9 x 12 frame
You will discover five effortless methods to framing.



Phase 1 - Ways to Minimize Mats



Adding a colour border (the mat) all around your artwork improves the image and offers a restful space involving the impression as well as the photograph frame. The colour and sizing from the mat board need to be decided to start with, as this tends to figure out the general proportions of your respective photograph frame. You begin by calculating the external sizing in the mat.



rustic picture frames
To chop the mat utilize a top quality bevel mat cutter and ruler. You will find numerous chopping units to accommodate a variety of budgets and ability ranges, including the Mat Master Design 660 with the hobbyists, on the Mat Learn 860B or 1060B to the eager residence picture framer.



Mark the borders to be slash over the back from the mat board.



Ensure the mat will protect the edges in the artwork, by subtracting approx. 3mm or 1/8" from your impression size (size & width). Minimize the mat following the instructions for your mat cutter. Attach the picture to the mat using 2 small pieces of acid free tape about the top edge only.



Move 2 - How you can Minimize the picture Frame



How much photograph body 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 photo body.



Add the length (L) and width (W) together, then multiply the total by 2 to give you the overall size. You also have to allow for that mitre cuts, so multiply the width (W2) of your moulding by 10 and add this to your total.



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



Earning the 45 degree mitre slash in your framing material is most important - your joining will only be as fantastic as your cutting. Always make use of a good quality manual Mitre Saw... we recommend the Proman hand saw which is made in Sweden as the best on the market. Electric powered Drop Saws are not ideal for chopping small delicate picture frames.



Fantastic Measure System helps to make measuring quick and eliminates many mistakes. Once you have minimize the 1st mitre, slide the image body material along on the required size to the measuring scale, and set the stop. You are now ready to chop the initially 2 pieces of the photo body. Change the settings to chop the other 2 sides on the frame.



Slicing one side for a frame is simple.



Reducing the second side to generally be be the same as the 1st, is the hard part. With the FrameCo Ezy-Measure System you can slice accurately every time.



Phase 3 - How you can Clamp Frames



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



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



All corners should match up evenly. Apply a little wood glue to all corners on the frame for added strength. Carefully tension the clamp making guaranteed that the corners are aligned then secure the clamp tightly.



You are now ready for joining.



Move 4 - How you can Join Frames



Most photo frames are joined with a V-Nail. This is the easiest method and it is what the professional picture framer uses. The FrameCo PushMaster joining tool, inserts V-Nails into the corner in the body. Two V-Nails in each corner is usually all that is necessary.



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. The PushMaster can be upgraded into the BenchMaster® which will insert V-Nails into the harderst of timbers.



V-nails: How do they work?



Upon entry, the sides of the V-Nail are deflected outwards. As it pulls back again into its original shape, the join is pulled together. The little curl over the edge of your V-Nail locks the nail into the grain of the timber. Glue alone is not sufficient for strong stable joints, by including a V-Nail you achieve a strong, tight joint. Which V-Nail dimensions . . . You utilize a V-Nail about 1/2 the body height.



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



Stage 5 - The best way 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 make use of a high quality oil filled cutter, or the Glass Cutter. Use only 2mm plain or non-reflective glass.



Fome Core is the ideal backing board as it is light weight, acid free and simple to cut. You can also use 3mm MDF or cardboard. Place the empty frame face down and insert the glass, then the matted photo and lastly the backing board.



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



Use Backing Nails for large frames or heavy items. Flexipoints are flexible and ideal for needlework or when you want to re move the image, eg. photo frames.



To seal the artwork in the frame, tape over the brads/flexipoints using a great quality backing tape. This could prevent dust or insects getting into the image.