Spacer Mats Objects such as seashells, arrowheads, thimbles, military medals, and other small items can be framed using a window mat. To achieve this, the items are arranged in a specific way and then measured. The mat is then designed in a usual manner to fit the grouping. After the mat is cut and the…
Five-Piece Lining for Wood Frames This technique is a simple and basic one in which the sides of the frame are lined with strips of matboard. Four strips of matboard are used, which can either be of the same color as the backing board containing the objects or a different color that coordinates with the…
These tips apply to all types of art that are stretched on strainers or stretcher bars including paintings, photographs, and needlepoints. Wood Frames If the stretcher bars fit perfectly inside the frame, you can use the usual fitting techniques for wooden frames. However, most wooden frames are not deep enough to accommodate canvas art comfortably,…
The process of finishing the framing (installing all of the materials in the frame, sealing it up, and adding hanging hardware) is called fitting. There are several techniques, depending on the type of framing and the preference of the framer. The first step in fitting is gathering all of the materials that will go into…
The following instructions will be applicable to most sectional metal frames. Although there are some variations, most of them will have the same process. Some metal frames have two channels for two sets of hardware, one at the front of the frame and the other at the back, for added strength. In a few cases,…
For DIY framing, and for many professionals as well, picture frame moulding is cut with a saw. A clean, accurate 45-degree miter cut is essential. A limited range of mouldings can be cut with a hand saw and miter box, and this is all some DIY framers ever need. A manual miter saw designed specifically…
Building frames is called ‘joining’ in the picture framing industry. There are several methods for joining frames, depending on the frame material and the equipment available. Most frames require four straight pieces of moulding cut with a 45-degree miter at each end. Each piece of cut moulding is called a rail. Assembling Sectional Frames Sectional…
This traditional mat decoration method uses ink lines and pale washes of watercolor to surround the opening of the mat. French matting usually seems dignified or elegant depending on the colors and configuration of lines and washes. Traditionally used to frame engravings, handcolored prints, and watercolor paintings, French matting has become a popular decoration for…
The surface of a mat can be decorated to enhance the visual presentation of the art. The main objective is to add something that improves the presentation, however it should be kept in mind that the decoration should not overcome the art. As a general rule of proportion, the decoration should be within the first…
Careful, accurate measuring is one of the most important parts of successful picture framing. When it comes to measuring art and determining mat and frame sizes, working with fractions is an important part of the process. Lots of people, including picture framers, find working with fractions a bit aggravating, but with a little practice it…