So I have two framers, however I was generally looking for a more cost affordable option 

Yah, the neighbors late husband was apparently big into MTB and made and welded his own frames. There was a lot of parts she was also trying to get rid of in large lots. I would’ve bought some of the parts but most of the stuff was pretty old and probably would not have worked on my current bike. 

I wore this Shoulder patch (Personnel in DOD, Joint Activities) when I was assigned to JTF-6 in the 90s...   Leigh 

Well said Dave! Your information also applies to those buying original items already framed. I have known collectors or pickers who have purchased original posters that look great in a frame where they are priced at or close to market rate only to find out later that the poster has been glued to a piece of cardboard essentially ruining its value as a collectible. Your information and advice is excellent to both those framing and buying framed materials. 

Ken,   I was so impressed this double posted. 😂😂😂     The picture of the jeep grill with "Lewis" looks so real that I thought it was one you had custom made. It is a picture only?   ...Kat

Ken,   The picture of the jeep grill with "Lewis" looks so real that I thought it was one you had custom made. It is a picture only?   ...Kat

I just read that a bill has been introduced in Congress for establishment of an "Iranian Campaign Medal."

😄You guys kill me!

Thanks a bunch. I guess I was lumping all my experiences in on one post. I do understand that Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc are capable of quality work. I didn't mean to imply deception (when I say rip off). A majority of people will balk at the price of true archival framing so compromises are typically made to keep the cost reasonable. This is a compromise made not just by the framer. Honestly not EVERYTHING has to be archival or upsold to preserve the piece but that's where the education comes in. Upsells like low-glare glass are not my things the farther from the print(more mat layers or even in a shadow box) the glass blurs what I'm looking at. Stuff like that can save money as well without compromising the acid-free part. The prices are still steep IMO so the buyer will still be surprised when years later there is cardboard backing, corners taped, etc found inside. Some will just forego the archival thinking it isn't that complicated. I have seen these things in projects with actual frame shop stickers on the back. The worst one IMO was where the larger print had been cut to fit in the smaller frame. Second would be one where the print was folded back around the edges by 6-8 inches to fit. Again, this may have been a decision made between the framer and customer. My advice would be to find a place, Michaels or wherever, that wants to educate you on the various layers used and the implications of those. Once educated one will understand why the cost(not just price) is rather high. You might find someone who can cut archival mats sourced elsewhere and basically produce a "kit". Still, the way one hangs the print inside is kind of its own thing and type of thin material that one would need to understand. Not hard at all but a little knowledge is needed. Sorry if I went over the top on any specific stores or people there. Dave 

Can you point me to some of those recourses?