pre-cut mat for either 12x18 or 12.75x18.75 opening fits and looks right.

My wife found some frames at IKEA that are about 20x28 inches. I have a little hand held mat cutter that I got from a craft store and we made our own mats.

I have also had 13x19 inch prints custom mounted or plaque mounted. The custom mounting was very expensive for what I got, but the plaque mounting was quite reasonable at Costco. They wouldn't plaque mount Epson paper, because apparently they have had problems with it melting, but had no problem with the brand I was using.

If you are at all handy with tools, you can purchase framing stock from hobby stores, cut it with a mitre saw and glue and nail the frame using corner clamps. (Get a set of four) If you don't want to keep the print for a long time you can print on semi gloss paper and mount it without glass. Depending on light conditions it may last a few years without fading too noticeably. When you have your own printer you are always looking for an excuse to print and hang new pictures, so you don't necessarily want them to last too long. If you want glass, any glass shop can cut it for you for a reasonable price.

Thanks, for all the good info. I love making hand made projects my self so I might try doing a home made frame.

I have bought the foam board that has the sticky backing don't really know what it's called but you peel the paper and then stick you photo to it. It makes a nice photo with out being framed.

I went to hobby lobby yesterday and right now all there pre-cut mats are half off and I'm thinking of doing as ScottE, suggested get the tool to cut it my self. And some time they have all their frames half off you just have to watch there sales paper.

Steven, thanks for the link....