Making Picture Frames - Finishing Tools

Glass Cutting

Always take your measurements from the back of the frame, making sure that you measure across the inside of the rebate. You then have two options - take the measurements to a glazier or have a go yourself. Glass cutting is easy once you have some practice, and the right tools.

2mm thick glass for picture framing - this will fit into most moulding rebates and it is not too heavy. Clear, glass is used most commonly for definition of the artwork. Use non-reflective glass in brightly lit areas where reflection is a problem. This glass may effect the clarity of your artwork, especially if the glass is a long way away from the surface of the artwork - for example on paper tole, triple mats and shadow box frames. For these jobs use plain glass.

The FrameCo Glass Cutter has a Tungsten-Carbide head mounted onto a solid aluminium base and will provide years of glass cutting. The head is vertical to the glass surface at all times and this ensures the cut is finer and more even each time. Attach to the MatMaster Rule and you have a glass cutting tool that is easy and safe to use. Less danger from broken or miscut glass.

FrameCo Glass Cutter Instructions (download pdf file)
Recommended products to be used with the FrameCo Glass Cutter:
MatMaster Rule

Code: #13220 FrameCo Glass Cutter

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Picture Assembly

Pieces you should have are:

• the assembled frame
• glass
• mat
• picture
• backing board

Clean the glass and place it into the frame, followed by the other components. To secure the backing board you can either use backing nails or flexipoints.The flexipoints are bendable tabs and are great for removing your picture if required - for example, photo frames, certificates. Backing nails are used most commonly.

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PushMaster™ Kit

The unique head design of the PushMaster allows either flexipoints or backing nails to be installed. Brads or Flexipoints (bendable tabs) can be placed into the grooves on either side of the head of the PushMaster. These are then pushed into the rebate at the back of the picture to secure the backing board. Place some near the corners of the frame to prevent the picture from lifting. Screw eyes can also be instered into the PushMaster for easy installation. Position a screw eye on either side of the rear of the frame, attach some wire and your work of art is ready for hanging!

PushMaster Instructions(download pdf file)

Recommended products to be used with the PushMaster
Frame Stop

Code: #14730 PushMaster Kit

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Frame Stop™

The PushMaster tool inserts both flexipoints and backing nails. It is essential that the frame side be firmly supported when inserting these backing points.
The FrameCo "Frame Stop" is a portable, easy to use tool for this job. It provides firm support and is easily moved to any nailing position.

Frame Stop Instructions (download pdf file)

Recommended products to be used with the Frame Stop
PushMaster

Code: #15620 Frame Stop

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Flexi Framer

Similar to the PushMaster but this tool only inserts flexipoints and backing nails.

Flexi Framer Instructions (download pdf file)

Recommended products to be used with the Flexi Framer

Code: #14757 Flexi Framer Tool

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Finishing

Using a good quality backing tape, seal around the edge of the frame covering the brads/flexipoints. This will provide a barrier against dust or other foreign particles lodging inside your picture.

Using the PushMaster tool insert a screw eye. Check the front of the frame for the top and insert the screw eye into the back approximately ¹/3rd down from the top. Do the same on the other side and then attach wire or cord.

Turn it back over and admire your finished picture frame - and the artwork too!

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