How To Make A Picture Frame

How to Size Your Picture Frame

There is more to the process of sizing a picture frame than simply cutting the inside lengths of each side to fit the proportions of the print, even if this may be all required. A rabbet is a name given to the groove that runs along the inside back edge of photo frames. This secures the mat board, the print, and the glass in their respective places.

After deducting half an inch from the print's length and width, there will be sufficient space for the rabbplace to buy picture frames

et to be inserted. The rabbet itself needs to be 1/4 of an inch wide. Hence, the inside board lengths (the short length between each miter) for framing an 8x10 photo without a mat board would be 7-1/2 inches long and 9-1/2 inches long. If you want to see the corners of your print even after you've framed it, you need to make the frame larger and put a mat board below the photograph.

What you'll need to make a picture frame

Photo: Amazon

Equipment / Tools

• Table saw

• Pencil

• Miter saw

• Stiff ruler

• 220-grit sandpaper

• Measuring tape

• Strap clamp (preferred)

• Standard clamps (optional)

• Staining supplies (optional)

• Painting supplies (optional)

• Hammer

• Utility knife

Materials

• 1 1x2 x 8' board in your preferred wood variety

• Painters tape

• Wood glue

• Cardboard

• Custom-cut acrylic piece

• 1 inch Brad nails

• Picture frame mounting hardware

• Paint and primer (optional)

• Spray-on satin lacquer (optional)

• Stain and pre-stain wood conditioner (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut Boards

Cut the end of a board off with a miter saw with the angle set to 45 degrees. Turn the board over and, utilizing a rigid ruler, measure 9 and a half inches down the board, beginning from the inside of the miter. Make a mark at that point. Make a second cut with the miter saw after aligning the pattern with the saw's blade. 

At this point, you should have a board in the shape of an equilateral trapezoid with a short side measurement that is exactly 9-1/2 inches long. Another cut must be made across the end of a board, and then the board must be flipped over. Make a mark on the second board indicating the second angle, using the first board as a guide. With the miter saw, we cut the tip.

Repeat this technique, but this time bring the measurement down to 7-1/2 inches on the short side of the two pieces that are left.

2. Cut the Rabbet

Adjust the fence of your table saw to a height of 1-1/4 inches and set the depth of the blade to 3/8 inches. Make one pass through the table saw, positioning the backs of each board so that they are facing the surface of the table saw and the short edges so that they are facing the blade. 

When one cut has been made on each blade, you will need to reposition the fence so that it is slightly further away from the edge before continuing. This method continues until the rabbet has been removed from each board.

3. Lightly Sand Boards

Before applying glue, wipe up any cuts that may have occurred and level the surfaces by lightly sanding each board with sandpaper having a grit of 220. Be careful not to change the shape of the miters, as doing so will result in uneven spaced joints.

4. Glue Frame Together

Arrange the components of the frame such that their ends contact, alternating between the short and the long pieces. Put a piece of painter's tape in the middle of the two boards after you have carefully aligned each of the outside miter edges. 

After the boards have been turned over, a layer of wood glue should be applied to both sides of the junction. Just bringing the two halves of the frame together and taping them together will ensure they remain securely joined. Put the final piece of tape on the joint that was not previously taped.

5. Clamp the Frame

Use a strap clamp to bring the joints together and hold the frame square while the glue dries. This should be done after making any necessary adjustments and ensuring that the face of each board is aligned. If you don't have a strap clamp, you can clamp the object from side to side and make sure it stays square as you go. Remove any extra glue using a damp cloth and wait for it to dry.

6. Finish the Frame

Stain or prime the frame, and then paint it in the color of your choice. If you work with softwood, use a pre-stain wood conditioner before applying the stain. As a final finish coat, apply multiple coats of spray-on satin lacquer in even layers. When using finishing products, you should always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer regarding application and drying timeframes.

7. Insert Frame Components

Insert the piece of acrylic, the print you want to display, and a backing made of cardboard into the frame. Little brad nails should be gently hammered into the wood along the perimeter until about half of the nail has pierced the wood. To ensure that all components are held firmly in place, bend the pins to point toward the cardboard.

8. Add Mounting Hardware

Attach the mounting hardware of your choice to the back of the frame, ensuring it is level and centered on the edge before you do so.

If you don’t want to make your own picture frame, Amazon is a good place to buy picture frames with many stores for picture frames. You can buy various cheap picture frames, highly rated picture frames. Amazon also is a place to buy frames to decor for your home.

Some methods to decor your home with picture frame

Photo: Amazon

The best approach to personalize your decor is by displaying photographs of beautiful memories with friends and family. Yet, it would help if you had creative photo frame ideas to make your cherished moments stand out and avoid appearing monotonous.

Create a Gallery Wall Using Photo Frames

A gallery wall is an excellent way to utilize unused wall space in your home. Mix and match your preferred prints and images in frames for gallery wall with simple, thin edges. You may also select a single motif or color palette for this photo frame concept. Intersperse the photo display on a gallery frame with additional artifacts or curiosities, such as accent clocks, ethnic masks, and hanging plants!

Make your Photos Shine With Fairy Lights

This next DIY photo frame concept is inspired by fairy lights and works best as a festival, party, or house decoration. Install fairy lights for bedroom on the wall using nails or quickly detachable tape. Attach your favorite photographs to the wire between the flashing lights using aesthetically pleasing metal or wooden paperclips. This simple photo wall concept does not require frames, and the edges may also be placed on windows or curtains!

Highlight your Photos On a Grid Wall 

Similar to paneled walls, grid walls are gaining popularity. And while covering a painted or paneled grid with floor mirrors is a safe alternative, it might also inspire the creation of a photo frame. While collage frames already offer a 3D element to your walls, ensure that the grid underneath is painted. A more exaggerated photo presentation can be achieved by juxtaposing a square grid with circular frames.

Use Glass Panels With Florals

Inexpensive metal frames with double-sided glass are ideal for preserving floral arrangements on walls. Use this photo frame idea to add nature and greenery to a wall that doesn't receive enough sunshine. You'd like to showcase some old flowers or leaves in an old book. Now is the moment to retrieve and incorporate them into your interior design.

FAQs

1. Is it cheaper to make your own picture frames?

Compared to going to a typical frame shop, doing your framing can save between $100 and $200 on a single frame job. This is because doing your structure allows you more control over the final product.

2. What is the best material for a frame?

In general, frames constructed from metal, titanium, or alloys (a blend of metals) are durable and can withstand significant wear and tear.

• Titanium frames are resistant to corrosion, in addition to being incredibly strong and lightweight.

• The price of beryllium is far lower than titanium, and it is both lightweight and robust.

3. How do you frame a picture without a frame?

You can give your artwork or photo the appearance of being "framed" with a colorful border by utilizing a mat rather than an actual picture frame. Mat boards are available in a wide range of colors, and they may be trimmed to any size that the customer specifies, giving them the flexibility to have as much or as little border as they like. Two different mounting choices are available to you when working with a mat board for display.

Final words

Now, whenever you enter your bedroom, seeing this picture frame that you made yourself can bring a smile to your face. How it turned out has surpassed our wildest expectations (and how we saved hundreds by having a frame made for this canvas). It has quickly become one of our favorite additions to the furnishings in our home.