An easy way to frame prints

 

When your print arrives I suggest you put it in a poly wallet/page protector to protect it. Bigger prints will need some clear plastic from a bag or some cellophane, hopefully you have something you can repurpose.  Once protected in this way you will be able to safely take it around some shops and lay it on top of different frames to get an idea of what size and style of frame you would like.

Shops to try in the UK: John Lewis, The Range, Hobbycraft. 

To follow my method you will need:

• A deep frame often called box frame or a shadow box frame. Your frame should be several cm bigger than your print, big enough to allow for a border all around.
• Sticky fixers or double sided foam tape
• A ruler
• A pencil to lightly make marks
• An eraser
• A new piece of white paper for the back of your frame. Use the backing sheet as a template. I have actually used the enclosed piece of paper (turned over) as my backing but better paper will make a better job. Cartridge paper will be fine.
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• A cloth to polish the glass
• A knife or a key to bend the metal fixers on the back of the frame

What to do:

1. Remove the back of the frame by bending the metal fixers. Be very careful with the glass.
2. Cut a new piece of paper for the back of your frame and place it on the board. I usually run a glue stick along the top edge to hold it in place.
3. Turn over your print and place sticky fixers or padded double sided tape squares in each corner and one in the middle.
4. You may wish to attach the print to some thin card. 
5. Place the print on the backing board and line everything up. Check measurements if you wish and mark with a pencil.
6. Remove the covers from the tape squares.
7. Carefully line up the print and stick it down. Rub out any pencil lines.
8. Place the print/backing board combo in the frame and give everything a polish.
9. Fold down the metal fixers.
10. Voila, framed in 5 minutes!