![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Picture Framing for Photographers - Part 2
There are two sources for obtaining the moulding for making a frame. You can firstly start with a straight piece of timber, and using a home routing system make your own moulding shape with a rebate to take the art work. Alternatively you can pick from a large range of ready finished mouldings available from your local frame shop or hardware store. I recommend the latter. It's easier, the choice is much wider, and it's more cost effective. However, one word of warning. Always look for a moulding with a good straight back and not too flat on the surface. If the moulding has a bump or some raised section in the top surface it will cut and join easier than a flat moulding. Most mouldings are made from pine or obeche. These are soft grain timbers and cut and join well. Hard timbers like ramin are more difficult to work with. Measuring and Cutting How much moulding will you need? The outside dimensions of the frame are determined by the size of the mounted photograph. Carefully measure the overall size of the matted picture you're framing, adding a little extra (3-smm) for "play" to ensure the picture fits easily into the finished frame. Add the length and the breadth together, then double the total. This will give you the overall length. But you also have to allow for the mitre cuts, so multiply the width of the moulding by 10 and add this to your total (total length required = 2 x (length + breadth) + 10 x width of moulding). The 45 mitre cuts are most important - a bad cut will never join properly and will always look terrible. There are a number of machines on the market for cutting 45 degree mitres starting with the simple mitre box, radial arm saw with a mitre attachment, or a commercial mitre saw (see picture 1). Cutting one side of a frame is easy. Cutting the second side to be EXACTLY the same side to the first side is the hard part of frame cutting. Using a measuring system you can cut lengths accurately every time. The FrameCo measuring system will attach to any brand of electric or manual mitre saw and will make the cutting of the frames quick and foolproof. If you have a saw you can cut without using a measuring system. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to cut mitred lengths for your frame: * Calculate the dimensions of your frame. * Place the moulding into the saw. ? Cut off a small piece at 45 degrees with the saw in the lefthand position. * Remove the moulding from the saw. ? With a tape, measure along the back of the moulding, to the length you require. To this length you have to take into account the size of the moulding you are using. So you add to the length of the side an amount equal to twice the moulding width - not including the rebate. Then make a pencil mark on the back of the moulding near the top so that you can see the mark. ? Put the moulding back in the saw and align the saw blade on the pencil mark. ? Swing the saw around and cut the next mitre. ? Place the two pieces back to back so you can transfer the size you have just cut to the back of the moulding length. ? Repeat the cutting procedure for the other pieces. Joining the Frame To ensure a tight and stable joint, glue should be applied, especially if the frame is large. A light smear of a good quality PVA glue is all that's necessary. Although it is possible to buy clamps that join two corners at a time, it's simpler and quicker to clamp all four corners at once. This allows you to see how the corners match up before gluing and securing the mitres. There are several types of clamps... Cord Clamps: This simple, but effective clamping system works well for small to medium-size frames. It consists of four flexible plastic corners and a length of cord. (See picture 2). Metal Strap Clamp: This clamping system is slightly more sophisticated and consists of a metal strap, flexible corner pieces and a screw operated tensioning device which allows you to apply a considerable amount of tension so that the corners are pulled together tightly. The Strap Clamp is suitable for large and small frames. (See picture 3). Once the frame is clamped together and you've made sure all the corners are aligned, then the mitre joint should be secured or reinforced. Glue alone is not safe and secure enough for most sized frames. Here are some options. Panel Pins: You can nail a panel pin across the mitre. It is advisable to pre-drill the holes and secure the joint in a vice before hammering the pins into the frame. Punch home the nail head and fill the hole with a coloured woodfiller. V-Nails: Professional framers use these v-shaped staples, which are inserted using a special manual or pneumatic joining machine. The "PushMaster" is a DIY version of these machines and is suitable for low-volume high-quality framing such as required for photography or portrait framing. Biscuit Joints: More suitable for large and heavy frames such as mirrors. Most commercial picture frame mouldings are small and a biscuit joint is not necessary. V-Nail Joining Machines There are several models of these machines and all are suitable for the DIY or low-volume picture framing. Here are some of the models. PushMaster: Similar to a large punch, the PushMaster is a handheld, easy to use tool for inserting the v-nails into the back of timber picture frames. The vnail is loaded onto the magnetic end of the PushMaster, sharp end down, then simply pushed into the wood. The v-nail pulls the joint together because it is made from spring steel. The advantage of the PushMaster is that it doubles as a fitting up tool. The magnetic tip can also be used to fit flexipoints and backing nails to secure the picture into the frame. (See picture 4). BenchMaster: The BenchMaster is ideal for the serious DIY framing photographer. The powerful cam action of the handle combined with the heavy duty Push Master drives v-nails into the hardest of timbers. Its gentle hand action suits joining small or odd-shaped mouldings. If you start with FrameCo's Push Master you can upgrade to the BenchMaster at any time. (See picture 5). V-Nails - How Do They Work? Upon entering the wood moulding from the base, the sides of the metal v-nail are deflected outwards. As the v-nail pulls back into its original shape this pulls the joint tightly together. There is a little curl on the outer leading edge of the nail that locks the nail into the grain of the timber. This stops the nail from pulling out of the end of the mitre, keeping the joint stable and secure. The v-nail method of joining is the preferred method of professional picture framers. With a few simple hand tools it's possible to achieve the same result with a minimal outlay in machinery. Making Multi-sided Frames With most good quality suspension type mitre saws there's always the possibility of cutting mitre angles other than 45 degrees. The problem is that the saws do not have a system of measuring the length of the cut. The FrameCo measuring system has a clever scale included with the unit. It allows you to measure a length for any angle. A six-sided frame has the six mitres cut at 30 degrees, while an eight-sided frame has the eight mitres cut at 22.5 degrees. The Measure Mate Scale converts the measuring system into a multi-angled scale so that each one of these different angled mitres can be measured. So it's possible for the amateur framer to make attractive multiangled frames that add style and creativity to your framing. Finishing and Assembly Now that the frame is joined and the glue joints dry you're ready to assemble your mounted photograph into the frame. The PushMaster can be used to fit backing nails or flexipoints into the frame to hold the picture into the rebate. Seal the back of the picture with gummed tape or good quality backing tape. The best backing tape to use is a silicone coated tape as this will not peel off over time. Screw two small O-rings or screw eyes into the side of the frame, approximately one third of the distance down the top of the frame, then attach a length of wire or cord securely through the O-rings or screw eyes. After that, your image is ready to hang on a wall. Gary Leete, of Frameco Picture Framing Supplies, is a professional framer. For further information on any of the his DIY picture framing tools contact FrameCo P/L Australia, Ph: (03) 98723600 or visit the web site at http://www.clubframeco.com
MORE RESOURCES: See Stunning Feline Photography Revealing the Science of Cats Scientific American 'It was a dream come true': Vancouverite wins global photography prize with rare eclipse shot Vancouver Is Awesome 3 must-visit European exhibitions presenting photography and fashion South China Morning Post The Photographers’ Gallery : Paul Cupido : Kacho Fugestu loeildelaphotographie.com HUIANER Soft Warm Hat Leather Cap with Earmuffs for Baby Kids Photography Props The San Joaquin Valley Sun Florida photographer relocates to Allegany County, opens studio. Meet Victoria Slovak Hornell Evening Tribune White Feather Photography: Collins takes photography to the next level Lockhart Post Register A Question Every Senior Portrait Photographer Should Ask The Phoblographer Photographer Graham featured artist in Bay’s Besse Gallery ironmountaindailynews.com 100pcs Mini Doll Sunglasses Accessories Decorative Eyeglasses Props for Dolls for Childrens Photography and Costume Matching The San Joaquin Valley Sun 24 Pairs Kids Star Sunglasses, Retro Style Neon Star Sunglasses Funny Photography Props Star Shaped Glasses for Birthday Graduation Party Supplies Summer Beach Pool Favors The San Joaquin Valley Sun jojomis Elegant Wedding Veil Set for Brides - Bridal Accessories And Photography Props- White The San Joaquin Valley Sun QandSweet Baby Girl Headbands with Polygonal Flower Inlay Rhinestone for Photography (10 Pack) The San Joaquin Valley Sun BGFKS Newborn Baby Girls 1st Birthday Photography Outfit Sets Layered Rainbow Tutu Skirt with Hairbow and Crown Headband The San Joaquin Valley Sun BREVITE - The Jumper - Compact Camera Backpacks for Photographers - A Minimalist & Travel-friendly Photography Backpack Compatible With Both Laptop & DSLR Accessories 18L (Pine Green) The San Joaquin Valley Sun Retro Double Beam Square Glasses - Vintage Fashion Eyewear for Street Photography and Vacation The San Joaquin Valley Sun Hat Wear,Girls Painter French Berets Rabbits Ear for Holiday Photography Handmade Cartoon The San Joaquin Valley Sun 3 Pairs Dress Skirt Gloves for Party Supplies Elegant Princess Style in Pink White Blue for Wedding Flower Ballet Dance and Photography Props The San Joaquin Valley Sun Toddler Kids Shoes Trench Cargo Photography Ballet Shoes Kids First Walkers Non Slip Prewalker Socks Shoes Shoes The San Joaquin Valley Sun Adjustable Beach Hat Protective Bucket Hat for Boys Lightweight Compact for Summer Fun and Photography Purple The San Joaquin Valley Sun Rowing, research and a Fenway sunrise: award-winning images from our campus photographers Northeastern Global News In Focus: 5 Photography Shows to See in New York Artnet News MOMOJIA Sunglasses Eyewear, Fashion for Children Boys Girls for Sun Glasses Vintage Kids Photography Props Sun-Shading Beach The San Joaquin Valley Sun Photography exhibition by New York-based Punjabi architectural designer Kirat Singh Pandher Tribune India Tennessee Top 25 | Titans at Cardinals Photography Tennessee Titans Leica Q3 vs Fujifilm GFX 100RF: A Photographer’s Inner Monologue The Phoblographer Ophthalmic Photography University of Michigan Health How I took beautiful photos at the beach, despite the awful weather Digital Camera World The Best Communities for Photographers Who Hate Social Media in 2025 The Phoblographer Christie’s : Photographs loeildelaphotographie.com Photography: Samia Live in Nashville with Renny Conti The Alternative Timeless moments captured in 1921 photograph Bonner County Daily Bee Bob E. Person Obituary The Ames Tribune FAA drone ban grounds Chicago real estate photographers Chicago Agent Magazine Starting a photography business? Here are 10 practical things you need to get up and running Digital Camera World photographer suzanne jongmans recreates renaissance portraits using packaging materials - Designboom The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards: Winners National Audubon Society From children to politics: Photographer Dagmar Hochová’s retrospective opens in Prague Radio Prague International This museum at 100 proves art never goes out of style Northeastern Global News The good, the bad and the beautiful: how the great photographer Richard Avedon captured ageing The Guardian Southport photographer Patricia Niland honoured on world stage at Siena International Photo Awards Stand Up For Southport Anaconda wildlife photographer Carly Moodry Montana Standard Review: Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens Australian Photography magazine Amazon Prime Day closes today: as a photographer here are my top accessory deals Amateur Photographer The next thing I knew I was being chased down the street - has social media killed the art of street photography? Amateur Photographer The Bird Photography Guide Everyone Needs The Phoblographer When Photography Is No Longer Enough Fstoppers Floating pitch, star-studded streets, lonesome sheep World Photography Organisation Club News: Sandhills Photography Club thepilot.com The Low Light Photography Trick Every Pro Knows DIYPhotography Chris Steele-Perkins obituary The Guardian A Massive Art Installation by the ‘Humans of New York’ Creator Has Taken Over Grand Central Terminal Smithsonian Magazine How Maximalism Can Shape Photography Today The Phoblographer Photography Ideas to Break Your Creative Rut in 2025 DIYPhotography Ultimate Photography Accessories Buyer's Guide (2025) Imaging Resource Remembering Wildlife launches 10th book to help save pangolins Australian Photography magazine What our photographers saw on Tuesday, October 7 Inquirer.com ‘A Camera and a Boy’: A posthumous exhibition by the first soldier to die in the Gaza war The Jerusalem Post |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
RELATED ARTICLES
Things You Should Know Before Buying A Digital Camera In a traditional camera, the lens was king. If the lens delivered a decent image, exactly that image would be recorded on the film. Buying the Best Digital Camera for Your Needs Choosing a digital camera can be a daunting task with the wide number of choices available in today's market place. There are lots and lots of things that you need to keep in mind while going to choose a camera for yourself. Digital Camera Auto Exposure and Auto Focus The digital camera being a fantastic and technologically advanced device contains many different applications of its own. Many users of this fabulous device are unaware of quite a few of these functions which can actually do wonders. Landscape Photography - Capture the Beauty That is All Around There are many different types of photography. You can take pictures of anything and there is someone out there somewhere who would like to see the pictures that you take. Keep a Digital Photos Diary Digital Photo Diary - memories that last a life timeThe best things in life come in threes, like friends, dreams, and memories.A digital photo diary keeps some of the big and little memories of our life. Sepia Toned Prints from Your Colour or Black and White Photos - 5 Minute Digital Fix Quite often I will have clients bring in old photographs of their "elder" relatives that were taken before colour photography was around.This generally means that the photos in question are either black and white or, in many cases, the photos have been tinted, usually a muddy brown colour better known as Sepia. Use A Tripod! Using a tripod is essential when taking photos - and not just for night shots. To get ultra crisp and sharp pictures, your camera cannot move at all when the shutter is open. Photographing Kids Kids grow up so quickly and while we are often left with countless memories, most parents have only a drawer packed with school photos, blurry holiday snaps and the forced grin of the inevitable yearly birthday picture to account for the years gone by. It's time to stop bemoaning the latest photograph of your thumb obscuring your adorable baby and get on with improving your skills as a photographer. Start Up a Nude Photography Business There are major obstacles to overcome to get into nude photography, not least of which is the need to practise technique. By its very nature there has to be at least one subject, and the big problem for the photographer here is image. Easy Tips for Digital Photo Touchups Using a digital camera to take pictures is great. It's easy and quick. How to Buy a Digital Camera Are you buying your first digital camera? Well, you must be confused by the bewildering range of models out there. How do you know which model will suit your needs? To make things worse, digital cameras do not come cheap. Crooked Horizons in Your Photos? - Here is a Five Minute Digital Fix Remember the good old photography days?Film camera in hand, you would see that perfect landscape, seascape or sunset and shoot off several shots.Perhaps a couple of weeks later, once you had returned home and finally finished that 24 or 36 exposure film, it was off to the photo-lab to get the film processed. Start a Photography Business from Home Anyone with the right camera equipment, and the necessary skills can set up a home business, marketing photography. You need only to convert a room of your house into an office, and then you can work immediately. Selecting Your First Digital Camera Purchasing a digital camera is a wise decision, particularly if you take a lot of pictures and you want to control how they are developed. Camera prices continue to plummet and Americans are exchanging their 35mm cameras for digital devices at a record pace. Photography Jobs: Do You Have a Future in Photography? There is a wide world of photography. It touches each of us in our lives on a daily basis in some form or another. Get Closer to Your Subject Almost any shot will look better if you take two or three steps closer to your subject. Filling the frame entirely with your subject will make a terrific difference to your photos. How to Easily Start Up Your Own New Photography Business From Home With modern technology in the form of SLR digital cameras, you do not even need the room for a dark room. You need only to have a personal computer and a photo-editing program. Digital Film Processing is Really the Only Option for Truly Quality Prints Digital photography has taken off like wildfire these days, primarily due to its ease and quality in its digital film processing. With a good digital camera, it's as though you're using the very best Kodak film for every single one of your digital photos. The Benefits of Underwater Digital Cameras Underwater digital cameras are fun and easy to use under the water and great above the water as well. Use your underwater digital camera in all kinds of weather, for many activities and in a variety of locations that could be either wet or wild. Freelance Photography: How to Begin Your Career Photography is a vast world. There are many different types of photography and many different kinds of people that enjoy it. ![]() |
home | site map |
© 2006 KeralaClick.com |