The Framer’s Guide

A beautiful frame.
A confident start.

Understand the details, get the size right, and bring your artwork together with confidence.

Walnut and oak frame samples, a mat, coastal artwork and measuring tools on a light worktable
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Understand the frame details

Four simple measurements help you choose a frame that fits your artwork.

WidthHeightRabbet depthLipSide profile
Simplified moulding profile · illustrative, not to scale
WidthThe distance across the face of the moulding, from its inside edge to its outside edge.
Rabbet depthThe depth of the inside cavity that holds your artwork and framing materials.
HeightThe full depth of the moulding, including the lip. It determines how far the frame projects from the wall.
LipThe edge that overlaps the artwork. It is typically about ¼ inch wide across frame styles, so it is usually not listed separately.
Where do I find these measurements?

Look under Moulding Specifications on a custom frame’s product page. Compare the width and rabbet depth when choosing a style.

For project-specific guidance, read the Frame Selection Guidance and Sizing Instructions beside the product images.

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Start with the size of your image

The dimensions you enter tell us what your frame needs to fit—not its outside size.

Image widthImage heightVisibleopeningThe lip overlaps the image edge
Dashed gold line: image edge · blue border: frame moulding
Order the image size.Measure your image’s height and width. Enter those dimensions on your chosen frame’s product page.
Base instructions

Your custom frame is made to fit the image dimensions you enter. The moulding’s lip overlaps the image by about ¼ inch on each side, so the visible area is smaller.

The outside frame size depends on the width of the moulding you choose.

Check the Sizing Instructions on your chosen product for any applicable exceptions.

Image size, visible opening or outside size?

Image size: the dimensions of the item being framed.

Visible opening: the part you see after the frame’s lip overlaps the edges.

Outside size: the overall size of the completed frame, including the moulding.

I need an exact visible opening or outside size

Enter the dimensions you need and clearly state in the cart’s special instructions whether they refer to the desired visible opening or the desired outside frame size.

This tells us how to interpret your measurements.

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Bring the corners together

Work on a flat surface, align each joint, and give the glue time to set.

Frame lengths laid out for assembly, shown from the back
Arrange the lengths face down.
Close-up of the frame-corner joint and thumbnail inserts
Align the joint and fit the inserts.
1 · Lay out the lengths

Place the frame lengths face down on a flat surface.

2 · Glue, align and join

Apply a light coating of wood glue to the ends. Align each corner and insert the included thumbnail inserts into the routed slots.

Tap lightly with a hammer if needed. The inserts may resemble an H or bow tie.

3 · Check the corners and let the glue set

Carefully turn the frame over so it lies flat on its back. Check that each corner is tight, wipe away excess glue and let the glue set.

Heavy frame or heavy artwork?For heavy frames or objects such as mirrors, reinforce the back corners with thin, L-shaped steel angle brackets from a local hardware store, typically for a few dollars per set.
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Match the hardware to the fit

Choose the fastening method based on how the contents sit inside the frame.

Check the back of the frame.Are the contents recessed, level with the back, or projecting beyond it?
RecessedGlazier points
Flush / levelTurnbuttons with screws
Protruding canvasCanvas clips
Canvas in a floaterOffset clips with screws
Glazier points · recessed contents
Glazier points securing recessed frame contents
  1. Lay the frame face down with the contents in place. Rest a point flat on the foamboard.
  2. Use a flat-head screwdriver against the prongs to push the point into the frame’s inside wall. Rock gently side to side if the wood is hard.
  3. Repeat every 10–12 inches around the frame.
Turnbuttons · contents level with the back
Turnbuttons holding contents level with the frame back
  1. With the frame face down and all contents in place, position the turnbutton so its arm overlaps the contents.
  2. Insert a screw through its hole into the frame.
  3. Repeat every 10–12 inches around the frame.
Canvas clips · projecting stretcher bars
Canvas clips over stretched-canvas stretcher bars
  1. Gently insert the double-pronged end between the wooden frame and stretcher bar.
  2. Push the clip firmly over the stretcher bar.
  3. Repeat on each side. Larger frames may need more than one clip per side.
Offset clips · canvas in a floater frame
Offset clips connecting a floater frame and a canvas stretcher bar
  1. Place the canvas in the front of the floater frame.
  2. Position a clip with one hole behind the frame and the other over the stretcher bar. Secure both holes with screws.
  3. Repeat on each side. Larger frames may need more than one clip per side.
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The finishing touch

Choose a hanging method suited to the size and weight of your framed artwork.

Braided wireBack of frameD-rings on opposite sides
Illustrative layout · follow the fastening instructions below
Sawtooth hanger · small or lightweight frames
Sawtooth hanger attached at the top center of a frame

With the artwork face down, attach a sawtooth hanger at the top center of the frame’s back.

Position its center notch over a nail or screw in the wall.

D-rings & wire · medium to large frames
D-rings and braided wire attached to the back of a frame
  1. With the framed artwork face down, screw a D-ring (loop-hole hanger) onto each side of the back, roughly ¾ of the way up.
  2. Thread one end of the braided wire through each ring. Wrap about 6 inches of each end around itself at least five times.
  3. Place the center of the arched wire over a wall hanger and adjust until centered.
Very large or heavy frames

Instead of using one wall hanger with wire, each loop-hole hanger can be hooked directly onto its own wall hanger.

Need securing or hanging hardware?View the hardware kit →

A helping hand, when you need one.

Have a question about sizing, frame selection or assembly? We’re here to help.

Call 1-888-645-2789 →