DLP Graphics Frames and Materials

DLP Graphics uses a limited variety of framing materials. This allows me to keep in stock everything I need and, since I do everything myself at home, I can print any picture and frame it as soon as it dries. My first year doing this was a year of growing pains as I learned and tried different materials. I have strived to provide a quality product for a reasonable price. Here is what I am currently using.

Epson Stylus Pro 4800 and Epson Stylus Photo 2200 The Epson SP2200 printer I have been using the past two years has been replaced with the newer and larger Epson Stylus Pro 4800. This uses Epson's next generation of pigment base inks - Ultrachrome K3. When used with Epson Enhanced Matte paper it produces prints rated by Wilhelm Imaging Research to be lightfast for 76 years (better than standard photographs). The SP4800 will print using up to 17" wide rolls of paper. I have added a new print size (X-Large) which will be 17"x24" in a 24"x32" frame.

Virtual Mat I print my pictures with a "virtual" inner mat. This allows me to select any colour to enhance the look of the print without the expense of having to keep so many different mats in stock. I keep a standard stock of about 14 colours of mat that go well with my prints and frames. This also allows me to print the name of the picture on it.

Crescent Acid Free Mat This is the selection of mat I keep on hand. With the "virtual" mat printed with the picture this small selection of Crescent acid-free mat gives me the range I need for most of my prints. The colours will not necessarily be acuarate on your monitor, but it gives you an idea of the range I have.

Black Wood I have selected a few sizes of good quality black frames to uses for different sized pictures. I use the 1 5/8" for 18x24 and 16x20 frames. 11x14 uses 1" and 8x10 uses 3/4". These are made of mahogany wood with a thick epoxy type coating.

Oak I stock four colours of 1 3/4" oak - Navy Blue, Black, Weathered Oak and Dark Oak. The 1 5/8 frame I use for the northern lights (shown above ) is no longer available. I have a few frames left and will be replacing them with black oak.

Spruce Green This wood frame has a dark olive green stain that goes well with the spruce forest in many of my pictures.

Rust & Black This is wood with an epoxy type finish. Although I have used it for some of my earlier large prints I think it does better on a mini to medium sized prints.

Beaded Walnut This frame I have selected to use with my mini and small sized prints. It is a nice looking wood fiber product with a synthetic walnut finish. I order these frames premade in 8x10 and 11x14 size. While I would love to use oak for all sizes of picture the economics just aren't there - it takes as much labour to make and 8x10 frame as an 18x24.