The frame is the final touch for a piece of artwork. Frames provide protection to the edges of the piece, and give it stability. Combined with a sheet of UV-resistant glass or clear acrylic, a frame can provide protection from dust and light damage.
When properly constructed, the frame accents the visual impact of the artwork. Frames can be made of rolled or layered cardboard, wood, metal, plastic, resin, ceramic or papier-mache. They can be stained, painted, lacquered or sealed with UV-resistant, clear acrylic.
Instructions
1. Decide what material to use for your frame. The material to be used should complement the style of the artwork to be framed. Decide what length and width frame will be needed to show the piece to its best advantage.
2. Measure the dimensions of the work to be framed. Cut two vertical stiles and two horizontal rails from the chosen framing material, using a carpenter's try square, back saw and miter box. A try square is used along with a miter box to ensure an angle is 90 degrees. Sand and finish all frame pieces as desired.
3. Place the mitered edges of the frame pieces together. Apply rubber cement to the mitered edges of the frame and press them together firmly. Allow the rubber cement to set for 10 minutes. Apply additional rubber cement to one side of a triangular corner block and press each of the four blocks into place in each corner of the frame. Use C-clamps to hold corners and corner blocks together until the rubber cement dries overnight. Tack all pieces together from the right and left, at each corner. Tack through each triangular corner block as well.
4. Attach framing hardware. Framed art can be hung using framing wire with a screw at the right and left sides of the frame. It can also be hung from a lip along the top of the frame or from saw tooth framing hardware. Use wall anchors to mount heavy frames. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs, then drill pilot holes for expandable wall anchors. Set wall anchors into the holes, before hanging your framed artwork.
5. Use a spacer or mat sheet to keep your artwork from coming in contact with the glass of the frame, if there is any. Do not permanently attach art to any matting materials, as this reduces its value immediately to near zero, according to museum curator, Dr. Lori, the director of Masterpiece Technologies Inc.
Fit your artwork into the frame. Hang your artwork to its best advantage, being careful to position it where it cannot be damaged by exposure to sunlight. If the artwork is particularly valuable, or if you live in a region that is geologically unstable, you may wish to invest in a secure hanging system with permanent wall mounts instead of the typical wire and dual support used for hanging most artwork.
