Your Free Guide to Aaron Brothers Custom Framing

Understanding Aaron Brothers Custom Framing Services

Aaron Brothers is a framing retailer that operates locations across the United States, offering custom framing services for artwork, photographs, posters, memorabilia, and other items. The company has been in business since 1998 and is part of the Michaels Companies family of retail operations. Their stores provide in-person framing consultations where customers can discuss their specific framing needs with staff members.

Custom framing differs from pre-made frames because it is tailored to your specific artwork dimensions and preferences. When you bring an item to Aaron Brothers, staff can help you select from various mat colors, frame styles, glass options, and backing materials. The framing process typically involves measuring your piece, choosing materials, and then having the frame assembled by technicians.

The company operates both as a standalone retailer and through Michaels stores. Some locations are dedicated Aaron Brothers shops, while others operate as framing departments within Michaels locations. This dual presence means customers have multiple ways to access their services depending on their geographic location. Understanding where your nearest location is and what services they offer is the first step in learning about their framing options.

Aaron Brothers frames a wide range of items beyond just art prints. Customers bring in sports jerseys, diplomas, family photographs, cross-stitch projects, wedding invitations, certificate documents, collectible posters, and sentimental items. The variety of framing requests they handle demonstrates how custom framing can preserve and display many different types of meaningful objects.

Practical Takeaway: Visit the Michaels website or call your local Aaron Brothers location to confirm hours and services available near you. Ask about the types of framing projects they have completed to understand whether your specific item can be properly framed.

How the Custom Framing Process Works

The custom framing process at Aaron Brothers begins with an in-person consultation. You bring your item to a location and meet with a framing specialist who examines what you want framed. During this initial conversation, the specialist asks questions about your vision for the finished frame, where it will be displayed, and your budget range. This conversation shapes all the decisions that follow.

After the initial discussion, you select materials for your frame. This includes choosing a frame style from the available inventory. Aaron Brothers typically displays frame samples on walls showing different wood finishes, metal styles, and colors. You also select mat board, which is the cardboard material that surrounds your artwork inside the frame. Mat colors should coordinate with your artwork and your room's décor. The specialist helps explain how different mat choices affect the overall appearance.

Glass or acrylic selection is another important decision. Standard glass is the most common and affordable option. However, UV-protective glass costs more but reduces fading from sunlight exposure over time. Non-glare glass reduces reflections but can slightly soften the image clarity. Acrylic is lighter weight than glass and safer for some applications. The specialist discusses which option makes sense based on your artwork type and display location.

Once you have selected all materials, the specialist provides a quote showing the cost of the frame, mat, glass, labor, and any other components. If you approve the quote, your item is left at the location for assembly. The framing team cuts the mat board to fit your artwork, assembles the frame, places your item inside with proper spacing and backing, and secures everything with hardware. Typical turnaround time ranges from one to three weeks depending on how busy the location is.

Throughout the process, the specialist should explain why certain material choices matter. UV protection becomes important for valuable artwork or family photographs that will hang in a bright room. Acid-free mat board matters if you are framing something you want to preserve long-term. These material choices affect both the appearance and the longevity of your framed item.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting, think about where your framed item will hang, how much sunlight it will receive, and what color scheme would work in that space. Bring reference photos of your room's décor to help the specialist make recommendations that coordinate with your existing furniture and wall colors.

Frame Styles, Materials, and Customization Options

Aaron Brothers offers frame styles in multiple categories. Wood frames come in various finishes including natural oak, dark walnut, light maple, cherry, and painted colors like black, white, and various shades of brown. Metal frames are available in silver, gold, bronze, and other metallic finishes. The width and profile of frames vary, meaning some are thin and simple while others have more pronounced dimensions and decorative details. Selecting the right frame style depends on your artwork type and personal taste.

Mat board comes in dozens of colors beyond basic white and cream. Common colors include soft pastels, jewel tones, earth tones, and darker shades. Multiple mat openings are also available, allowing you to create designs where the mat has two or three different colored layers visible. Double matting, where one mat sits on top of another, creates depth and visual interest. Some customers choose mats that complement dominant colors in their artwork, while others select neutral colors that let the artwork be the main focus.

Decorative options expand your customization possibilities. Some frames feature corner ornaments or embellishments. Mat designs can include beveled edges, which are angled cuts that catch light and add dimension. Spacers can be added between the mat and artwork to prevent them from touching. Mounting options vary from dry mounting, which uses special adhesive sheets, to more traditional methods using small hinges that don't permanently damage the original piece. Conservation-grade mounting techniques exist for valuable or irreplaceable items.

The backing of your frame also matters. Standard cardboard backing is functional and affordable. However, acid-free backing materials prevent deterioration over time and are recommended for items you plan to preserve. Some specialty backing options include fabric, which is visible through a frame with a mat cutout, or cork backing for certain display styles.

Specialty framing addresses unique items. Shadow boxes have deeper frame cavities that accommodate three-dimensional objects like medals, flowers, or small collectibles. Float frames create the appearance that artwork is suspended in space without a mat. Poster frames hold larger prints with simple, clean lines. Sports jersey frames include specialized hardware to hang jerseys flat. Learning what options exist helps you envision possibilities for items you might not have considered frameable.

Practical Takeaway: Take photographs or bring samples of colors and styles you like from your home or online sources. This gives the specialist concrete examples of your preferences rather than relying on description alone. Many people find it helpful to see similar framing projects that the location has completed.

Cost Considerations and Budget Planning

Custom framing costs vary significantly based on material choices and frame size. A basic framing project with a standard wood frame, simple mat, and regular glass might range from $50 to $150, depending on the artwork's dimensions. Larger pieces naturally cost more because they require more materials. A 16 by 20 inch print costs considerably more to frame than an 8 by 10 inch photograph.

Premium material selections increase costs substantially. UV-protective glass adds $15 to $40 depending on size. Acid-free mat board costs a few dollars more than standard mat board. Conservation-grade mounting for valuable items can add $20 to $50 to your total. Higher-end frame styles with decorative details typically cost more than simple, minimalist frames. These choices are optional, meaning you control where your spending goes based on what matters most for your specific project.

Labor costs are factored into custom framing quotes. The specialist who consults with you, the technician who cuts and mats your piece, and the assembler who puts everything together all contribute to the final cost. More complex projects, such as framing irregularly shaped items or creating intricate multi-mat designs, may have higher labor costs than straightforward projects.

Many customers find that comparing quotes from multiple locations helps them understand pricing. Some Aaron Brothers locations may offer different pricing than others due to local market conditions, though general pricing guidelines exist company-wide. Asking the specialist to explain each line item in your quote helps you see exactly where your money goes. Some customers choose to reduce costs by selecting fewer decorative mats or choosing basic glass instead of specialty options.

Seasonal sales and promotions occasionally occur, particularly around holidays. However, since this is a custom service, discounts typically apply only to specific materials or frame styles available during the sale period. Joining a customer loyalty program, if available through Michaels or Aaron Brothers, sometimes provides discounts on custom framing services or materials.