Imagine being able to frame your own photographs, prints, wall hangings and works of art like a professional. Framing pictures is quite fun and easy to do yourself. There are 5 easy steps to framing.
Step 1 – How to cut mats
Adding a colored border (the mat) around your artwork enhances the image and provides a quiet area between the image and the image frame. The color and size of the board must first be decided, as this will determine the overall dimensions of your photo frame. Start by calculating the external size of the rug.
To cut the mat, use a good quality mat bevel cutter and ruler. There are several cutting systems to suit various budgets and skill levels, including the Mat Master 660 model for hobbyists, to the Mat Master 860B or 1060B for enthusiastic home framers.
Mark the edges to be cut on the back of the board.
Make sure the mat covers the edges of the artwork, leaving approx. 3mm or 1/8″ the size of the image (length and width). Cut the mat following the instructions for your mat cutter. Attach the image to the mat using 2 small pieces of acid-free tape on the top edge only.
Step 2 – How to Cut the Picture Frame
How much framing material will I need? Carefully measure the painting and mat you want to frame. Add an extra (3mm) for “play” to ensure the image fits easily into the finished picture frame.
Add the length (L) and width (W), then multiply the total by 2 to get the total length. You also need to account for miter cuts, so multiply the width (W2) of the molding by 10 and add that to your total.
(L + W) x 2 + (W2 x 10) = TOTAL
The most important thing is to make the 45 degree miter cut in the framing material – the join will only be as good as the cut. Always use a good quality hand miter saw…we recommend the Proman hand saw, made in Sweden, as the best on the market. Electric circular saws are not ideal for cutting small, delicate frames.
Good Measure System helps make measurement easy and eliminates many errors. Once you have cut the first miter, slide the framing material along the required length on the measuring scale and set the stop. You are now ready to cut the first 2 pieces of your frame. Change the setting to cut the other 2 sides of the frame.
Cutting one side for a frame is easy.
Cutting the second side to match the first is the hard part. With FrameCo’s Ezy-Measure system, you can cut accurately every time.
Step 3 – How to Attach the Frames
How is the frame attached? Holding the frame firmly is essential for a good bond. You can use a cable clamp or a steel strap clamp to secure the ready-to-attach picture frame.
The advantage of the strap clamp is that you can see all four corners of the picture frame clamped together before you attach them. So aligning the corners is easy.
All corners must meet evenly. Apply some wood glue to all corners of the frame for added strength. Carefully tension the clamp making sure the corners are aligned and then secure it firmly.
You are now ready to join.
Step 4 – How to join frames
Most picture frames are attached with a V-nail. This is the easiest method and is used by the professional picture framer. The FrameCo PushMaster joining tool inserts V-nails into the corner of the frame. Two V-nails in each corner are usually all that is needed.
The PushMaster can be used by hand only on most picture frames, or you can hit the PushMaster with a mallet if the frame is hardwood. The PushMaster can be upgraded to the BenchMaster®, which will drive V-nails into the hardest of woods.
V-Nails: How do they work?
Going in, the sides of the V-nail deviate outward. As it returns to its original shape, the joint comes together. The small curl on the edge of the V-nail locks the nail into the grain of the wood. Glue alone is not enough to achieve strong and stable joints; By adding a V-nail, a tight, tight joint is achieved. What size V nail? . . Use a V-nail about half the height of the frame.
Sizes are: 7mm – 1/4″, 10mm – 3/8″, 12mm – 1/2″, 15mm – 5/8″
Step 5 – How to Finish the Frames
Take the empty picture frame to a glass dealer and have a piece of glass cut for you. If you want to cut glass yourself, use a good quality oil filled cutter or the glass cutter. Use only 2mm smooth or non-reflective glass.
Fome Core is the ideal backer board as it is lightweight, acid free and easy to cut. You can also use 3mm MDF or cardboard. Place the empty frame face down and insert the glass, then the matte image, and lastly the backing board.
Use the PushMaster to insert nails or flex points into the back of your photo frame to keep everything in place.
Use backing nails for large frames or heavy items. Flexipoints are flexible and ideal for sewing work or when you want to remove the image, e.g. Photo frames
To seal the artwork in the frame, tape the brads/flex points with a good quality masking tape. This will prevent dust or insects from entering the image.
To upload your photo, use your PushMaster tool again. Measure one third of the side of the picture frame from the top and mark that spot. Place a screw eye into the slot provided at the end of the Pushmaster tool, then screw the eye into the frame. Repeat on the other side, and then connect the wire from one side to the other.
You have now completed your picture framing project. More information on how to make photo frames can be seen at http://www.clubframeco.com/5_steps_Introduction.html