The desired pattern is engraved on a metal stamping wheel. The wheel is heated by a gas jet. The moulding is fed beneath the wheel under pressure and the heat embosses the pattern into the timber. Timber mouldings can be finished by many different techniques. Gessoing is a process of applying several layers of a white coating made from chalk and glue.
Gessoed moulding gives a smooth base for many painted and gilded finishes.
Metal Metal frames are made of brass, copper and silver. However, the most common metal used to make picture frames is aluminium. Aluminium frames are made in a length by an extrusion process. The lengths are finished by either painting or anodising. Anodising is the electrodepositing of an oxide coating.