FEATURED IDEA
Frame Within A Frame

Do-it-yourself Rating: Beginner

We are often asked, "Should I use a wood or metal frame?", with this project you can use both. Here we will walk you through the steps of framing your artwork in our Neo-Florentine frames, then framing that with a wood frame, hence the Frame Within A Frame name. The result is a professional looking piece that you will be proud to display, and is sure to impress your friends.

Our example, shows the 8301 Old World wood frame, NFB700 Neo-Florentine Beaded metal frame, Papermat Mat Board, 61 Super White, Alphamat 8108 Sherry, Archival Mounting Board, and UV Plexi-glass. For your project simply apply the following steps using your dimensions and product selections.

 

Materials:
- 17-3/8"x31-3/8" Old World 8301-
   Silver Leaf with Black Back frame
- 16"x30" Neo-Florentine Beaded NFB700-
   Black with Gold
- 16"x30" Papermat Mat Board, 61 Super White,
   2-3/4" Border
- 16"x30" Alphamat Mat Board, 8108 Sherry,
   3" Border
- 16"x30" Archival Mounting Board
- 16"x30" UV Plexi-glass

You will also need:
- Filmoplast P90 Archival Paper Tape
- Adhesive Transfer Tape
- a regular screwdriver
- Dust Cover Trimmer
-Kraft paper.

Need to stock up on these items? Click on the following:
P90 Archival Paper Tape
Adhesive Transfer Tape
Dust Cover Trimmer

 


Ready? Lets begin!  


STEP 1
Determine the window size for your artwork and add the border size for the outside measurement of your mat board.

(Need help measuring? Click Here.)

For this example, the window opening is 10"x24", and we added an additional 6 inches for our border, 3 inches on each side, to determine the outside dimension. Our bottom mat has an offset of 1/4". Once the outside dimension is determined, all materials except the 8301 Old World wood frame will be ordered in that size (metal frame, mat boards, mounting board and plexi-glass).



STEP 2
Hinge your Artwork

Carefully hinge your artwork to the top of the backside of your bottom mat board.

(Hinging? Click here to learn how.)

 

 

 

 

Using Adhesive Transfer Tape, you then attach your top mat board to the bottom one and place on top the mounting board.

STEP 3
Plexiglass

 
Peel off one side of the protective paper on the plexi-glass. Place the exposed side of the plexi-glass down on the artwork, and peel off the remaining paper.

 

STEP 4
Frame Assembly

 
Assemble three sides of the metal frame, (both sides and bottom). Insert the artwork in the metal frame and attach the top portion of the frame.

 

STEP 5
Secure Artwork

 
Tighten corner brackets and insert Spring Clips between the frame and the Mounting board to secure the artwork. Our SpringMate makes inserting spring clips quick and easy.

 

STEP 6
Combine Frames

 

Take the metal frame and place it into the wood frame. Secure it by using spring clips or a PointDriver as shown.

Need a Point Driver?

 

STEP 7
Apply a Dust Cover

 

Place adhesive transfer tape on the back of the wood frame and place Kraft paper onto it. Using the Dust Cover Trimmer, carefully trim off the excess paper.

 

 

 

 

 

To tighten the paper backing, use a spray bottle to mist water on the dust cover and let dry.

 

 

STEP 8
Add Hanging Hardware

 

Secure saw tooth hanger or wire, and hanging hardware.

 

 

 

 

FINISHED!

 

Not only did you save a bundle by doing-it-yourself, but you had fun too.

 

 

Now a few tips to help you with your "Frame Within A Frame" project.

  • When selecting your Neo-Florentine or Neo-Florentine Beaded frame you will need to add 1-3/8" to both your horizontal and vertical measurements to determine the dimensions for your outer wood frame. Example: With an 11"x14" Neo-Florentine your outer wood frame will be 12-3/8" x 15-3/8" (11" + 1-3/8 " = 12-3/8", 14" + 1-3/8" = 15-3/8")

  • Remember that your outer wood frame must have a rabbet area of at least 3/4" to accommodate the Neo-Florentine or Neo-Florentine Beaded frame.

Click Here for Framing Ideas

Click Here to go to our Home Page