How to Picture Frame
A Nine Step Tutorial


Step Eight:  Frame Assembly

By purchasing a 3 foot, 4 foot or 5 foot length of molding and cutting it yourself, you eliminate the cost of having someone miter cut it for you.  That can save you as much as 70% of the cost of buying miter cut frames.   By joining the frame with one of our V-Nail joiners and wood glue, you join your frames the professional way, and cut out the cost of having someone join it for you, taking another substantial bite out of the cost of picture framing.  To learn more about your moulding options click here.

Figure 1	Figure 2	Figure 3	Figure 4

Assembling a Wood Sectional Frame
The frame arrives in sections with the ends mitered and a slot channeled out of each end.  Simply place a bead of wood glue on the face of one of the miters, then press this miter against an adjoining miter, creating a corner (Figures 1 & 2).  Lay the frame on its faces and insert a peg (included) into the slot at the back of the corner (Figure 3).  With your thumb, push the peg about halfway down into the slot.  (Note: The peg is slightly beveled on one edge.  This is the edge that must go into the slot first.)  Some wood glue may squeeze out of the seam.  Wipe it away with a dampened cloth.  Repeat this procedure for the remaining three corners until the frame is assembled with the pegs about halfway down into each slot.  Then turn the frame so its lying face up and resting on the pegs.  Using the heels of your hands, exert firm downward pressure on diagonally opposite corners of the frame face, driving the pegs in the rest of the way.  Let the glue dry for 20 minutes.  Your frame is assembled (Figure 4).

Figure 1	Figure 2	Figure 3

Assembling a Wood Frame You Cut Yourself
V-Nails are really more like staples which you drive into the back of the frame at each seam to hold the frame together (Figure 1).  V-Nails are used in combination with wood glue to assure sturdy assembly.  Place a bead of wood glue on the face of one of the miters, then press this miter against an adjoining miter, creating a corner.  Place both pieces together in a clamp.  Some wood glue may squeeze out of the seam.  Wipe it away with a dampened cloth.  Place the clamped frame in the V-Nail Joiner, align the V-Nail with the seam and pull down on the lever to drive the V-Nail into the wood (Figure 2).  Drive two or three V-Nails into each corner, depending on the width of the frame (Figure 3).  Repeat the procedure for the remaining three corners. 



Assembling a Metal Frame
Metal frames are assembled using a stack of two L-shaped brackets inserted into an extruded channel at the back of the frame.  One bracket has screws in it, the other is blank.  Stack the bracket with the screws in it on top of the blank bracket and slide them both together into the extruded channel at the back of the frame.  Tighten the screws to spread the brackets so they grab the inside of the channel.  Slide the adjoining section onto the other end of the stack of brackets.  Tighten the screws.  Repeat until all four sides are assembled.

For more on frame making we recommend the books The Complete Guide to Home Picture Framing.  Also, remember that hands-on classes are a great way to learn frame making.  


Continue on to Step 9, Loading and Finishing Your Frame

Step 1   Step 2   Step 3   Step 4   Step 5   Step 6   Step 7   Step 8   Step 9
 

Click on a link below to Enter the Article Vault and Access Articles About Framing:

Cleanly Joining Sectional Frames

Bargain Hunting For Picture Frames

A List of Standard Frame Sizes

Comparing the Costs of Buying Frames at Wholesale and Retail

How to Disassemble, Frame and Stretch an Oil Painting

Making a Shadowbox Frame

Budget Object Box Framing