Free PDF Book DIY Picture Framing

DO-IT-YOURSELF PICTURE FRAMING Do-It-Yourself Picture Framing by Vivian Kistler, Master Certified Picture Framer, USA Guild Commended Framer, UK © 2001, 2006 Logan Graphic Products, Inc., Wauconda, Illinois All International Rights Reserved First Edition 2001 Second Edition 2006 Printed in the United States of America Published by Columba Publishing Co., Inc. Akron, Ohio ART & PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS ISBN 0-938655-88-4 Cathy Welner, watercolors page 10, page 56 Luciano Duse, photograph page 16 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 Barbara Schlueter, photograph top page 60 Alice Marvin, ink sketches page 19, page 58 Laine Kistler, painting page 5, page page 62LR Carli Kistler, crewel work page 5 Sheri Galat, ribbon work page 29 Patricia Jolly, photograph page 59L Richmond, acrylic painting page 62 center Translation, transmission or reproduction of any part of Vivian Kistler, encaustic, page 62 top this work, beyond that permitted by the International T. Leighton, pastel drawing page 6 Copyright Act, without the permission of the copyright owner, is unlawful. PHOTOGRAPHERS: Andy Fiala 6, 10, 14, 18, 23, 43 Please request permission or further information from the Barbara Schlueter 16LL, 27, 34, 38, 41, 55, 58L Permissions Department, Columba Publishing Company, Heather Protz 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, 16, 17, 28, 29, 31, 154 Pembroke Road, Akron, OH 44333. USA Telephone: 37, 39, 44, 45, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62 1.330.836.2619 Fax: 1.330.836.9659. ILLUSTRATORS: The information in this book is offered in good faith, but Marla Strasburg Crawford Kelly Ross without guarantee, because the techniques of individuals and variations in products are beyond our control. We rec- ART REPRODUCTIONS: ommend the user determine, for her/his own purposes, the Wild Apple Graphics 13, 14, 16, 28, 54T suitability of all materials, methods, and information Main Floor Editions 37 mentioned. Logan Graphics, Inc., Columba Publishing Arts Unique 5, 27 Co. Inc., and Vivian Kistler, individually and combined, disclaim all responsibility for loss or damage resulting from the use of the information furnished herein. CONTENTS DO-IT-YOURSELF FRAMING 5 SUPPORTING ARTWORK 34 General Methods FRAMES 7 Hinging Paper Art Sizes Conservation Methods Section Frames Mounting Paper Art Plastic Dry Mounting Quick frames Wet Mounting Spray Adhesives BOARDS FOR PICTURE FRAMING 10 Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Matboards Backing, Filler & Mounting Boards SHADOW BOXES 41 Attachments COLOR & DESIGN 13 Quick Box Choosing Colors and Sizes Proportion NEEDLEWORK & FABRIC 44 Mat Styles Sewing Designing Mats Pinning for Standard Size Frames Blocking a Needlepoint Stretching on Stretcher Bars MAT CUTTERS AND ACCESSORIES 17 Slip Sheets FITTING 48 Supplies GLAZING 19 Wood Frames Glass Metal Frames Plastic Art on Canvas ADHESIVES & ATTACHMENTS 20 TIPS FOR FRAMING 54 Art on Paper BASIC FRAMING TECHNIQUES 21 Reproductions & Posters Measuring Frames Diplomas, Computer Printouts Mat Mathematics Children’s art Trimming Boards to Size Watercolors Slip Sheets Postcards Pen & Ink, Drawings, Newsprint MAT CUTTING 24 Photographs Single Mat Memory Book Pages Double Mats Competition Adding a V-Groove Snapshots Oval and Circle Mats Photo Collage Decorating Mats Needlework Paintings on Canvas CLEANING & CUTTING GLASS & PLASTIC 32 DO-IT-YOURSELF FRAMING Yes, you can frame your own pictures using tools and supplies readily available from art supply, photography, or craft supply stores. Photographs, paintings, art prints, children’s art, diplomas, newspaper clippings, and needlework are just a few of the many items the do-it-yourself framer can frame for display. Picture framing is an important part of room decor. It allows us to display photographs of favorite people and places. It lets treasured memorabilia be part of daily life, instead of tucked away in a drawer. Framed items and images can express personal inter- ests, or celebrate special events. They can define and coordinate decorating schemes, highlighting or introducing favorite colors. Picture framing requires a variety of skills, and a working knowledge of materials and equipment. But with a little practice and the right tools, a handy craftsperson can learn to produce attractive and well- crafted framed pieces at home. People are often interested in framing their own pieces because they enjoy the craft of framing, or because they want an economical means of framing. This book is a guide to accomplishing those goals. The most important skills required are a good eye, a steady hand and a willingness to learn. Do-It-Yourself Picture Framing 5 THE PURPOSE OF FRAMING Picture framing provides two important services for a piece of art—protection and presentation. Protection is provided with proper materials and methods. Presentation begins with designing the project. The presentation should complement the art. “Overdoing” is a tendency of amateurs in any field of endeavor, and sometimes the beginner framer “over frames” the piece both visually and structurally. In an attempt to make it look professional, the art is sometimes overwhelmed by the framing. The goal is a presentation that allows a viewer to see the beauty of the artwork and not be distracted by the framing. Professional picture framers learn their skills and techniques through years of apprenticeship, training, and trial and error. The methods suggested here are designed to expedite the learning process, allowing home framers to begin framing right away, while giving a “professional” finish to the work. The mechanics of framing are important, but equally Fine art should be framed using fine quality important are the aesthetics of framing—the style, color, materials and conservation procedures. and proportion of the frame and matting. Understanding these elements makes all the difference between a “homemade” and a professional-looking presentation. A NOTE ABOUT CONSERVATION FRAMING Professional picture framers use the term “conservation” to refer to the materials and techniques used for framing art of value, whether that value is sentimental or mone- tary. The goal is preservation, protecting the art and ensuring that the framing process itself does no harm. For conservation framing, all materials must be clean, stable, and acid-free, and all materials in contact with the art must be completely reversible without any damage to the art. In this book, conservation measures are suggested or described where applicable. The basic materials required are available at many art supply or craft supply stores. Treasured family photographs can be preserved using the proper materials and methods. 6 Do-It-Yourself Picture Framing FRAMES Perhaps the easiest way to frame pictures yourself is to use ready-made frames and make mats to fit the frame and the art. Frames are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles, finishes and materials. Frames are sold in art supply, photography, hobby and craft supply stores as well as some department and discount stores, and, of course, in picture framing shops. When choosing a frame, the style and strength is important. The frame must be strong enough to bear the weight of all the materials it will hold. Glass is heavy, so a large piece of artwork that will be glassed requires a strong frame. SIZE The lip and inner sides of the frame, which accommo- Ready-made frames are available in a wide selection from date the framing materials, is called the “rabbet,” and art, craft and hobby dealers. the inside frame measurement is called the “rabbet size.” Make sure there is room for all of the layers that are planned. The glass, matboards, artwork, and backing board must fit into the frame without bulging out READY-MADE FRAMES of the back. Frames are available in standard sizes. They may be made from many types of wood, expanded plastic, A frame that is said to measure 16"x20'' has a rabbet molded plastics, composition material or aluminum. size of 16-1/8" x 20-1/8". This allows a bit of expan- There is a wide variety of colors and styles in standard sion space for the mats, glass, and other framing mate- sizes. Ready-made frames may be sold empty or pack- rials, which should be cut to 16"x20''. aged with matting and glass. Outside edge of frame A list of the standard sizes found in the art, craft, photography and picture framing industry: 4x5 11x14 24x36 4x6 12x16 26x32 5x7 14x18 30x40 6x8 16x20 32x40 8x10 18x24 36x48 8x12 20x24 40x60 rabbet size 8-1/2x11 22x28 48x60 9x12 24x30 48x96 viewing size Although ready-made frames and mats are available in many sizes, the sizes printed in bold are the most common. Do-It-Yourself Picture Framing 7 SECTION FRAMES Wood section frames are joined Section frames are sold in pairs; two pairs make a frame. using glue and wedges. Several types of wood frames and metal frames are avail- Metal section frames are joined able in sections. The pairs of sections allow endless size using metal corner brackets. options for a custom-made look for each frame project. Each wood frame rail has a section routed out in each corner to hold a plastic wedge that will hold the corners together. Metal frames are made from extruded aluminum. The typical style is about 3/4" deep, with a narrow, flat front. Typical options are a shiny chrome or brass finish, and perhaps black. The corners are joined with metal L- shaped brackets or plastic inserts. Hangers are normally provided with the hardware. Plastic wedges are inserted in PHOTO FRAMES the routed-out area on the Ready-made “photo frames,” which typically come back side of the moulding. equipped with glass, backing and easel backs typically They, along with glue, hold accommodate only a photograph and perhaps one mat, the mitered corners of a although some provide room for a double mat.

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