10x10 frame
You will find 5 straightforward steps to framing.



Action 1 - The best way to Slice Mats



Incorporating a colour border (the mat) around your artwork boosts the image and presents a restful space in between the graphic and also the image frame. The color and dimensions in the mat board must be made a decision initially, as this will likely figure out the overall proportions of one's picture frame. You begin by calculating the exterior sizing with the mat.


9 x 12 frame

To chop the mat utilize a top quality bevel mat cutter and ruler. There are actually several reducing devices to suit various budgets and ability levels, including the Mat Grasp Model 660 for the hobbyists, into the Mat Learn 860B or 1060B for your keen house picture framer.



Mark the borders to generally be cut over the again of the mat board.



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



Step 2 - How you can Slice the image Frame



How much photograph frame moulding material will I need? Carefully measure the image and mat you wish to frame. Add an extra (3mm) for "play" to ensure the image fits easily into the finished photograph body.



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



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



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



Superior Measure System helps to make measuring simple and eliminates many mistakes. Once you have slash the very first mitre, slide the picture frame material along for the required length on the measuring scale, and set the stop. You are now ready to chop the initially 2 pieces of your picture frame. Change the settings to cut the other 2 sides of your frame.



Reducing one side for a body is effortless.



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



Step 3 - Tips on how to Clamp Frames



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



The advantage on the Strap Clamp is that you can see all the four corners from the image body clamped together before joining. So alignment in the corners is simple.



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



You are now ready for joining.



Move 4 - How you can Join Frames



Most image 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 with the body. Two V-Nails in each corner is usually all that is necessary.



The PushMaster can be used by hand alone on most photograph frames, or you can tap the PushMaster with a mallet if the body is hardwood. The PushMaster can be upgraded towards the BenchMaster® which will insert V-Nails into the harderst of timbers.



V-nails: How do they work?



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



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



Move 5 - Tips on how to Finish Frames



Take the empty picture body to a glass merchant and have them slice 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 photograph and lastly the backing board.



Use the PushMaster to insert brads or flexipoints into the rear within your photo 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 body, tape over the brads/flexipoints using a superb good quality backing tape. This will prevent dust or insects getting into the picture.