# How to Frame a Picture/Printable version

The current, editable version of this book is available in Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection, at
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_Frame_a_Picture

# Equipment required
## Equipment suggested for picture framing

* Sharp pencil (2B recommended, as it will leave clear sharp lines)
* Notebook (for recording colours for matboard, frame types and measurements - and for calculating costs)
* Retractable tape measure
* Metal ruler
* Sharp knife
    Retractable snap-off bladed knife works well.

### Frame cutting and assembly

* Mitre saw, or guillotine
* Bounding tape thing
* Corner tacking gun, with tacks

### Glass cutting

* Oil filled glass cutter
* Cotton gloves

### Mat cutting

* Square and rightangle ruler based cutter
    Note: a ruler and a knife just doesn't cut it ;)

## Advanced stuff
### Storage
#### Mat board

The spare mat board is easy to store in an old map drawer cabinet. These can be often be picked up at ex-government furniture stores.

#### Frame material

Standing against the wall, or up in the rafters.

# Material required

When selecting a frame, decide on the colour, window size and area of the mount. (A pale colour makes the picture look larger; a dark colour makes the picture look smaller). Normally, a frame is sold in a long strip which needs to be cut to size.
You will also need:
* Glass
* Matt board
* Foam core
* Sealing tape
* Wood glue
* Pins for securing the backing to the frame
* Eyelets
* Nylon cord

# Choosing colours and styles

When choosing the appropriate surround for artwork, it is helpful to keep in mind several variables:
* Do you need to crop the picture?
* Is the piece destined for a single location?
* What materials do you have on hand?
* Will you need to re-use the frame?
And finally, and probably most importantly:
* Will your partner agree with your choice?

### Choosing a matt style
# Calculate the sizes

* Keep a workbook of notes and measurements, so that you can track back specifics
* Extra space at bottom of frame, unless frame re-use needed.
* Always measure off the frame
Matt width - 5cm.
The calculations are in centimeters.
| | Width | Height | |
| Artwork | <ArtWidth> | <ArtHeight> | |
| Inner edge (red) | <ArtWidth> - 1 | <ArtHeight> - 1 | Need overlap to keep picture in place |
| Matt size (green) | <ArtWidth>-1 + (2*<MattWidth>) | <ArtHeight>-1 + (2*<MattHeight>) +1 | extra matt at bottom to stop optical illusion of frame leaning forward |
| Frame size (blue) | <ArtWidth>-1+(2*<MattWidth>) +(2*<FrameWidth>) | <ArtHeight>-1+(2*<MattHeight>)+1 +(2*<FrameHeight>) |
Which means that ...
you need this much frame prior to cutting: left + right + top + bottom
2*(<ArtWidth>-1+(2*<MattWidth>)+(2*<FrameWidth>))+ 2 * (<ArtHeight>-1+(2*<MattHeight>)+1+(2*<FrameHeight>)) = (2*<ArtWidth>)-2+(4*<MattWidth>)+(4*<FrameWidth>)+ (2*<ArtHeight>)+(4*<MattHeight>)+(4*<FrameHeight>)

## Measuring for Mounts

    Someone should merge this section into the above.
Calculating the Mount Size (to be cut from a sheet of mount board).
* Decide how much of the picture you want to show (add to, or take away from the art size) = WINDOW SIZE.
* Decide how much mount you want around the window (margins).
** Top and both sides are the same.
** For bottom margin allow extra 20% to compensate for the optical illusion which makes the bottom border seem narrower than it actually is.
** Standard margin sizes:
*** Top and sides 50mm, bottom 65mm.
*** Top and sides 65mm, bottom 75mm.
*** Top and sides 75mm, bottom 90mm.
** Allow for width of frame rebate by adding that amount to each margin width = MARGIN WIDTH.
* Therefore MOUNT HEIGHT = rebate allowance + top margin + window height + bottom margin + rebate allowance.
* Therefore MOUNT WIDTH = rebate allowance + right margin + window width + left margin + rebate allowance.
* Therefore MOUNT SIZE = MOUNT HEIGHT * MOUNT WIDTH

# Creating a frame
### Check

* Sanity check measurements

### Cut

* Make clean cuts, taking care to approach the line.
* Undercut the edge to ensure tight fit on corner.
[Include profile shot of cutout of frame edge]

### Assemble

* Use masking tape to temporarily hold frame in place.

### Check

Place the frame over the artwork to check that it's the right shape and size.

### Glue

* Add glue to edges
* Tape
* Use band to hold frame in place
* When tightening, check that the frame comes below the middle line of the frame, to ensure a tight edge on the face.

### Pin

* Check for staples length pushing though the frame, especially for routed edges.

### Check

* Glue on the front face

# Fitting glass

The glass should be cut 1/8" smaller than the frame itself, however this should be achieved not by adjusting the size of the glass but by making the dimensions of the frame 1/8" larger than the objects to be placed in it.

# Final assembly

* Clean glass
* Assemble pieces
* Check the look of the front
* Pin down the backing
For each side:
* Lay down tape
* Push it into corners and around the pins
* Add eyehooks
* Secure the hanging cord

# Tips for pastel drawings
## Tips for pastel drawings

* Ensure that the drawing is well bonded to the backing with ?sealant?
* Leave a gap at the bottom of the frame, between the paper and the matt, to allow for dust to settle inside the matt.