How I make professional picture frames (pt. 1)

Home made (DIY) picture frames don’t have to look home-made! These are up to standard for fine art galleries and museums. 100% professional quality and you can do it yourself!
Here is a link to the spring clamps I used (I mistakenly called them C-clamps…sorry). Anyway, here’s the link: amzn.to/49oeGQV
And of course my website: trentgudmundsen...

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Oops! I made a mistake by calling these “C clamps”…they’re actually generically called “miter spring clamps”. Here’s a link to the ones I have amzn.to/49oeGQV

[@59jaguar]

Ratchet Band straps with metal corner brackets work best . As they will keep your 45 degree corners looking good and tight . Those c clamps your using not only will mark up the wood but don’t supply enough pressure to join the wood properly .

[@TrentGudmundsen]

In my own opinion these spring clamps actually work better for this than the band straps. Maybe I need to find a different brand or something to have a good experience with them. But regarding the little marks in the sides, they’re really pretty quick and easy to fill with epoxy.

[@petrosros]

Little trick I learnt from the Antique restoration guys, is that when the black paint is drying, run a flame or heat gun over it. That will make it craze, then shellac or French polish, rub it back very gently with one of those washing up pads, that is to knock the shine back, then wax it, if it is black then use a dark wax, or it will show through white. The effect is wonderful, and I enjoy the process as it always comes out different. I always get the gaps too, and I put the fine saw dust in the glue, it comes out very hard so don't let it stand proud.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Awesome! Thank you! I do actually use a clear wax at the end but I haven’t tried crazing before. That could look beautiful for certain ones!

[@subliminalart.1637]

Wonderful to see you again. ❤😎🇬🇧

[@SepulvedaBoulevard]

Fantastic! Professional framing is so expensive, this is awesome 😀

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Totally agree! You’re welcome!

[@brightpurpleviking]

Because my art doesn’t sell for thousands I find it awful that frames are so expensive. So what usually happens is that the client goes and frames it themselves…many times they choose some HEINOUS frame and it’s almost humorous! But I find if I frame it they pretty much leave it alone as is. I don’t paint much these days because I’m watching my new grandbaby…but I sure would be interested in your magic putty in a jar! What a great thing, and it makes that frame look so professionally done. I sometimes use Miliput for cracks but I can see that your product has a much more desirable outcome. Thank you for sharing this video. I remember when you got the expensive joiner and it made me think that was such a symbol of a successful artist! My successful artist uncle who is elderly now used to frame all his own art, and my grandfather who was an art dealer by trade had a frame shop with the most amazing ambiance and scent! Ahh great memories of childhood.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

I actually do use a two part epoxy putty (like Miliput) for corners and big gaps, and then just paint over it with this stuff. Yeah, frames are so crazy expensive, it really makes no sense to me to continue buying them when I can make them.

[@karenfox1178]

Very beautiful frames with paintings. I love how you create movment in your painting.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Thank you so much Karen! 😁

[@judybennett6444]

My former art teacher used to make my frames for 10% over cost. I havent considered making my own but that may be a consideration for my hubby to thnk about if/when I start painting again. It looks easy enough and he has experience as a door and window carpenter. He may enjoy using his router again now that we're retired. Now if I could just get him to go plein air painting with me he could do some photography....🤔.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

What a deal!! Yeah, making frames would be a fun project for your husband, I would think! I’ll make a “first timer” plein air painting video with him in mind 😁😁

[@brucefrazeur3172]

Trent, thank you. Great video. I have some aged lumber I'll put to the test. By the way, Trent, the video you did on the panel board prep for oil painting, I'm using it when I'm out plein air painting. Thanks again.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Great to hear! Any feedback you’d like to give about that method? I’m excited to hear how your old aged lumber ends up looking!

[@OpenAirStudio-th9xp]

I am interested in the gesso you were using. I often hit goodwill and other vintage shops in town looking for frames to refurbish. Your gesso seems like it would help fill in many of the imperfections found on old frames.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Thanks! Ok 👍 maybe I’ll offer it first for a good deal here on my channel!

[@hollyhinkle]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Framing is always an issue, they are so expensive. Would love more information on making them. I found you and your family on here years ago making cheese. You inspired me to make it also, so easy. Thank you.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Oh good! We no longer have our cows but I sure do miss the cheese every day!

[@Paintedtrout]

I would love your recipe for the red gesso!

[@TrentGudmundsen]

I’m glad you’re interested in it! 🙂

[@debranorton6434]

I am interested in more information about how you make your frames.

[@robynb2688]

Maybe try running your jar under hot tap water to loosen it. I have a jar of homemade gesso that was so stuck that my husband couldn’t even open it. As a last resort I ran under hot water and was able to open it easily!

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bobnicholas5994]

I had not framed paintings that I sold. I went to several friends houses and they were propped against the wall. They were still not framed and on the wall. That perturbed me. Now I use inexpensive wood and sell them for more as they are framed. I have asked for pictures when they are hung too. You can do a lot with a router to enhance the frame.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Oof! Yeah, that’s something we hate to see (our unframed paintings lying against the wall)…there are several versions of that story, but I guess all we can do is provide a good quality frame and then hope they like it enough to keep it. (I heard of several times when clients got my framed painting to their house and decided to replace the frame…it’s only tough to swallow when I was pretty sure the one I made was better quality…but sometimes not!)

[@sandracunningham2689]

Frames of any quality are expensive. Your frames add and present your paintings as they would be in an art gallery. I would watch and learn from your framing skills.

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Thank you!

[@kidnewton]

I paint on canvas.... maybe I shouldn't... but can you show the rabbet depth of your frames? thank you... I love your work!

[@TrentGudmundsen]

Thank you! I think painting on canvas is just fine…it’s mostly a matter of preference. I do paint on canvas or linen sometimes. (You’ll get a glimpse of the rabbet depth on the upcoming part 2). 🙂

[@fabrizio483]

Hello! Do you prefer canvas or panels? Is it okay to paint on MDF? Thanks!

[@TrentGudmundsen]

I prefer panels most of the time, but I admit I still love to paint on oil-primer linen. It’s so great! As for MDF, it’s easier to prime for sure but I don’t use it as much because it’s both heavier and seems slightly less water resistant…but I have used it and enjoy the surface.