Steps to framing a piece of artwork

1. Measuring – note down the length and width of the piece down to the millimetre and add
on the mount measurements. Note on the back of mount the width of each side to keep
track.
2. Cut the mount – first cut it to size, and then cut out the middle. Before cutting it out check
for imperfections or damages so you can avoid them. If double mounted cut the second and
then the backing board.
3. Taping together – decent quality hinging tape is needed for this step. Tape the mount and
backing board together so you can swing it back and forth with the picture inside. Move it
about in till perfectly placed, and then use doubled sided sticky tape and then masking tape
to secure the picture. (This varies depending on the material your framing)
4. Measure out the frame – start with the longest side when cutting so no material goes to
waste and look out for faults, damages ot knots in the frame before cutting to avoid
wastage. Cut the frame in bits so you do not snap the rebate and keep your pieces separate
so there not mixed up. Before joining together, take a similar colour marker and go along in
very inner edge that you will be joining together. This will cover the lighter inside of the
frame and make the finish better.
5. Join the frame together – Using the machinery safely, connect two pieces at time and then
those two pieces together. Making sure that you apply pressure and squeeze the pieces
together at the proper angle. When using the machinery, you must press down on the pedal
with a good even pressure, so the pins go in properly first time, or you risk damaging the
frame.
6. Check for imperfections – if there are any gaps in the frame, you can use wood filler and
then paint. Check the mount as well for any spots or marks that lead the eye away. If there
are any remove them.
7. Checking your work so far – make sure that the piece you have fit together and that there
are no problems so far.
8. Cut the glass – put on safety glasses and gloves when working with the glass. Find an
appropriate piece of glass to work with then cut it to size using a glass blade.
9. Cleaning the glass – once the glass fits in the frame take it out and clean both sides with a
cloth. When the first side is clean place the mount and picture on top and then flip. This will
keep most of the dirt out after cleaning. You can lift the glass if there are any speck of dust
or dirt left. This step is especially important that it is done properly because and dirty will be
seen inside the frame and once put together you do not want to take it apart again.
10. Putting it together – add the glass to the frame, mount with picture and backing board.
Centre the piece in the middle of the frame and keep it there as best you can while flipping it
over to the back. Use a point gun to fix the mount in place and then masking tape to seal up
the edges.
11. Ready to hang up – depending on the size of the piece will determine on what support is
needed for the string. Most of the time a D ring will work, screwed in a 3rd of the way down
with string tied and taped. But there are bigger supports available for larger, heavier pieces.