Looking for FRAME MOULDING

Picture Frame Moulding

Picture framing is actually quite fun and easy to DIY. There are 5 easy steps to framing.

Step 1 - How to Cut Mats

Adding a colour border (the mat) around your artwork enhances the picture and provides a restful area between the image and the picture frame. To cut the mat use a good quality bevel mat cutter and ruler. There are several cutting systems to suit various budgets and skill levels, including the Mat Master Model 660 for the hobbyists, to the Mat Master 860B or 1060B for the keen home picture framer.

Mark the borders to be cut on the back of the mat board.

Make sure the mat will cover the edges of the artwork, by subtracting approx. 3mm or 1/8″ from the image size (length & width). Cut the mat following the instructions for your mat cutter. Attach the picture 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 picture frame moulding material will I need? Carefully measure the picture and mat you wish to frame. Add an extra (3mm) for “play” to ensure the picture fits easily into the finished picture frame.

Making the 45 degree mitre cut in your framing material is most important - your joining will only be as good as your cutting. Electric powered Drop Saws are not ideal for cutting small delicate picture frames.

(L + W) x 2 + (W2 x 10) = TOTAL

Once you have cut the first mitre, slide the picture frame material along to the required length on the measuring scale, and set the stop. You are now ready to cut the first 2 pieces of your picture frame. Change the settings to cut the other 2 sides of the frame.

With the FrameCo Ezy-Measure System you can cut accurately everytime.

Step 3 - How to Clamp Frames

How do you Clamp the Frame? Clamping the frame tightly is essential for good joining. You can use the a Cord Clamp, or the Steel Strap Clamp to secure the picture frame ready for joining.

The advantage of the Strap Clamp is that you can see all the four corners of the picture frame clamped together before joining. So alignment of the corners is easy.

Apply a little wood glue to all corners of the frame for added strength.

Step 4 - How to Join Frames

Most picture frames are joined with a V-Nail. The FrameCo PushMaster joining tool, inserts V-Nails into the corner of the frame. The PushMaster can be used by hand alone on most picture frames, or you can tap the PushMaster with a mallet if the frame is hardwood. V-nails: How do they work?

Upon entry, the sides of the V-Nail are deflected outwards. The little curl on the edge of the V-Nail locks the nail into the grain of the timber. Which V-Nail size . . . You use a V-Nail about 1/2 the frame height.

Sizes are: 7mm - 1/4″, 10mm - 3/8″, 12mm - 1/2″, 15mm - 5/8″

Step 5 - How to Finish Frames

Take the empty picture frame to a glass merchant and have them cut a piece of glass for you. If you wish to cut glass yourself use a good quality oil filled cutter, or the Glass Cutter. Fome Core is the ideal backing board as it is light weight, acid free and easy to cut. Place the empty frame face down and insert the glass, then the matted picture and lastly the backing board.

Use the PushMaster to insert brads or flexipoints into the rear of your picture frame to hold everything in place.

You may want to check out my other guide on Wireless Digital Picture Frames and Digital Picture Frames

This site provides detailed information about digital photo receiver, digital photo software, LCD picture frames, Wireless digital picture frame and all about digital receiver.