How to Assemble Polystyrene Picture Frames

Polystyrene frames are assembled with Plastibond wood glue designed specifically for joining polystyrene frames.  Its a fast acting glue that bonds strongly, much like Super Glue.

Apply the glue to one of the miter faces.  Don't overdo it.  The bond is so strong that a little glue goes a long way and any glue that squeezes out at the joint can damage the surface ornamentation.

Press the two miters together to form a corner.  Try to move quickly from corner to corner as the glue dries quickly.

Lay your band clamp slack around the frame so that you will be ready to clamp as soon as the four corners are pressed together.

Turn the ratcheting device on your band clamp to close the joints tightly.  Use a wet cloth followed quickly by a dry cloth.

Wipe away any glue that squeezes out at the seam.

Leave your frame in the band clamp for five minutes.  The resulting joints are so strong that you will not need to nail the frame.  But if you want to drive V-nails at the joints, go ahead.  Plastic frames can take medium/soft V-nails.

Go ahead and assemble your hanging hardware on the back of the frame with a self-tapping wood screw.  The screw will hold firmly and will not crack the frame.