Your aluminium picture frame comes with glazing (other options are available), an MDF backing board and all the hanging fixtures you need. This guide shows how to open it, clean the glazing and fit your artwork.
Important: check your new frame for damage before you take it apart. We can only accept claims for obvious damage that's reported before the frame is used.
How to fit artwork in an aluminium frame
How to attach artwork to a mountHow to clean acrylic glazing
Prefer our earlier video? Watch “How To Fit Artwork Into Aluminium Frames” on YouTube.
Tools and preparation
- Get the artwork ready: have your artwork, and its mount if it has one, ready to go into the frame.
- Lay the frame face down on a clean, soft surface, to protect the frame and the glazing.
- Tools: a small flat-head screwdriver, for the corner brackets and spring clips.
The corners may look slightly out of line when the frame arrives. That's normal, and comes right as you assemble it.
Opening the frame
- Take out the spring clips first, or they'll ping up when you release the length of frame.
- Slacken the two top corner brackets with the screwdriver, and slide off the top length of the frame.
- Slide the glazing and backing board out of the remaining three sides.
Prepare the glazing
- Wipe both sides and the edges with a microfibre cloth, to reduce static.
- Take the protective film off both sides of the acrylic, peeling it slowly from the outer edge inwards.
- Handle the acrylic only by its edges.
Anti-reflective glazing only: fit it with the coated side facing outwards, or it won't cut reflections. This doesn't apply to standard clear glazing.
Fitting the artwork
- Slide the layers back in, with the frame still face down: first the clean glazing, then your artwork face down (in its mount, if it has one), then the MDF backing board.
- Reassemble: refit the length of frame you removed, and tighten the corner bracket screws.
- Secure: push the spring clips back into place.
- Check: look at the front for dust, and check everything is straight.
Aligning the corners
If a corner isn't quite aligned, turn the frame back over and slacken that corner's screws slightly. Hold the two lengths tightly together so the mitre lines up, and tighten the screws again while you hold them.
Fitting the hanging fixtures
Aluminium frames use hanging brackets that slide into the profile. Fit one on each side, about a third of the way down from the top, and tighten the screw. Thread the cord through the brackets and tie it securely.
Follow these steps and your artwork will be held securely and neatly in its aluminium frame.
Related guides
- How to clean acrylic glazing
- How to attach artwork to a mount
- How to fit hanging fixtures
- How to hang a picture
Questions? Our team is always happy to help: email sales@easyframe.co.uk, or call 01234 856501.