How to Frame a Painting with Thin Strips of Wood
Quality lattice, when tacked to the side of your canvas paintings, can make an attractive and even sophisticated wooden frame. This type of frame also has the benefit of being inexpensive and easy to do at home, with the appropriate tools. Given the cost of professional framing services, homemade frames such as this can be an economical alternative for people who frequently frame paintings. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Choose the best quality lattice you can find from the local hardware, lumber or home improvement store. The lattice should be free of warps and knots.
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Measure the sides of the picture frame. To determine the length of the lattice you'll need for each side, add half an inch to the measurement you take of each side of the painting. This additional length will accommodate the 1/4 of an inch that the lattice will hang over each corner of the painting. When the lattice is cut to a 45-degree angle using the miter saw, the corners of the lattice will meet.
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Cut the lattice for each side of the painting, using a miter saw to slice the edges at a 45-degree angle.
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Attach each side of the frame to the canvas by nailing the lattice to the sides of the painting. Use very small nails. The corners of the frame should meet at the corners of the painting, sliced to fit together into a perfect 90-degree angle.
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Tips & Warnings
Once the lattice has been cut to the appropriate size, sand, stain and poly your lattice for an extra-refined and professional frame.
These frames are so thin that they really work best on small to medium size paintings (40 inches square or less). This type of frame can seem dwarfed on anything larger.
Don't attach this type of frame to a very valuable or antique painting because you will have to nail the frame to the stretcher.
For a more substantial frame, attach the lattice to a luan board, cut just an inch or two larger than the size of the painting, then center and attach the painting to the front of the luan board.
