Your wood picture frame comes with its glazing, an MDF backing board and all the hanging fixtures you need. This guide shows how to open it, clean the glazing, fit your artwork, and finish the back neatly.
Important: always 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 a wood frame
How to attach artwork to a mountHow to clean acrylic glazing
Prefer our earlier video? Watch “How To Fit Your Artwork Into A Wooden Frame” on YouTube.
Be prepared
Lay the frame face down on a clean, soft surface, to protect the frame and the glazing. You'll need a small flat-head screwdriver.
Opening the frame
- Bend back all the flexible black or silver tabs round the rebate with the screwdriver. Don't take them out.
- Lift out the MDF backing board and the glazing carefully.
- Put them on a soft, clean surface.
Prepare the glazing
- Wipe both sides and the edges of the acrylic with a clean microfibre cloth, to reduce static and dust.
- Take the protective film off both sides, peeling it slowly from the outer edge inwards.
- Handle the acrylic only by its edges, to avoid fingerprints.
- Put the clean glazing back into the frame.
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
With the glazing in place, lay in your artwork face down (in its mount, if it has one), so its front faces the glazing, then the MDF backing board. Check that everything sits flat and straight, then bend the flexible tabs firmly back down to hold all the layers.
Check the front
Turn the frame over and look at the front for any dust or specks that got in while you were working. If you find any, open the frame again and clean it before you go on.
Taping up the back
We recommend 25mm or 38mm brown kraft tape, available on our site. Run it neatly along every edge where the backing board meets the frame. It keeps dust and insects out, adds security (especially on larger frames), and gives the back a tidy, professional look.
Fitting the hanging fixtures
- Thin mouldings: slide-over hangers, one on each side of the backing board, about a third of the way down.
- Wider mouldings: D-rings and screws, one screwed into the frame on each side, a third of the way down.
Thread the cord supplied through the hangers or D-rings, and tie it securely.
Follow these steps and your artwork will be secure, sealed against dust and neatly finished.
Related guides
- How to clean acrylic glazing
- How to attach artwork to a mount
- How to tape up the back of a frame
- 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.