Before fitting any artwork into a picture frame you would need to prepare it first. This may involve trimming the image, attaching it to a picture mount or even stretching a cross stitch. It is assumed any preparation has been carried out before you get to this stage, and is not covered in this tutorial. It is important to check your new picture frame for any damage before you start dismantling it as we will only accept claims for obvious damage to the frame if they are reported before it has been used.
Your picture frame will be supplied complete with glazing, MDF backing board and suitable hanging fixtures. To access the contents of the frame you will need to bend back all the black(or silver) flexible tabs that have been fitted into the rebate of the frame. I would recommend using a small screw driver as the tabs can be sharp, and please ensure they are fully bent back. Remember, you do not need to remove the black tabs with pliers before trying to refit them in the same holes ? they are flexible tabs and will bend out of the way. With the tabs bent back you can now remove the glazing and backing board from the frame.
The glazing in your frame, whether it is clear or anti reflective, will have a protective film on both sides. Until the film has been peeled off the acrylic may look the wrong colour or scratched. Before assessing the quality of the acrylic it is essential you peel off the protective film from both sides. However, once the acrylic film has been peeled off, the frame is considered to have been used so please ensure you are happy with your purchase before doing so.
Wipe down both sides of the protective film, and all around the edges with a damp cloth. This will kill the static and remove any dust particles. Peel the film from the outer edge inwards so that any left over dust particles are inside the film. With the films removed the acrylic should be handled at the edges only, thus avoiding any unnecessary marks from your fingers, and put back into the frame. If you have purchased anti reflective glazing, the side with the anti reflective coating should be facing outwards.
With the acrylic back into the frame, the prepared artwork and backing can be refitted and the flexible tabs bent back into position so that everything is secured in place. You can now turn the frame over and admire your framed artwork. If you are happy with the results and there isn't any obvious dust inside the frame, you can proceed with taping up the back of the frame which will complete the picture to a more professional standard. We recommend using either 25mm or 38mm kraft brown tape, which is available as an optional extra on our website, the tape up the back of the frame. On larger frame sizes and/or thinner moulding profiles it may be essential to tape up the back of the frame to add extra security and prevent/stop any minor moulding warps.
Our wood picture frames are supplied with hanging fixtures suitable for the individual frame. Thinner moulding profiles are supplied with slide over hangers that simply slide over the MDF prior to it being fitted, one on each side and about 1/3rd from top. Wider profile mouldings are supplied with D Rings and screws, with the screws going directly into the moulding, one on each side and about 1/3rd from top. The supplied cord is then passed through the D Rings or slide over hangers and tied securely.
Check out our videos below which show the complete fitting process and separate videos showing how to tape up the back of the frame and fitting slide over hangers on thinner profiles moulding.
Article Posted: 07/06/2018 10:26:20