Need tips on framing a jersey

[jeepgirl30]

I got DH a signed NFL jersey for Christmas and want to frame it. I see a ton of sites offering the frames with some hefty price tags.

Has anyone done this? Is there a certain place you would recommend? Are there things you would have done differently? I see options for locks, uv protection, etc. I don't think a lock is needed but not sure on the uv glass. I'm debating the frame color and background color. The jersey is black. Most backgrounds are black. I think I should do white with a black wood frame.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I think a white mat with black wood frame would look great. Framing is expensive though. I Michaels & AC Moores sometimes has coupons for a percentage off framing. You'll want to check that it's for the whole job, not just the frame as the glass is really the more expensive part. I would get UV protection if the jersey will be exposed to direct light that may cause the shirt to fade.

 

[AmandaNied]

Do you have a Hobby Lobby near? The frames there are usually 50% off and if not, there is an online coupon for 40% off the non-sale item. I have had great luck with the framing department there- just hand them the item and tell them what you want done and they will charge you for the frame and little bit for the materials they use to mount the item

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Jersey display cases are alot different from standard picture frames. They're generally deeper, with a hanger built into the top of the frame so as not to smash the jersey. That's a big part of why they're so expensive. That being said, I've a couple framed jerseys hanging in my office and they look great. If you do a little googling, you can find a decent one for around $100.

 

[RadioNate]

Framing is insanely expensive and jersey framing is more so. We have several signed items and you really need a professional framer not some place like Michaels. It'll cost you to do it right. However, if you want the jersey to remain valuable and undamaged - having it framed correctly is important.

I'd start here by looking for someone who is a member of the Professional Picture Framers Association.

http://www.pmai.org/ppfaconsumerhome.aspx

 

[Hidden_Mickey]

I did this for my DH last year. He went to a signing for Mario LeMeiux (did I spell that right?). He bought a real, pro jersey for Mario to sign. I guess he is one of the best players ever, and doesn't do many signings. So, I asked him if he was going to frame it, but, between the cost of the autograph & the cost of the jersey, it hung in our closet for 6 months. I finally took it to a local custom framer. They told me they could buy a standard frame kit with a hanger, or they could custom frame it. I decided to let them buy a black frame with a hanger and put it together for me. They put a white mat behind the jersey. I also paid for them to replace the plexi glass that came with the frame with medium quality UV blocking glass. They did it right there in the shop. The guy had the jersey for 24 hours. I went to see him & spoke to him first, to order the frame & glass. That took a week to come in. During that time the jersey was at home. I would not feel comfortable leaving an expensive, irreplacable jersey for an extended time at a place like Michael's that sees a lot of traffic. If it ever got lost or stolen... OMG! It was about $400, but I felt more comfortable with the local guy, and letting him put the frame together. The UV blocking glass really made a difference. There is no glare, and it protects the jersey. I figured he already spent good $$ to get the autograph & jersey, so it was best to protect it. If they had custom built the frame in the shop, it would have been more like $700! Yikes! DH has a lot of stuff like this, although this is one of the more expensive pieces. He knows that he will probably go first, and I will be funding my Orlando retirement home by selling this stuff! We see it as an investment. If I didn't feel that way, there is no way I'd let him spend that kind of cash.

 

[beck0321]

I agree with finding a local framing shop to do it for you!

You get faster and BETTER service, and I have found the prices aren't much different than what Michael's or Hobby Lobby has to offer.

 

[ToyStory Fan]

There are way too many options out there and it is really difficult to sort through the good, the bad and the ugly.

I have 5 framed autographed jerseys and I did as much research as possible before I went to a framer.

When I did ultimately go to my framer (who I now swear by and recommend exclusively) it wasn't only based on the quality of the work.

I knew what I wanted, but I waited until my framer explained to me his process - he explained that he does jerseys a certain way and that he will not offer to do them differently because it is not just framing - it is preservation.

So - is the jersey autographed if not - any frame shop will do a decent job. If the jersey is autographed then I would expect a museum quality framing which will preserve the jersey.

Acid free matting, stainless steel thread to sew the jersey to the mat, UV conservation glass and properly mounted wire on the back to hang the framing on the wall.

This doesn't come cheap - I have 1 jersey that is worth less $$ than the actual framing cost - but that's how it goes sometimes. Sure you can put it in a do it yourself AC Moore frame and put a sheet of plexiglass on the front, but in 10 years that jersey will be faded, yellowed and worth far less than one in pristine condition. I would say that the going prices you've heard here for $400+ are accurate, depending on the depth of the frame/shadow box effect. Personally I didn't like the jersey pressed against the glass so I would recommned at least a 2"-3" frame depth.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I would think if you get a cool jersey and try to skimp on the case, the end result will be something less than special. I would say just pay what you have to, so in the end,years from now, he still is proud of his jersey.

 

[jeepgirl30]

I would think if you get a cool jersey and try to skimp on the case, the end result will be something less than special. I would say just pay what you have to, so in the end,years from now, he still is proud of his jersey.

I completely agree that is why i came here!