Frames & Materials

Technology has been changing so fast since I started doing this. It has been a continual learning experience. I am now on my third photo printer. While all three of these printers use pigmant based inks which make prints lightfast for longer than our lifetime, the quality of the colour just keeps getting better.

Doing my own framing has also been a learning experience. I strive to continually improve my product and do so at a reasonable price. I use a limited variety of framing materials for my own prints. This allows me to keep everything I need in stock and, since I do everything myself at home, I can print any picture and frame it as soon as it dries. Here is what I am currently using.

HP DesignJet z3100

The HP Designjet z3100 is my main printer. It takes up to 24" wide paper and has a 12 colour pigment ink system. It also has a built in profiling system to help ensure consistant and predictable colour from camera to print. This one is a bit of a monster but makes beautiful prints.

Epson Stylus Pro 4800

This printer was my main printer from 2007 to 2008. I still use it for some of my prints. It takes 17" wide rolls of paper.

Virtual Mat

I print my pictures with a "virtual" inner mat. This gives me an unlimited choice of colours for the inner mat without having to stock so many different mats, yet looks like a double matted print. I only need to keep a handful of real mats in stock for the outer mat. It also allows me to print the title of the picture on it as well. I can put another accent colour highlight on the virtual mat as well. The one shown on the left is fairly simple while the right one is a little more elegant with a white paper space around the picture and more accent lines.

I can also print custom text on it as well to make it suitable for service awards or going away gifts.

1 3/4" Oak

I have this profile in four different stain colours: Blue, Black, Weathered Oak and Dark oak.

1 1/4" frame

The first three are oak: Dark oak, Chocolate, and Black. The fourth is a softwood: Spruce Green. It goes well with our spruce forests.

3/4" and 7/8" frame

The first two are 3/4" black and dark Oak. The last two are a different type of wood with an epoxy type coating, one rust & black and one blue & black.

Metal frame

In metal frames I have 5/16" black, 5/16" pewter, and 7/8" black.