One of the biggest myths about art is that you need to spend a fortune to make it look good on your walls. The truth? You really don’t and you shouldn’t feel like custom framing is off-limits just because it feels expensive or intimidating. I learned this firsthand when I decided, on a whim, to get a job at Michaels. I didn’t know it then, but that simple decision introduced me to the world of custom framing: how it works, how much it costs, and how much of it you can actually do yourself. I dove into secondhand custom framing and how to make the world more affordable.
After months behind the custom framing counter, I saw it all: art that came in damaged because it hadn’t been framed yet, people paying for expensive services that they could honestly do at home, and seasoned experts right alongside folks who barely knew how to handle artwork properly. It opened my eyes to this fact: custom framing doesn’t have to be expensive to be protective and beautiful.
So let’s get into it. How can you use secondhand custom framing to elevate your art without spending a fortune?
Secondhand Frames Are Everywhere
The keyword in secondhand custom framing is the “secondhand” and the first thing I tell people is: get comfortable with reusing. Good frames are out there waiting for you, at thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales, even sitting by the dumpster. (Yes, I’ve rescued plenty that way!)
I once found a perfectly good framed piece of art in my apartment complex trash area. I took out what was inside and put my own work in and just like that, free frame! People are constantly clearing out old frames and art they don’t want. Estate sales happen every weekend in most cities and Facebook Marketplace is full of hidden gems. Not only are there an abundance of frames, but that are generally very inexpensive. I once bought 10 identical frames for $50 on Facebook Marketplace! A steal I am still proud of. Local galleries sometimes sell gently used frames as well. Keep an eye out, there is a lot to find and reuse out there. A little bit of searching could save you literally hundreds of dollars.
Ready-Made? Make It Yours
If you can’t find what you want secondhand, ready-made frames are the next best thing. They’re affordable, easy to find, and incredibly customizable. Here’s the trick: you don’t have to leave them as-is! Spray paint them, hand-paint them, add texture, glue on dowels or letters, or really anything you see fit that matches your art. I’ve turned basic frames into custom statement pieces with just an hour and some paint. All in all these projects can easily be under $20 and you can have a one of a kind frame job that you really love. Check out these frames I embellished with polymer clay. I’ll be including the process of making these, but so easy, fun, and inexpensive!
Don’t Sleep on Custom Mats
One of the secrets I learned behind the counter: a mat can completely change how a piece of art looks in a frame. Even if your frame is simple, a bold mat makes it feel intentional and expensive.
There were many people who would buy a standard frame and then get a custom mat cut. It’s way cheaper than doing the whole frame custom. You can get mats cut at craft stores or local frame shops, or you can cut them yourself if you’re up for a DIY moment. Play with color and texture. A funky mat is an easy win!
Protect Now, Upgrade Later
Here’s my honest advice: any frame is better than no frame. Unframed art gets damaged, easier than most think…I’ve seen it too many times and have experienced it for myself. Sun damage, water damage, small nics and tears. Not only that, but aesthetic wise, I really just hate seeing art, posters, prints, thumbtacked to a wall. It looks crazy and a frame is such an easy fix. Even a basic frame adds a layer of protection that helps preserve your piece until you’re ready to invest in something more custmoized. Yes, archival-quality framing is important for valuable pieces, but don’t get stuck waiting for “perfect.” Frame it now, protect it now, and upgrade when you can.
- Real-Life Example: My $15 Degree
I didn’t frame my college degree until years after graduation…8 years to be exact. Thank God, I kept it in the tube and it did not get damaged, but it was definitely not a good thing. When I finally did, I found a frame at Goodwill for $15, took out the old art, cut a custom mat to match my school colors, painted the frame, and ended up with a piece that felt mine. My best example of secondhand custom framing to date.
Total cost? Less than $20. Total time? About three hours. And now my degree feels like art and not just a piece of paper stuffed in a folder.
The bottom line when it comes to secondhand custom framing
Framing your art, especially Black art (another blog post for another day) that deserves to be seen and protected, doesn’t have to drain your pockets. Hunt for second hand frames. Customize ready-made ones. Experiment with mats. Protect your work now, so it lasts.
I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes of my own framing projects, tips, tricks, and DIY ideas to make framing feel possible for you too. Stay tuned and if you try any of these ideas, tag me or reach out. I love seeing how people make their art shine, affordably and beautifully.Got a framing project in mind? Send me a message or follow me on socials. Let’s make sure your art gets the love (and the frame) it deserves. 🤎✨