My Honest Review of Michaels Custom Framing Services
Walking into a Michaels store with a cherished, unframed piece of art or a precious photograph can feel a bit daunting. You have this item that holds significant value to you, and you're entrusting it to a chain craft store to give it the presentation it deserves. I recently found myself in this exact situation with a large, vintage concert poster I had been saving for a special occasion. After hearing so much about their services, I decided to see for myself what the buzz around custom picture frames at Michaels was all about.
First Impressions and the Design Process
My local Michaels has a dedicated custom framing counter, which immediately felt more professional than simply picking a pre-made frame off the shelf. I was greeted by a framing specialist—not just a general cashier—who walked me through the entire process. The first step was the most fun: design. We laid my poster on the counter, and the specialist brought over a large, physical sample kit filled with frame mouldings and mats.
This is where the true "custom" in Michaels custom frame collections shines. The variety is staggering. We went through options from modern metal frames to rustic, distressed wood and classic, ornate gold finishes. The specialist was incredibly patient, letting me place different frame and mat combinations next to my poster to see what complemented the colors and style best. They offered fantastic advice on choosing a mat width that would balance the poster's large size without overwhelming it, something I wouldn't have known to consider on my own.
More Than Just a Frame: Understanding the Options
What became clear during the consultation is that Michaels does far more than just slap a frame around your item. The service is comprehensive. We discussed several key aspects:
- Conservation: This was crucial for my vintage poster. They offered different grades of glass, including conservation clear glass which filters out UV light to prevent fading. For even more valuable items, they have museum-grade acrylic options.
- Matting: Beyond color, we talked about matboard quality. Acid-free matboards are standard, which prevents your artwork from yellowing or degrading over time.
- Mounting: The specialist explained the various techniques for securing my poster within the frame, ensuring it would be held securely without any damage from adhesives.
This attention to detail demonstrated a deep understanding of preservation, assuring me that my piece was in knowledgeable hands.
The Big Question: Does Michaels Do Custom Framing Well?
Based on my experience, the answer is a resounding yes. The process was smooth, professional, and educational. After finalizing the design—a simple black frame with a subtle warm-white mat to make the poster's colors pop—the specialist provided a detailed quote. While custom framing is an investment, the price was transparent and broken down by each component (frame, mat, glass, labor). They also informed me of a ongoing sale, which offered a significant discount, making the project much more affordable.
I was given a timeline of about two weeks. A few days later, I received a call that my piece was ready for pickup. The finished product was impeccably packaged and looked absolutely stunning. The craftsmanship was flawless: the corners were perfectly joined, the glass was clean and clear, and my poster was centered beautifully. It looked like a professional gallery piece.
A Note on Local Variations: Framing at Michaels Queens
It's worth mentioning that while the core service should be consistent, your experience can be influenced by the specific location and the framing specialist you work with. A search for terms like "Michaels custom framing Queens" suggests customers are looking for trusted services in their specific area. I highly recommend reading recent Google reviews for your local Michaels framing department to get a sense of the team's expertise before you go in. This extra step can help set your expectations.
Final Verdict: Is Michaels Custom Framing Right for You?
Whether you have a priceless family heirloom, a child's drawing, a diploma, or a unique piece of memorabilia like my poster, Michaels provides a highly accessible and professional custom framing service. The combination of extensive choice, expert guidance (from my specialist, at least), and quality craftsmanship makes it a compelling option.
My personal experience transformed a rolled-up piece of paper into a focal point for my living room. The process felt collaborative and creative, and the result was a perfectly preserved piece of my personal history. If you're wondering, "does Michaels do framing?" not only do they do it, but they do it with a level of care and customizability that rivals smaller, specialized shops. The next time you have something special that deserves to be displayed, don't hesitate to bring it to their counter—just be sure to ask about their current promotions.
