Framing Palace

I am not a representative of this place, but want to make sure you have the contact information, because I have not written a review on Angie's list before and don't know if you get all of the info. So, here it is: The Framing Palace 3570 St. Johns Lane Ellicott City, MD 21042 (410) 461-0900 www.framingpalace.com e-mail: ed@framingpalace.com My review: I bought a Groupon for the Framing Palace, early this year. Apparently, the Framing Palace has Groupon offers, from time to time. The Framing Palace (Ellicott City, MD) exceeded my expectations in quality of materials and service. I am a frugal person, and the price I paid for the service was reasonable. The personal interest in my piece made me feel like I came to the right place; I think they are probably that personable to everyone who comes in, which only adds to their charm. I had never heard of this place until I saw the Groupon offer. I was compelled to write a review on this site, so that they are recognized on a reputable site, like Angie's list. Ed and Nicole are the two who assisted me (at the Ellicott City, MD location). Ed was the main point of contact, not to dismiss Nicole's experience and expertise (both in the DC area and in New York City). Nicole's assurance of their capabilities brought me into their store with my rare poster, and Ed assisted with all of my technical requirements for keeping the integrity of this poster to stay in its top quality condition. Ed worked very patiently to help me choose the best choice in frame -- to represent an element within the poster content. He was accommodating in my request to customize a double-window mount, and he hand painted a reddish edge between the two black window mounts (reflecting the main color within the poster). He did this because he didn't have a large window matte that had a different colored core (as opposed to the white core that one normally sees). I will stress that they had a wide variety of frames, mattes (smaller mattes are offered with different color core options), and mounting options; however, my poster was so large that it needed special attention to the coloring detail between the window mattes, in the core. I was able to bring my poster in and bring it back when the frame (and mattes) were ready. It took 2 weeks (less than originally estimated, considering what I was having done) to get the frame ordered, assembled, and custom matte made; then, another 10 minutes, once I brought the poster back for final framing. Materials used in archival framing: -Museum quality wood frame (black) -Museum quality UV glass -Double window matte (acid-free); one was black with a black core, the other was black with white core (painted red), as per my request (a reasonable fee was applied) -archival picture clips (mounted around the piece) -acid-free backing -finishing paper backing and hooks -"magic dust" (i.e. whatever other items they used, in the process) I know that there are other high quality framers in the area, but my trust factor for the Framing Palace in Ellicott City, MD will keep me driving an hour (each way) to accommodate my framing needs. One has to be really careful that their artwork, posters, photos, or even sports jerseys (a big service for them, considering how many sports fans want shadow boxes for their collectibles). Any item that you want framed can be done by them, with the impression that it was easy for them to complete the task. These people THINK about the best way to present your pieces. They have vast accumulative experience and appreciate anything you wish to have them assist, with your framing needs. These people care just as much about giving you the best quality at a reasonable price as they are about treating your project with the passion that you have for it. I got the impression that Ed gives a personal touch to each piece, as if he was framing his own artwork or collectibles. Overall, The Framing Palace in Ellicott City, MD should be represented on Angie's list as an exceptional business for any of your framing needs in the entire Washington,DC/Baltimore/Annapolis try-city area. Anyone who has tried to find a reputable art framing store in this area has probably experienced quality and service that didn't match their expectations, but you will be pleased with the product you get from this location. I strongly recommend, and can trust Ed's quality of service will not change. Thank you for reading. I hope you check out this place, even if it's for a consultation.