22 August 2014
Making & Hanging Picture Frames
How to Make and Hang Picture Frames
Following is detail on how to make a simple frame as well as methods of how to ALWAYS get a picture on EXACTLY the same level as its neighbour.
Make A Simple Frame
Framing a picture need not require expert skills. You will need a jigsaw, orbital sander, glue, 9 x 44mm cover strips, a few panel pins to secure the picture in place, some cord and two eyelets to support the picture on the wall.
- Cut the front frame pieces 6mm on each side smaller than the glass, picture and backing.
- The picture backing and dimensions of the glass will be the same so measure length and width and cut the front frame to fit.
- Now cut the lengths for the back of the frame so that the ends overlap as shown below.
- Use the glass as a template and glue the eight pieces together, overlapping each and creating very strong corner joins.
- Once the glue has cured, attach the eyelets, install the glass, picture and backing (using the panel pins to secure) and attach the cord to hang the picture.
Get it level
Make this simple aid using a length of scrap wood, a short loop of strong cord and a screw. (See figure below)
- To get one picture on the same level as its neighbour, hang the picture off the screw, using your thumb through the loop to support the weight.
- When the picture is level with its neighbour, push your thumb hard against the wall in order to steady it and carefully remove the picture from the screw, making sure that you keep your thumb absolutely steady.
- Now take a hammer and give the head of the screw a LIGHT tap to mark the wall.
- Drill the hole in the wall for the anchor or drive in a nail and hang the picture. It will be dead level with its neighbouring picture.
Shopping List
- 400W Jigsaw
- Orbital sander
- Cordless drill/driver
- Glue gun
- Ball pein hammer
- 9 x 44mm Cover strips (according to the size of your frame)
- Glass (according to the size of your frame)
- Eyelets
- Panel pins
- Cord