Picture Printing and Framing in Houston: The Complete Guide

Picture Printing and Framing in Houston: One-Stop Service

Jay's Frames at 218 W 27th St in Houston Heights offers complete picture printing and framing under one roof. Whether you have a digital file, a painting, or a cherished photograph, our team handles every step — from high-resolution printing on archival media to custom framing with museum-quality materials. Call (832) 893-3794 to get started.

What Is Picture Printing and Framing?

Picture printing and framing is the end-to-end process of reproducing a digital or physical image as a fine art print and mounting it in a custom frame. The best results come from keeping both steps in one place: the printer knows the exact paper weight and surface finish, so the framer can choose the right mat depth, glass type, and frame profile without guessing.

At Jay's Frames we use archival pigment inks on acid-free papers — the same materials used by fine art galleries — combined with UV-protective glazing that filters 99% of ultraviolet light, which is especially important in Houston's intense sun.

Printing Options We Offer

Giclée Fine Art Prints

Giclée (pronounced zhee-KLAY) printing uses a 12-color inkjet process on acid-free cotton rag or baryta paper. Color accuracy is exceptional — wider gamut than traditional photo labs — and prints are rated for 100+ years without fading when framed behind UV glass. Ideal for reproductions of original paintings, professional photography, and limited-edition artwork.

Canvas Prints

Canvas printing wraps your image around a wooden stretcher bar for a painterly look without glass. We offer both gallery wrap (image continues around the edges) and traditional wrap (mirrored or solid-color edges). Canvas prints can be left unframed or finished with a floater frame that creates a modern floating effect. Starting at $89 for an 8×10.

Photo Printing

Standard photo printing on lustre or metallic paper delivers vivid color and sharp detail. Great for family portraits, vacation photos, and events. We print from digital files up to 44 inches wide. Metallic paper adds a three-dimensional shimmer that makes portraits pop.

Framing Options After Printing

Custom Mat and Frame

A properly sized mat creates visual breathing room between the image and the frame, and it keeps the print from touching the glass (moisture from contact can damage even archival prints over time). We carry over 1,000 mat colors and textures, and our framers will help you select a combination that complements your décor.

UV-Protective Glass

Standard glass blocks almost no UV. Museum glass filters 99% of UV and also reduces reflections to near zero — you see the artwork, not the room behind you. We strongly recommend museum glass for anything you plan to keep for more than a few years, particularly in Houston where sunlight through windows is intense year-round.

Shadowbox Mounting

For three-dimensional pieces — a canvas print paired with physical objects, a print with a signature panel — shadowbox framing creates depth and protects all elements in a sealed display. Prices start at $149.

How to Bring Us Your Files

Send files via email to [email protected] or bring a USB drive to the shop. For best results:

• Resolution: 300 DPI at the final print size (e.g., a 16×20 print needs at least 4800×6000 pixels)
• Color profile: sRGB or Adobe RGB 1998
• Format: TIFF or high-quality JPEG (avoid heavy compression)
• Scans: We can scan originals at 1200–2400 DPI for archival-quality prints

Pricing Guide

Size	Giclée Print	Custom Frame	Combined
8×10	$35	$89+	From $124
11×14	$55	$119+	From $174
16×20	$89	$169+	From $258
20×24	$129	$229+	From $358
24×36	$179	$299+	From $478

Prices vary with frame profile, mat choice, and glass type. Call (832) 893-3794 for an exact quote.

Turnaround Time

Standard orders are ready in 5–7 business days. Rush same-day and next-day printing and framing is available for select sizes — call ahead to confirm availability. We also offer local delivery and professional installation throughout Houston Heights, Montrose, River Oaks, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Why Choose Jay's Frames for Printing and Framing?

• One-stop service: print and frame reviewed together before production begins
• Archival pigment inks rated 100+ years on acid-free media
• Over 25 years of framing expertise
• Museum-quality UV glass standard on all custom frame orders
• Houston Heights location — easy access from Montrose, Heights, Midtown, and River Oaks
• 4.3-star rating on Google with 131 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you print and frame in the same day?

For select standard sizes, yes. Call (832) 893-3794 to check same-day availability.

Do you print from phone photos?

Yes, but modern smartphone photos (12MP+) are typically high enough resolution for prints up to 11×14. For larger sizes we may recommend having the image professionally upscaled first — we can do this in-house.

What's the difference between giclée and a regular photo print?

Giclée uses 10–12 pigment ink channels on archival cotton rag paper, producing a wider color gamut and longer archival lifespan (100+ years) than standard chromogenic photo prints (25–50 years). Giclée is preferred for fine art, portraits, and anything intended to last generations.

Do you offer canvas printing without a frame?

Yes. Gallery-wrapped canvas prints are finished on all four sides and can hang unframed, or you can add a floater frame later.