How to Professionally Finish the Back of a Framed Art Piece

So, you have chosen a beautiful frame and mat and framed a favorite picture or art print. The front is beautiful but what about the back? By learning how to finish it off professionally you not only make it look much nicer [especially if you are giving it as a gift]but the process will also seal the back to protect the item from dust and moisture damage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• framed art or picture
• brown paper bag or paper
• pencil
• scissors
• spray bottle of water
• optional protector dots
• 2 eye screws
• wire
• [opt. sawtooth hanger]
• school or craft glue

1. Place your frame back side down on paper.
2. Trace the frame with the pencil paying attention to trace as close to the frame as possible as you outline it.
3. Cut out the paper. It is better to cut just inside your line.
4. Apply a SMALL amount of glue around the edge of the frame.
5. With fingers press paper down on frame. Place down on flat surface to dry.
6. spray lightly with water Once dried lightly spray with water. Let dry. As it does so the paper will shrink and make a taut surface.
7. Screw in a screw eye on each side on the back side of the frame. [If you prefer measure the frame top edge and pencil mark where the middle is. Then hammer in a sawtooth style hanger.]
8. Stretch your wire across the frame allowing extra width for hanging and also securing the wire to the screw eyes.
9. rubber corner dots keep picture level on wall and protect the wall from scratches Optional: add 2 wall protectors on bottom back of the frame.
10. Hang and enjoy or give as a gift!

Tips & Warnings

• A small art brush can help get an even light touch of glue on the frame.