Ilona Sherratt - Picture Framing

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Edited by Heather Clemow

Cover and text illustrations by Ilona Sherratt

Cover design by Carol J. Jessop (Black Trout Design)

Text design and production by Heather Clemow

1996 by Storey Publishing, LLC

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Sherratt, Ilona, 1951

Picture Framing / by Ilona Sherratt

Storey Publishing Bulletin, A-153

Includes bibliographic references.

p. cm

ISBN 978-0-88266-512-2 (alk. paper)

1. Picture Frames and Framing. I. Title. II. Series

N8550.S53 1996
749.7dc20

96-1556
CIP

Ilona Sherratt

Picture Framing

When you admire a piece of artwork hanging in a museum or in someones home, chances are that the picture framing and matting around the artwork are not the first things you will notice. This is as it should be. Good picture framing brings out the best in art without distracting from it, just as a good sauce brings out the flavor in a dish without masking it. Whether simple or elaborate, well-designed picture framing is an important element in the decor of any room.

If you are an artist or craftsperson, have an interest in antiques, or enjoy decorating your home, picture framing can be a very useful and satisfying skill to learn. Doing your own picture framing will allow you to fine tune each piece to suit your own taste and budget. Mail order catalogs catering to the interests of do-it-yourselfers, home centers, art, craft, and woodworking stores all carry picture framing supplies.

All the latest materials, tools, and knowledge available to professional galleries and frame shops are available from the same mail order suppliers for anyone who wants to do his or her own picture framing. Most have 800 numbers and offer express package delivery as well.

This bulletin will help you to purchase the specialized tools you will need and give you some ideas about how to set up your work area. You will learn how to choose the right mat and frame, and determine the size of the finished piece. Step-by-step instructions are given for framing many different pieces. If you have worked with simple hand tools and can measure and cut accurately, you can learn to frame your own pictures and save money.

Just about anything drawn, painted, or printed on paper, fabric, or glass can be successfully framed and displayed. This bulletin covers the basics of framing artwork on paper:

Original artworks watercolors, and drawings in pencil, pen, crayons, charcoal, and pastels

Reproductions (limited editions) etchings, serigraphs

(silk screen prints), and lithographs, signed and numbered by the artist; offset prints

Words diplomas, certificates, letters, and newspaper clippings

Photographs both recent and antique

Maps and blueprints

Certain jobs may present too great a challenge for the beginning framer. Consider having a professional picture framer do the job:

If you believe the artwork may have monetary value or may increase in value in the future.

If the piece is very old or delicate, or has great sentimental value and is irreplaceable.

If the piece is too large, heavy, or complicated to handle easily. Start with picture frames in the 57 to 1824 range until you feel confident in your abilities mistakes are costly when framing large pieces!

If the framing requires specialized equipment that you dont have.

Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with some commonly used picture framing terms. A glossary begins on .

Picture framing supplies and equipment can be hazardous! When setting up your work area, keep safety in mind:

Keep your work area off-limits at all times to young children.

Keep the area clean and free from pins, broken glass, razor blades, open containers of flammable materials, and electrical cords.

Wear safety glasses and use gloves when necessary.

Keep the area well ventilated, especially when using paints, glues, and solvents.

Unplug power tools when not in use.

Do not leave paper, matboard, or picture frames on or near heaters or radiators.

Dispose of your trash properly.

Ideally, you should have two separate areas in which to work: a clean area for cutting mats and installing artwork in the frames, and a dirty area for sawing, sanding, and finishing frames, and cutting glass. An area already set aside for sewing or crafts is a good place for matting and fitting. The best place for messy work is the garage or basement. Try to give yourself enough room to work around a table that will accommodate at least a piece of matboard 32 40.

Work Table. The larger the better for matting and fitting. An old kitchen or dining room table with sturdy legs works well. A 48 sheet of plywood on sawhorses also works.

Since you will be constantly cutting on the table, it will need a renewable covering. Corrugated cardboard cannot be used for this purpose. Large sheets of inexpensive cardboard, commonly called chip board or mounting board, work best. This cardboard is available in several thicknesses and is sold in 3240 and 4060 sheets. Try to keep at least a thick layer where you cut. When the boards get cut up, you can turn them over and move them around to extend their usefulness.

Work Bench. If you already have a home shop, this is a good place to cut, finish, and join your frames. An old door on saw horses makes an acceptable substitute.

Lighting. Bright, indirect lighting is best. Fluorescent (shop) lights are the most effective and economical to use. These should be hung directly over the work table to avoid casting shadows on the work. Many picture framers like to use both warm and cool bulbs to approximate daylight conditions.

Storage. Metal utility shelves, bookcases, and old kitchen cabinets are great for storing supplies. Matboard is shipped in sturdy cardboard boxes and can be stored in them. Picture frame moldings should be stored horizontally leaning them up against the wall will cause them to warp.