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Photo

order some photo to large for frame. so how do i cut down to size with ruining them


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13 replies to this topic

#1
fallout666

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so i order some photo that are 20x30 but came in as 22x32 in size need to cut down to 20x30 so fits in frames i have all ready. also have 22x36 but size is 24x38 for size do not have table long enough to cut down to size. also have way to use lager table but its all glass will not cut on it. do not want cut glass by mistake. cheap to use my 20x30 photo then one they make. 



#2
Ron

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I guess I would take the print(s) to a full service photo store... one that offers photo process and print services, and let them do it. Lacking that, you might try a craft store that sells frames. Michael's Arts and Crafts, for example, might be able to cut your print down for you. You can do it yourself (with the right tools) but unless you know what you're doing, the chances of failure are fairly high.

 

--Ron



#3
Merco_61

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Is there an IKEA store close enough for you to get there? If so, get a spare glass shelf for the Billy bookshelf. It is the cheapest tempered glass I have seen anywhere. True linoleum is another good surface to cut things on. Stay away from plastic flooring, though, as it will dull the knife blade fast. A third option is a professional cutting mat.
 

Then get a steel ruler and either a scalpel or a Stanley #99 or #199 knife to cut the photos. I use a Swann Morton #3 scalpel with #10A blades. The utility knife is easier to hold if you are not used to cut things with a pencil grip on the knife. This equipment works well for cutting matting to use a bigger frame than the photo for presentation.

 

OTOH, if your glass table is glass and not some resin coated abomination, a scalpel won’t hurt it.



#4
Merco_61

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What medium are they printed on? Canvas prints and some others are usually printed to be stretched on a tension frame rather than mounted flat.



#5
fallout666

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I guess I would take the print(s) to a full service photo store... one that offers photo process and print services, and let them do it. Lacking that, you might try a craft store that sells frames. Michael's Arts and Crafts, for example, might be able to cut your print down for you. You can do it yourself (with the right tools) but unless you know what you're doing, the chances of failure are fairly high.

 

--Ron

i have one near me but good 1 1/2 bike ride and bus is out of question since does not go near it. 


What medium are they printed on? Canvas prints and some others are usually printed to be stretched on a tension frame rather than mounted flat.

it was art print that was on metallic paper. so want to be able to cut it down with tearing it. since high quality paper. weird that you order photo to be 20x30 or any other size to be bit lager then size you order. also order photo from fine art America. too. want to see how they do in making photo. so when come time to be able to sell photo give me option to post there to buy.   nearest ikea like 1hr drive from me since all way down in orlando. which to far. the camera store closer too. but since do not own photo i have to do my self cut down. 



#6
fallout666

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okay went to art store called Michaels got rule and two items meant to cut photo paper or any paper. do to my eye sight could not cut them straight. also since poor lighting did not help. also not know where clamps at to hold straight did not help too. since we have plastic claps you use hold things down that not metal to scratch or brake things. when other 2 photo come in going to be chore. and fact i need to find more 20x30 and other side photo frame. since cheaper to buy one my self. 



#7
Merco_61

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One solution that is easy to use as the cutter holds the paper still while cutting is a Dahle 558. It is an expensive solution,though. 



#8
fallout666

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my eye sight not having steady hands did not work 



#9
Merco_61

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That’s why a commercial paper cutter like the Dahle I recommended might be the best tool, even though it is expensive. You put the paper in place and can then double-check that it is correct. You can even use a magnifying lamp to check before you start moving the cutting wheel and thereby locking the paper in place. High-quality Guillotines – Precise And Safe | Novus Dahle



#10
Ron

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You should have just taken the print to Michael’s and let them cut it down to size. They do picture framing all day long… it’s a specific service they offer. It may be expensive but, until you have the proper tools … and have practiced using them on smaller photos, I think they are the better option. 

 

—Ron



#11
fallout666

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You should have just taken the print to Michael’s and let them cut it down to size. They do picture framing all day long… it’s a specific service they offer. It may be expensive but, until you have the proper tools … and have practiced using them on smaller photos, I think they are the better option. 

 

—Ron

i asked them before i got items they do not cut things down to size. or allowed too. she said do not cut things down to size but just frame stuff. told me send in photo for them to print and will get 20x30. Imight just order one there photo in frame to see how i comes out. i have to order 2 new frames since one i got did not come with one. might order cheap ones i been using since light weight to use. here ones i been using and like since cheap and light weight to move around link has ones i use. Poster Frame by Studio Décor® | Michaels


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#12
Ron

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Seems like it would have been easier to have a *real* frame maker make a frame from scratch.

 

--Ron



#13
Merco_61

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Seems like it would have been easier to have a *real* frame maker make a frame from scratch.

 

--Ron

… or buy a frame that is one size larger and have a passe-partout made by a real frame maker. This usually looks better than just using a cheap frame straight.



#14
fallout666

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… or buy a frame that is one size larger and have a passe-partout made by a real frame maker. This usually looks better than just using a cheap frame straight.

thanks for idea. i just cut them down my self. it was learning curve. no sure why Michael’s  can not cut down to size. not not big thing. also since i ride e-bike Mecro_61 get larger frame was question since have bike and not sure how i was able to get 24x36 home with 20x30 on e-bike too. since stood to far out on one side worry about braking it. also what you said to do will not work. since Michael’s has limit on what frames can be shipped or not. one i wants does not have shipping only store pickup. and other to much for my budget. also want to test out fine art America too. so far love site. only thing is metallic photo paper is way better to luster pro not sure how much better then gloss look is did not order one will get one soon from that one but smaller size one.