are 20x20 prints really 19*3/4 prints?

[koven]

Im going to be showing some photos later this week and I ordered a 20*20 print.

Im looking around especially on the ikea site but most of the frames say that they are for a 19 3/4" photo.


By if any of you guys do a show in the future, purchase the frames first and find a way to make the prints work. Its a lot easier than doing it the other way around. I paid a lot of money earlier today for 3 custom frames because 16*24 is not a typical size for frames.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Every lab and framer will do things slightly different so you need to check and verify. A lot of ready made frames have smaller than stated image windows.

 

[thegman]

I find when I order a frame, they'll state that it's 1cm smaller than the photo, as the mat needs something to go on top of, and that's about 2.5mm each side.

It's never bothered me, as I don't think I've ever had a real point of interest so close to the edge of the photo.

 

[willie_901]

You can print the photo with a 1/4" border to be cut off later.

So you would order a 20" X 20" print but the (centered) image would only be 19 3/4 X 19 3/4. Then you cut the borders off.

 

[drewbarb]

As a printer I always refer to the paper size- not the image size- when clients order prints; when ordering or cutting mats, of course I use actual image dimensions. For gallery use, it varies; some places always list exact image size, while others use general image sizes that correspond to standard paper sizes, while the actual image size can be all over the place. I don't think there are any standard rules that must apply.

 

[Steve M.]

I stopped framing photograph years ago due to the expense, and the reflections in the glass/plexi. Now I only print in a darkroom, but you could do this w/ inkjet prints too. Simply find a wood canvas frame for support (thin wood is better), glue a piece of foam board to that which is slightly larger than the canvas, and cut the edges 45 degrees. Then glue your photograph to that. It will look like it's floating on the wall, there will be no reflections, and people can see the texture of the paper. Just note in the gallery description that the prints shown are for display/and or sale. If buyers prefer something different they will be furnished w/ a print only, and they can decide whether to frame it or not.