Updated 25/09/2025
Wondering what you’ll pay to have your picture, print or jersey professionally framed?
While a ready-made frame from a discount store might cost under $50, a custom frame is designed to perfectly fit your item, protect it for decades, and look amazing in your home.
Many ready-made frames are cheap and easy to find – but these off-the-shelf options come with compromises — limited sizes, poor quality materials, and a higher risk of damaging your artwork.
By comparison, custom framing preserves and showcases your piece for decades. Prices typically start from around $190 for a small print and can increase depending on size, materials, and complexity of the job.
So, what makes custom framing more expensive? Below, we break down the factors that affect price – and share why custom framing is worth every cent.
Factors That Influence Custom Framing Costs
Understanding what goes into a custom frame helps explain why prices vary – and ensures you get the right balance between protection, presentation and budget.
1. Frame Materials
Mass-produced frames are usually made from compressed wood or plastic, with low-quality mat boards and acrylic glazing. These materials can warp, yellow, or even damage your artwork over time. Most are imported from China, especially those in department and discount retailers.
Custom frames, on the other hand, are built from durable, environmentally sourced timbers, paired with acid-free mats and UV-blocking glass. While this raises the price, it protects your item from fading and keeps it looking its best for decades. Most of our custom frame moulding comes from Europe or the USA.
2. Artwork Size & Complexity
The size and type of item have one of the biggest impacts on cost:
- Small photo or print uses minimal material and labour.
- Large canvas or panoramic piece requires more frame moulding, mat board and glazing.
- 3D memorabilia such as jerseys, medals, etc. often need a shadow box or special mounting, adding both material cost and skilled labour time.
3. Glazing & Protection Options
Protective glazing is one of the most valuable upgrades in custom framing:
- Standard glass or acrylic - lowest cost, minimal protection
- UV-protective glass - blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays to prevent fading
- Anti-reflective or museum glass - reduces glare and preserves true colours, ideal for high-value artwork or well-lit rooms.
These upgrades increase cost but provide long-term preservation and peace of mind.
4. Craftsmanship & Machinery
Professional framing is about precision. Frame Today uses computerised cutters along with precision guillotines and v-nailers to achieve perfect corners and accurate mat board sizing. Because our state-of-the-art equipment is on-site, we can also offer Same Day Framing in all stores (subject to availability), compared to the 3-4 week turnaround provided many other framers. This efficient service saves you time whilst still guaranteeing a high-quality finish.
5. Qualified Framers
Custom framing is not just about materials and equipment — it’s also about the skill and expertise of the person doing the work. Labour is a key part of the overall cost because every frame is hand-crafted with precision and care. At Frame Today, our framers have either completed or are currently studying a Certificate III in Picture Framing (MSF30518), the nationally recognised qualification for the industry.
This training covers everything from conservation techniques to advanced mat cutting, moulding joins, and safe handling of valuable or fragile artwork. When you invest in custom framing, you’re also investing in the years of training and craftsmanship that ensure your piece is protected, beautifully presented, and built to last a lifetime.
Custom Framing vs Ready-Made Frames
Frame Type | Average Price | Materials | Lifespan | Best For |
Ready-Made Frames | $99–$189 | Timber frame, single mat, clear glass | Frame - lifetime Artwork - no UV filtering | Same day, standard sizes, budget-friendly use |
Custom Frames | $190+ | Timber frame, acid-free mats, UV glass | Lifetime | Custom size art, photos, memorabilia, needlework |
With framing, the old saying holds true: you get what you pay for.
Custom Framing Price Examples
To give you an idea of costs, here are some examples:
Project | Typical Price Range* |
Small print with basic timber frame + standard glass | $190–$230 |
Large artwork with UV-protective glass & Italian Classic frame | $800–$900 |
Sports jersey or memorabilia with shadow box & acid-free matting | $700+ |
*Prices are indicative and will vary based on size, frame style, mat boards, and glazing choices.
Quick Tip: Choosing standard sizes and simpler finishes is the easiest way to keep costs down, while still getting the benefits of professional quality framing.
Can I Frame My Artwork Myself?
For inexpensive prints or posters, DIY framing might be fine if you have the time, skills and equipment. But for valuable items such as memorabilia, original art, or precious family photos, DIY comes with risks:
- Poor fit or uneven corners
- Damage during assembly
- Incorrect matboards and mounting leading to permanent damage
- No UV protection, leading to fading over time
Choosing Frame Today means you get:
- Qualified framers who are members of the Picture Framers Association (PFA)
- Precision framing equipment ensuring a millimeter perfect finish
- Expert advice on the best frame, mat, mounting and glass combinations for your item.
For simpler projects, our Everyday ready-made Frames (from $99–$189) offer a professional finish at an affordable price with quality assured by our lifetime guarantee.
Get a Quote for Custom Framing
Because every piece is unique, the only way to get an accurate price is to bring your item into one of our 14 stores across Sydney, NSW and Brisbane.
Our framing consultants will:
- Provide a free consultation with a no-obligation quote
- Show you different frame, matting and glazing options
- Recommend ways to protect and display your piece beautifully.
