Making your own custom picture frames is a satisfying woodworking project for crafters of all skill levels. With just a few essential tools and materials, you can create beautiful frames to display your favorite photos and art prints. Building them yourself allows you to customize the frame design, wood type, and finish to match your personal style. This comprehensive guide will walk through the end-to-end process of crafting wooden picture frames from scratch.
| Takeaway | Summary |
|---|---|
| Essential Tools | Miter saw, handsaw, clamps, wood glue, etc. Create accurate cuts. |
| Choose Wood Type | Pine, poplar, oak, maple, etc. Match strength, grain, and uses. |
| Cut Precise Miters | Cut 45-degree angles with miter saw. Ensure tight seams. |
| Assemble Frame | Glue joints, use clamps and braces for support. |
| Finish Beautifully | Stain, paint, wax to protect and decorate the wood. |
| Add Glazing Material | Size glass or acrylic to fit. Secure with glazier points. |
| Mount on Wall | Use D-rings, sawtooth hangers, adhesive to display. |
Essential Tools and Supplies for DIY Picture Framing
While advanced woodworkers may have an expansive tool collection, you can make frames with just a few key items:
- Miter saw – This specialized saw makes angled miter cuts for joining frame corners. A 10- or 12-inch model works well.
- Handsaw – A backsaw or small miter box saw cuts picture frame pieces to size.
- Wood glue – Opt for water-resistant wood glue to assemble the finished frame.
- Corner clamps – Special clamps hold corners at 45-degree angles while glue dries.
- Sandpaper – Sheets in varying grits smooth and finish the wood.
- Wood – Select your preferred frame material like pine, poplar, oak, or cedar.
- Finish – Stain, paint, or clear coat protects and beautifies the frame.
- Hanging hardware – Sawtooth hangers, D-rings, wire, etc. mount the frame on the wall.
- Glass or acrylic – Cut clear glazing material to size with a glass cutter.
Check out this buying guide for recommended woodworking tools to get started. Investing in quality tools ensures precise cuts and smooth finishes for picture-perfect frames.
Selecting the Best Wood for Your Frames
With so many wood species to choose from, narrowing down options can be tricky. Some popular picks include:
- Pine – Affordable softwood that stains nicely. Prone to knots.
- Poplar – Economical hardwood with smooth, straight grain.
- Oak – Classic hardwood with dramatic grain patterns. More expensive.
- Maple – Pale hardwood that works well for painted frames.
- Cedar – Aromatic softwood that resists decay naturally.
The wood’s strength, workability, color, and grain all impact its suitability for picture framing. Determine if a painted or stained finish will be used, as softer woods take paint better. For a rustic look, knots and imperfections add character. Ultimately the wood type aligns with your aesthetic vision for the finished piece.
Precisely Cutting Frame Pieces to Size
Accurate cutting is crucial for perfectly mitered corners. Follow these steps:
- Measure artwork size and calculate frame dimensions. Add 1-3 inches for width.
- Cut frame stock pieces slightly longer than needed using a miter saw.
- Set the saw blade angle to 45 degrees and align the fence to the angle.
- Cut one end of each frame piece with 45-degree miters.
- Flip boards and cut opposite ends to complete the miters.
Check each piece with a triangular framing square to ensure precise 45-degree angles. For small frames, a miter box hand saw gives adequate precision. Avoid uneven angles that won’t join correctly.
Assembling Frame Corners
With all four mitered frame pieces cut, it’s time for assembly. Follow these instructions:
- Dry fit joints without glue first and inspect for tight seams.
- Apply wood glue to mitered ends. Use clamps to hold pieces at 45-degrees.
- Insert corner braces or blocks for reinforcement.
- Allow the glue to fully cure for 24 hours before removing clamps.
- Lightly sand corners to remove any dried excess glue.
For an invisible joint, borrow pocket hole joinery techniques from furniture making. Conceal pocket holes inside the frame for a seamless look.
Applying the Perfect Finish
Prepping and finishing the wood well enhances its look drastically. Here are a few techniques to try:
- Painted – Priming ensures paint adherence. Opt for spray paint for an ultra smooth surface.
- Stained – Condition the wood before applying gel or liquid stains in your desired tint.
- Waxed – Try a beeswax and mineral oil blend for a natural, matte look.
- Varnished – Polyurethane and varnish offer protection with a light sheen.
Always sand between coats for best results. Finish all frame sides for longevity. Match your frame finish to your home’s decor style.
Mounting the Glass or Acrylic
Once fully assembled and finished, the frame gets its transparent sheet:
- Carefully measure and cut glass or acrylic to fit frame’s inner dimensions.
- Position glazing and secure in place with glazier points, silicone caulk, or retainer strips.
- Ensure a snug, flush fit – sealing out dust and letting art take center stage.
For family photos and kid art, opt for shatterproof acrylic sheeting over real glass. This ensures safety and durability.
Hanging Your Frame on the Wall
The final step is proudly hanging your handmade frame on display. Choose a mounting method:
- D-rings – Screw small metal rings to the frame’s back for attaching hanging wire.
- Sawtooth hangers – These small metal brackets grip the wall securely.
- Adhesive – Stick-on hangers adhere without nails or screws.
Measure down from ceiling equal to the frame’s height. Level and mark the wall at this center point. Install screw hooks or molly bolts aligned to the marks. Hang your frame and step back to admire!
Display Your Masterpiece in a Handcrafted Frame
With some basic tools and materials, anyone can successfully handcraft beautiful wooden picture frames. Follow the techniques outlined here for measuring, sizing, cutting, joining, finishing, and hanging your frame. In just a weekend, you can take a plain piece of wood and transform it into a custom display case for treasured photos and mementos.
The ability to match frames to your decor makes this a rewarding DIY project. No need to pay high retail prices for pre-made frames. If you’re new to woodworking, picture frames make for great starter projects before moving onto larger furniture builds.
So grab your miter saw, pick a wood, make the cuts, finish the joints, and seal the deal. Then proudly hang your picture frame creation for all to see. Learn more about crafting creative frames through these additional resources:
- DIY Home Depot’s Guide to Picture Framing
- Making Wood Picture Frames
- Sawmill Creek – Building Basic Picture Frames
Now that you’re equipped with woodworking knowledge and inspiration, let your imagination run wild with personalized frames for all your pictures and prints!