So I'm doing some research for plein aire frames, and I found ASWexpress.com, does anyone have experience with buying their plein aire frames? Do you know any thing cheaper?
This so far is the cheapest I've found 6x6 frames are around $7, even with the $99 membership fee it seems a great deal.
Please let me know if you have any good advice about wholesale frames for an oil painter.
Replies
If you have a tax id any framing supply company will sell to you. Since it looks like your in Colorado i would try http://www.coloradomouldingcompany.com/. They probably will deliver to you . I know Cash in Alabama delivers all over the state as well as surrounding states.
Yeah I applied to Colorado Moulding Company. I didn't get accepted. I probably need to have a more gallery representation first, I only have 1 right now. But I'll apply again next year.
Brandy,
We have done a fair amount of business with ASW. We have purchased their plein aire frames in silver, black and mahogany. For the price they are a good frame. They are painted and are from China so except for the black ones there can be some color differential between shipments. Keep in mind these are not solid wood but a wood product of some sort. We have also bought their pre-cut mats to use on our unframed pieces. The thing to watch is damage in shipment. The plein aires come 10 to a box, each frame is individually boxed with plastic bags and corner protectors. Despite this there can be damage so check your shipment immediately upon receipt. About half the mats we receive have been dropped on a corner and have to be returned. Some of the frames, except for the black ones have had flaws in the paint to the point we could not use them. So open everything up and check carefully. ASW has been great about returns and reimbursement for damaged items. I just send them a photo and they take care of it. Sometimes they want the damaged stuff back and sometimes they do not.
That being said I think they are a good company to deal with for certain items. We did find a local company here in Birmingham Al. that offers great wholesale prices on just about anything you could need and do most of our business with them now, Cash Moulding 800-553-2274. Give them a call. We found their prices close to ASW's but the quality is much higher.
Thank you! I just called Cash Moulding. I may still sign up for ASWexpress, since they sell a variety of items that I will use. But your information is very helpful.