How to Make Simple Wood Frames for Acrylic Pictures

Build a hardwood frame for acrylic pictures.

Acrylic is a term that describes a type of medium artists use to paint pictures. Typically, acrylic is applied to canvas on a three-quarter-inch thick wooden frame. The canvas is stretched tight over the frame where it is stapled around the perimeter of the frame. The artist paints the picture on the canvas to the edge of the frame, leaving no borders. Acrylic pictures done this way have no exterior frame work and appear unfinished without some frame around the exterior perimeter. Make a simple mitered frame with four pieces of hardwood to hold the acrylic picture securely.

Things You'll Need

• Hardwood, 3/4-by-2-by-96 inches
• Tape measure
• Miter saw
• Glue
• Nylon strap clamp
• Hammer
• 1 1/4-inch finish nails
• 100-grit sandpaper
• Clear silicone in tube

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the picture. Set the miter saw at 45 degrees and cut two pieces of hardwood at that length, measuring from the short points of the miter.

2. Measure the width of the picture. Cut two pieces of oak at that length, measuring from the short points of the miter.

3. Spread glue on all of the mitered edges. Place all of the pieces on a flat surface in the configuration of the frame. Bring all of the mitered corners together. Place a nylon strap clamp around the frame and tighten until all of the miters are tight and glue oozes out from all the miters. Wait one hour for the glue to dry.

4. Hammer one pin nail through each corner of the frame using a 1 1/4-inch finish nail. Sand the frame and round the edges by hand with 100-grit sandpaper.

5. Spread a light bead of silicone on the inside perimeter of the frame. Place the acrylic picture flat on top of the frame. Tap on the picture lightly so that drops down flush and fits snugly into the frame. Wait 24 hours for the silicone to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• The hardwood measurement is an example. You can use wider, or longer, pieces to build any size frame you desire.

• Use an appropriate stain on your frame if desired before installing the acrylic picture.

• Wear safety glasses. Check your frame dimensions before assembly to make sure everything fits.