How to Make a Picture Frame

The picture frame construction process consists of different steps. These steps may look difficult, but they are not all that difficult if you know how to perform the process correctly, says Frames.co.uk. Once you do it for the first time, it becomes easy to do in the future.

How a Picture Frame is Created

Picture frame formation is not as difficult as people may think it is. People can use many advanced tools and techniques to design a frame of their desired design, style, and dimensions. The frame formation process starts with designing the frame image either in your mind or a paper/computer. Decide on the frame material, shape, size, and colour.

Get a paper-based material called mat and cut it into an appropriate size to place it in a frame. This step is called matting. It makes the frame look more decorative, gives a shape to the art piece or photograph inside the frame, and maintains a minimal distance between the photo and frame glass. Mat can be of any size and colour. You should buy one that goes well with your frame colour.

When you cut a mat board, you cut it from the inside to create a frame window. It is the space from where you can see the picture, hence why it is called a frame window. You can shape a mat board into any size as per your needs and requirements.

To make a picture frame, there are certain terms that you need to learn. These terms are explained below.

The Outside Edge of the Frame

As the name indicates, the outside edge of a frame is basically about the frames exterior dimensions. You can measure it from one edge of the frame to the other edge. It will let you know about the size of your frame. Keep the outside edge size according to your desired frame size for the best results.

Viewing Size

Viewing size is the size of the frame window. It should be according to the size of your photograph. If the size of a picture is more than the viewing size, the edges of your picture will hide behind the mat. In contrast, if the image is smaller than the viewing size of the frame, the viewers will be able to see the back mat board or the backing board, which will make the art piece or picture look less attractive.

Rabbet Size

Rabbet size is the size of the empty space where you insert a picture, art piece, or frame glazing. If your art piece is thick, it will need more space compared to a paper-based thin art piece. So, keep the thickness of the picture or art piece in mind while designing the frame in order for the artwork to look as good as it possibly can.

Plexiglass or Glass – What to Choose?

Both kinds of glass have their own pros and cons, which are outlined by ApartmentTherapy here. For instance, plexiglass is light in weight and more durable compared to plain glass. But it is more prone to scratches than traditional glass.

Traditional glass is heavy and breaks when it falls from a certain height. In the end, you should choose one from them based on your needs. If you are hanging a frame in your kid’s room for example, it is best to use plexiglass, for obvious reasons, as a child may injure themselves if they inadvertently broke the frame. But if you are designing a frame for your living room, it is best to choose glass over plexiglass, as glass always looks better.