recommendations for art framing store

[Anonymous]

I inherited some art from my dad. Nothing fancy or valuable, but I'd like to keep them. The frames are old and rickety, though. Looking for recommendations for places that might do a simple, tasteful framing job without breaking the bank. (Montgomery county, Kensington/Rockville area)
I also have oil paintings painted by my great grandmother that I would like to have cleaned. Is there any chance this is something I can try to do myself?

[Anonymous]

Post a budget because we don’t know what “breaking the bank” means to you and custom framing is notoriously expensive.

[Anonymous]

Bethesda Custom Framing does good work but it’s not cheap. You can also try Plaza Art, they offer framing services.

[Anonymous]

Art framing is, in my humble opinion, ridiculously overpriced. It's a cartel. I don't understand most of their pricing and how they get away with it. The gap in pricing between a reputable boutique framing and Michael's isn't that much. The difference is that the boutique framer is reliable whereas Michael's isn't.

Then I found New Standard Frames. It's in Baltimore. But they do really good quality custom framing. And simple and straightforward, modern gallery style. Check out their instagram page. https://www.newstandardframes.com/ Pricewise I found them slightly cheaper than the typical reputable framing. I asked the owner about it because I'd have thought his framing would be more expensive, and he said he makes his own frames and showed me his workshop. Most framers are middlemen and order in their materials and sizing from elsewhere and add a markup. He cuts out that middleman. But it is in Baltimore so not sure if it's worth the drive for you.

As for cleaning your great-grandmother's paintings, do not do it yourself. This is one area where a boutique gallery can advise as they probably have local restorers who can do it.

[Anonymous]

Michaels does a nice job at a fair price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Michaels does a nice job at a fair price.

+1

[Anonymous]

Broadway Gallery is terrific, not sure if you want to drive that far from MD but they have locations in Alexandria and Great Falls.

[Anonymous]

Easy recommendation for less custom stuff, but very fast turnaround and affordability is Framebridge.