How to Frame a Photograph

OK, so you have taken a picture you are really proud of. Why not frame it and put in on the wall? It is easy and inexpensive for small photographic prints. An 8-by-10 inch photograph will fit in an 11-by-14 inch frame. They are perfect for decorating your house or office. (Just remember to show off your best work and hang the photographs along with other art so you don’t seem like a complete show off.) I prefer to use metal sectional frames for photographs. They are easy to assemble and you can change the photographs in the frames frequently if you desire. They also use pressure spring clips to hold the photo tight to the glass reducing the amount of dirt and dust that can get inside the frame. This article will demonstrate how to frame a photograph using metal sectional frames. Whatever your frame choices--don’t hesitate to display your photographs--it will make you feel good.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A mounted photographic print
• Sectional Frame
• Matte
• Float glass cut to size
• Small Screwdriver
• Acid-free mounting tape

1. Mount the Photo Mount your photographic print to a mounting board. There are a variety of thicknesses of board and techniques for doing this. I prefer dry mounting which fuses the photograph directly to a mounting board. Dry mounting requires a mounting press and most frame shops will mount photographs to mounting boards for a minimal cost. There are also double-sided tapes, spray mounts and other techniques that you can use and find at your local frame, photographic or art supply store. After mounting the photograph, tape it with the masking tape to the back of the matte. The matte is typically 2 or 3 inches around the image. The matte should be the exact same size as the frame and have any opening that is the exact size of the photographic print.
2. Assemble the Frame Once you have a mounted photograph, assemble the top and two sides of the sectional frame together. Leave the bottom open and attach the hangers and wire to the frame sides. You can attach the wire after the frame is together, but it is easier to get the hangers in place if you do it prior to assembly.
3. Insert matte into the frame Clean both sides of the float glass thoroughly with window cleaner and lint-free paper towel. You can also use non-glare glass, but it will slightly impact the contrast of the viewed image. Float glass has few artifacts and will not impact the contrast ratio of the image. Place the matted print on the glass and insert the glass, matte and print into the frame.
4. Insert the Bottom Insert the bottom part of the frame and tighten the screws on all the joiners at the four corners of the frame. Make sure that the corners line up before tightening the screws.
5. Insert Pressure Clips Insert the pressure clips. The longer sides will have three pressure clips and the sides will have two pressure clips. Make sure the pressure clips are completely under the frame lip. Give the front glass a final cleaning with glass cleaner. Unless you are an expert, you will get finger prints on the front of the glass during assembly. Hang the print on a wall and impress your friends!

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to title, sign and date the matte right below the image, but it will make the matte harder to use again.
• You can purchase float glass cut to size at your local hardware store.
• Don’t overtighten the corners of the frame; you don't want to strip the screws.
• Be careful; you are handling glass!