How do you recommend framing a Summit 3D map?
As you can see on the website, we offer several framing choices at very reasonable prices and framed maps are delivered ready to hang, with all hardware in place. But Summit maps look great in all kinds of frames and we’re happy to explain the best way to frame your map yourself. We suggest that you do not buy your frame until you have mounted and trimmed your map, so that you can measure it for an exact fit.
Please note: Because Summit uses a custom-fit frame for each map, we can’t simply send you framing materials after you purchase an unframed map; the mounted map needs to be trimmed to the exact size of the individual frame. We can’t guarantee that the frame would fit a map we didn’t mount ourselves.
If you’re going to frame your own map, you’ll want to start by mounting it on a piece of foamboard (available from framing and art supplies shops). For maps with large flat ocean areas, we recommend adhesive-faced foamboard. For maps that don't have large flat areas, you can use regular non-adhesive foamboard.
When using adhesive-faced foamboard, center the map over the exposed adhesive surface and start by placing one edge of the map down on the adhesive surface. Then slowly lay down the rest of the map, being careful not to trap air under the flat surfaces (the ocean surface, in particular). Using your hands – covered with a clean cloth or wearing cotton gloves – press the map down to the board until it is firmly adhered to the surface and no air pockets are visible under the flat areas. Gently press any small bubbles out by smoothing the map surface and pushing the bubble out to the nearest edge. Be careful not to scratch or abrade the map doing this.
For non-adhesive-faced foamboard, center the map on the board and trace around the map with a pencil to mark where the edges of the map will sit. Place double-stick mounting tape all around just inside your pencil line. Take care to avoid wrinkles or overlaps in the tape, which can look lumpy underneath the map margins. If your map has a large flat area (such as on the White Mountains map) use rows of double-stick tape to be sure that area stays adhered to the foamboard. Line up the map with your pencil outline and press the map border/margin area securely to the tape.
Using a razor knife and straight-edge, carefully trim the foamboard to the edge of the map. Measure the mounted map and purchase a frame to fit those exact dimensions. (We’ve seen good results from places like frames.com, but there are many online choices.)
If you take your map someplace to be framed, be sure they mount it on foamboard as described here; mounting the map isn’t difficult but is critical to a good result.
Finally, install the mounted map in the frame of your choice using the hardware provided with the frame, or use very small nails/brads to hold the foamboard in place. Attach the hanging hardware and corner bumpers that should come with your frame kit.
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How much does a custom raised-relief map cost?
The overall cost of a custom 3D map is determined by three factors: size, quantity, and the amount of graphics work required.
For example, a 30”x 20” custom raised-relief map normally costs about $5,000 for the upfront design, data, and tooling, with additional investment required if there’s a lot of graphics development work involved. Once the initial map is created, we can produce copies of that 30”x 20”map for a cost of about $45 (even less if you order higher quantities).
Larger maps, naturally, cost more. Once you provide details on your area of interest, the information you’ll need incorporated, and the preferred size format, we’ll put together a firm quote for your custom map project. Please contact Mike Higgins at 240-203-8476 for more information.
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