Lena Rivera
Creating a frame for a painting can be an expensive endeavour, especially when it comes to custom framing. However, there are ways to create an inset frame for your artwork without breaking the bank. Inset frames are designed for art that has been painted on a board, usually finished in oil or acrylic. The artwork is loaded directly into the front recess of the frame, ensuring that the edges of the artist board are visible and none of the paintings are hidden behind the frame rebate. This guide will take you through the steps of creating an inset frame for your painting, from finding the right materials to assembling the frame.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artwork | Oil or acrylic paintings on a 3mm artist board or canvas |
| Frame | Wooden, linen-covered, or made of timber moulding |
| Frame Size | A few millimetres larger than the board size to allow for movement |
| Frame Depth | Deep enough for artwork to sit inside with flush edges |
| Frame Finish | Natural or primed and painted |
| Frame Adhesive | Woodworking adhesive, painter's tape, fabric glue, or PVA glue |
| Frame Attachments | Nails, staples, or V-nails |
| Glass | Cleaned with dish soap and water, then a clean dishtowel and newspaper |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the frame
First, you need to find a frame that fits your art. You can buy a new frame or scour thrift stores for a well-made second-hand frame with glass. If you are framing artwork painted on a board, you should buy a frame that is slightly larger than the board to allow for a small amount of movement.
If you are creating a frame from scratch, pick up a blank deep-edge stretched blank canvas from an art supply store. You can then follow these steps to make a mitred frame. Measure the outside of your canvas, adding 4mm to the sides and ends to allow for any bulky folds at the corners while creating a shadow line inside the frame. To work out how much timber moulding you need, measure around the outside and add about 10% extra to allow for mitres and offcuts. Take your artwork with you to the hardware store to ensure that the moulding is deep enough for the artwork to sit inside so that the edges are flush with the front of the canvas.
Once you have your frame, you can paint or restain it. First, prime the frame and then apply your chosen paint colour. You can also seal the timber with a clear wood varnish.
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Measure the artwork
When creating an inset frame for a painting, it is important to measure your artwork accurately to ensure a snug fit. Inset frames are designed for art boards and canvas boards, usually with artwork finished in oil or acrylic.
Firstly, measure the exact dimensions of your artwork, including the width, height, and depth. If your artwork is on a board, the standard thickness is around 3mm, but it is always best to measure precisely. When measuring, be sure to include any additional elements that may add depth, such as a protective layer or textured paint.
For canvas boards, you can find inset frames designed for artwork up to 5mm thick. Ensure you measure the thickness of your canvas board to select a suitable frame. If your artwork is particularly thick, you may need to explore alternative framing options or consider a custom frame.
When measuring, it is crucial to consider the placement of your artwork within the frame. You want to ensure that none of the artwork is hidden behind the frame rebate or mount. Therefore, measure the visible area you want to display and ensure your frame is slightly larger to accommodate this.
Additionally, consider any bulky folds or corners on your artwork that may require extra space within the frame. You can do this by adding a few millimetres to your measurements, creating a shadow line inside the frame. This will ensure your artwork is not cramped within the frame and that there is adequate space for any dimensional elements.
By following these steps and taking precise measurements, you can ensure your artwork will fit securely within your inset frame, creating a professional and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
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Seal the timber
Sealing timber is an important step in preserving and protecting your wooden frame. It is a process that prevents water ingress, mould problems, and weather-related discolouration.
Firstly, assess the type of timber you are working with. Timber frames made of softwood are often painted and sealed, whereas historic oak-framed buildings are left unpainted to allow for water evaporation and prevent rot. If your timber is exposed to the elements, consider using a product like Exterior Finish from Heritage Natural Finish or Ready-Seal to protect the wood from weathering.
When selecting a timber finish, opt for a non-toxic, drier-free product that is safe for both the environment and the user. Avoid finishes with metallic driers as these can be toxic and discolour the wood over time. Instead, choose a penetrating oil finish that the wood can easily absorb. This type of finish remains flexible and resilient, and allows the wood to breathe while continuing to wick into the fibres long after the surface is dry.
To seal cracks and joints in timber frames, a permanent solution is to use a marine adhesive sealant like 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive Sealant, in conjunction with a penetrating epoxy sealer like Smiths Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES). The CPES cures rot and consolidates the fibres of the wood, providing a firm surface for the adhesive sealant to bond with.
Additionally, consider using silicone to create an airtight seal, especially if you are working with the baseplate of a timber frame. Silicone beads can be applied to the slab before the baseplate is lowered into position, preventing air and moisture ingress.
By following these steps and choosing the appropriate products, you can effectively seal your timber frame, ensuring its longevity and protection from the elements.
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Apply adhesive
When applying adhesive to your frame, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a strong and long-lasting bond. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply adhesive when creating an inset frame for a painting:
- Prepare the adhesive: Choose an appropriate adhesive for your project. Specific fabric glues, such as PVA glues formulated to be heat-reactivated, are suitable for adhering fabric to frames. You can also use crafter's glue or woodworking adhesives, such as Bondall Bondcrete, depending on the materials you are working with.
- Surface preparation: Ensure that the surfaces to be bonded are clean and free of debris. If you are working with wood, lightly sand the surfaces to create a rough texture that will help the adhesive bond better. Remove any old fabric or adhesive residue from the frame if you are re-covering a linen liner.
- Apply the adhesive: Follow the instructions on your chosen adhesive for proper application. Typically, you will apply a coat of the adhesive to the frame where you want to attach the fabric. Be careful to apply the right amount of adhesive; too much can cause a mess, and too little may result in a weak bond.
- Position the fabric: Lay the fabric onto a hard, flat surface and ensure it is straight and free of wrinkles. Carefully position the frame with the applied adhesive onto the fabric, being mindful of grain alignment. Gently press down on the frame to create contact with the fabric.
- Burnish the fabric: Flip the frame over and use a wadded-up piece of the same fabric to burnish the fabric onto the frame. This helps to create a strong bond and ensure that the fabric adheres smoothly and securely to the frame.
- Clean up excess adhesive: Have a clean, damp cloth handy to wipe away any excess adhesive that may squeeze out during the bonding process. This is important to avoid having to sand off dried adhesive later, which can be a more tedious task.
By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time, you will effectively apply adhesive when creating an inset frame for your painting.
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Attach the artwork
When attaching the artwork, it is important to ensure that the frame fits the art. Custom framing can be expensive, so you can opt for ready-made frames from thrift stores. Ensure that the frame is slightly larger than the artwork to allow for a small amount of movement.
For canvas artwork, you can add a timber surround to the backing frame. Timber moulding can be purchased from a hardware store and cut to size. Measure the outside of the canvas, adding a few millimetres to each side to allow for any bulky folds at the corners. You can also create a shadow line inside the frame by adding 4mm to the sides and ends.
To attach the canvas to the frame, seal the timber with clear wood varnish. Pre-drill holes through the sides and ends of the frame and secure with screws. Place the canvas inside the frame, ensuring that the edges are flush with the front of the canvas. Secure the screws through the frame and into the stretcher bars.
For art on boards, the artwork is loaded directly into the front recess of the frame. The edges of the artist board will be visible, so ensure that the frame is not too small. You can use fabric glue to attach the artwork to the frame, or you can use painter's tape to hold the joints together while the glue dries.
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Frequently asked questions
Inset frames are designed for framing art and canvas boards up to 5mm thick. Artwork is loaded directly into the front recess of the frame so that none of the artwork is hidden behind the frame rebate.
To create an inset frame for a painting, you can follow these general steps:
- Find a frame that fits your art.
- Prepare the frame by removing any existing fabric or glass.
- Paint or restain the frame if desired.
- Clean the glass thoroughly.
- Place your artwork inside the frame, ensuring it is secure.
- Consider adding a linen liner or fabric to enhance the appearance.
The materials you will need depend on the type of frame you are creating. Here are some common materials:
- Timber moulding or picture framing moulding.
- Fabric such as linen or cotton.
- Fabric glue or PVA glue.
- Paint or varnish for finishing the frame.
- Glass or acrylic glazing.
