seeking grey, weathered frames - but subtle!

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mattk

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Jul 14, 2003
Posts
3
Loc
philadelphia, pa
i've been searching for just the right frames for my photographs. i want something made of wood - showing a light grain, grey and perhaps slightly weathered. does anyone know where i can find something like this? I've tried several frame shops and haven't seen anything too close.

also, i could make the frames myself if i could figure out the right combination of wood and finish. i've tried stains but they seem to soak into the grain way too much.

thanks!
 
mattk
Michaels has several different light grain / grey wood custom frame moldings. I sell them a lot because they look great on old rustic looking prints with boats, lighthouses, maps etc. Check them out. I think they'll be what you're looking for. There's also a few ready made frames (11x14 - 16x20)in both the Home Images collection as well as the open back frames that are similar to what your looking for. (I'd say they're more like a distressed barnwood style though). They're not as cool as the custom ones, but definately worth checking out.

~BigBoxFramer : "See... I can be of some assistance here too!"
 
Well, actually, BigBox, the way you help here is you say "we find that XX Moulding has some nice ones, their 800 number is ..." It doesn't help us much to tell us to buy it at Michaels... It's the wholesale/retail thing.
 
Except in this case, Ellen, Mattk IS a photographer AND a retail customer. He's here at my invitation (not that anyone needs my invitation,) so ya'll please be nice to him.

He has a pretty-good idea in his mind what he's looking for, but was unable to find it among the 2,000+ mouldings I show. The closest ones were some of the grayish L-J ashes.

I am much too ignorant about custom finishes to advise him, and I suggested that, among all the specialties here, there may be someone who does acid-wash finishes or something else that might work for him.

He's been honest in telling us that he'd like to do this himself. His circumstances are such that this makes sense.

Welcome to The Grumble, Mattk. I hope someone here can help you.
 
Hi MattK, You might try Rustic Creations www.rustic-creations.com 800-410-3200 They carry frames made out of real barn siding. (so real you can get splinters)

Also United carries a few that look rough and come in white, brown, and a grey/blue. #352,353 and 354 also 330 and 400 are a rough look. Call for a free catalog but be sure to ask for the moulding catalog 800-645-7260. Both of these companies will work with you if your not a store front business. Good Luck Ann ;)
 
To narrow it down a bit, I can tell you he's not looking for barnwood or driftwood. No wirebrush textures. I would say more of a bleached look.

Hey, maybe it's done with chlorine bleach. :confused:
 
I am replacing an unfinished, treated lumber fence I put up twenty years ago. The old fence boards are probably about the color Mattk is looking for, except that they are much too thin.

Anyone know how to achieve this sun-bleached look without waiting twenty years?
 
Actually I found a way to get that "old fence" color. I used oak or ash wood, painted/stained it with "pickled oak" stain (which is a kinda white color), then after it dried I brushed Minwax Jacobean stain (which is sorta black) over it and wiped most of it off. It grayed the white just enough to look "grayish". Then, depending on whether you want a gloss or satin finish, use whatever finish over it that you want. I usually just rub tung oil over it for a very muted finish.

You can use unfinished moulding and stain them this way to get the color. If you want a rougher texture, wire brush or "distress" the moulding before the finishing.

By using this method, you can use any profile and make sure they all match in color.

Betty
 
Larson-Juhl carries a line of barnwood mouldings that may be your answer; they are available in three shades and three profiles each. I can't think of the style or number but give your local rep a call. If these don't meet your needs, try making your own by roughing up a piece of lumber with a wire wheel on a drill and then staining with water colors. If the color is not right, remove with a damp cloth and try again. Seal with either shellac or laquer.

Jack Cee
 
LaMarche
R9116
R9121
10059
80021200
Maybe
263427
10056
13698
152160
10059
40107
and check out their PO-Boy Line

Framers Market
433-433 grey barnwood (it's cheap)

[ 07-14-2003, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: lessafinger ]
 
thanks for all the help, its very much appreciated. i'm following up every suggestion.

yes, i'm an annoying "customer" who knows what i want and complains that you don't have it. but hopefully i'm being honest enough about my intentions.
it would certainly be easier for me to promise a big sale and have someone dig up the perfect frames for me - but i'm not sure thats possible and i don't have the $ for that. (about 30 20"x24" frames.)

The rustic-creations frames actually come as close as i've seen, but they're too thick. i'll give them a call and see what they can do for me.

how do i get in touch with LaMarche? (phone or website)
 
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