How to Make Professional Quality Picture Frames

Update! The spline jig has a video AND plans • How to Build a Spline ... plans for it on my website almfab.com/plans
In this video I'm covering the basics of making picture frames. One of the most confusing parts of framing is how to plan your frame. What kind of mount, what spacing you want around the art, and what allowance you need to make the art fit in the frame properly. I've simplified these measurements and created an easy to follow worksheet that you can get for free on my website.
AlmFab Picture Frame Worksheet almfab.com/plans
Also, make sure and check out my video and plans for making a picture frame sled. It'll make the process a whole lot easier.
Picture frame sled video • Precision Picture Fram...
Picture frame sled plans almfab.com/plans
Artists featured in this video
Joey Bates - Ink Portrait / joey____bates
Zoe Keller - Kestrel / zoekellerart
Ashley Bullock - Color Study instagram.com/
Shaun Kardinal - Stitched Postcard / shaunkardinal
Chandler Woodfin - Colorful Abstract / chandlerwoodfin
Jessica McCourt - Croc with a Guitar / vonsplithoof
Rockler products featured in this video
Rockler Precision Brass Setup Bars www.rockler.com/rockler-delux...
Rockler Thin Rip Tablesaw Jig www.rockler.com/thin-rip-tabl...
Rockler Contour Sanding Grips www.rockler.com/rockler-conto...
Rockler Pro Lift Router Table and Lift www.rockler.com/rockler-pheno...
Affiliate Links to products featured in this video
ISOtunes Pro 2.0 bit.ly/almfabiso
Shinwa 12” Ruler amzn.to/3baGivS
Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver Set amzn.to/3hBv065
Magid Safety Glasses amzn.to/2wYO6AR
Saw Stop amzn.to/2Pxz2jU
Pullsaw amzn.to/2I69ztC
3/16” Radius Round Nose Router Bit amzn.to/34gIO0x
Freud Glue-Line Rip Tablesaw Blade amzn.to/33mBAIQ
Picture Framing Products:
Linen Hinge Tape amzn.to/2GgDFNL
Plastic Frame Spacers www.unitedmfrs.com/spacers_fo...
Logan Point Driver amzn.to/34gGZ3q
Brilliantize Plexiglas Cleaner amzn.to/3kTlFrA
Wood finishes
Arm-R-Seal amzn.to/2Thq23i
India ink amzn.to/30lnS7g
General Finishes Water Based Top Coat amzn.to/34bIjVj
Check out my Amazon store where you can find all the tools I use in my shop, and support my channel
www.amazon.com/shop/michaelalm
You can also support the channel by joining the Patreon!
/ almfab
Patreon members get exclusive Sketchup files of my projects along with a bunch of other rewards.
Alm Fab T-Shirt: teespring.com/alm-fab-logo-t
almfab.com
Instagram @almfab bit.ly/alminsta
Pinterest /almfab / almfab
Facebook /almfab / almfab
Music: www.epidemicsound.com/

[@MichaelAlm]

Update!! The Spline Jig now has it's own video and plans kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIDNfayQpbpoqMU

[@macyguerrero653]

What can i add to my home made wood frames for a backing? Im using the frames for family photos

[@VintagePosterArts]

Obsessed with these retro travel poster designs - take me away to paradise! ✈🌴 @vintageposterart #wanderlust

[@TheClaptonisgod1]

How to make stuff at home, when your home has more tools and machinery than your local hardware store.

[@philshock3805]

As a professional photographer for 30+ years, I've dealt with my share of framing artwork including cutting my own mats. I'm also a serious hobbyist woodworker and I have to say this is by far the best video I've seen on creating custom wood frames. You've earned my subscription - I'll definitely have to check out your framing jig.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you!!

[@thewittsf]

I used to work in frame shops in the 90's. Loved it so much, years later I bought some basic equipment to started framing in my garage.

[@dooovde]

By far and away the best video I've seen on this subject on KZbin. Thank you!

[@dancolegate3905]

You make it possible for a beginner like me to do this with some confidence. You're a natural when it comes to teaching. Your voice is extremely clear and relaxing to listen to which makes learning easier.

[@molnarkelly]

I love these frames! Also it’s really cool to see all the different jigs and tools you have. Thanks so much for the great tutorial 🙏🏼

[@woin9361]

It’s so satisfying to watch your process and see how much the right frame elevates and enhances art pieces

[@welingkartr416]

Agree! Meditative work. You are lucky. Good wishes!

[@bobdown8043]

Just subbed. This is the best framing "how to" vid I have seen. Great work.

[@lewishong]

I see lots of videos with absolutely beautiful furniture but they usually just have some music in the background and aren't very informative. The informative videos I find usually don't have the same quality in their woodworking. Your videos are the best of both worlds :) Thanks for making these in depth videos about your projects.

[@walterlee7037]

yo FACTSS

[@alwatts9713]

Very nice, Michael. I never knew the details of what makes a quality frame build. None of this is difficult, but your attention to these details really makes for a great looking finished product. I'm looking forward to applying to some of my work! Thanks.

[@williamzanghettijr5862]

What an excellent video you have made on making picture frames!!! My mother is an artist and she has given us many pieces of her beautiful artwork that I have been procrastinating on making some custom frames for. This video has been of great help for me...thank you,William

[@gregmislick1117]

Awesome !! Mom is a photographer - been dealing with frames my whole life. This is the simplest presentation, and perhaps most complete I've seen in a long time Comments: 1) For " Supper Fancy" some double stick tape along the back edge of the frame and some craft paper to cover the pints and such. 2) Frame hanger wire - PREDRILL the holes for those little eye-bolts - we are talking small holes in thin wood 3) Archival - consider wearing white cotton gloves, or I suppose those blue/black/clear gloves we all have in the shop - the acids / oils on your skin will also leave residue which will yellow things over time. So if it's someone else's work you are framing up, or something special, use the gloves when handling - you're the last person to touch it before it goes in the frame, no reason to leave your fingerprints on it. ( I was always working with photographs and both the emulsions with the image on the fronts, and the paper they were on, would just suck up those oils and later the marks show - really sucks if the work is hanging in a gallery or someone has bought it for $$$...)

[@flix4u]

Every step was exactly like I envision myself in another few weeks - thanks for such a GR8 step-by-step video; I’ll watch the other related ones too.

[@derekpercy7787]

I'm also a Framer by trade - Been doing it for a very long time and really enjoyed your video. I've always worked commercially and never made a frame from scratch the way you did. Who says you can't teach an old dog new trick - Thanks for sharing! Brilliant

[@jimwlouavl]

Wow, those are gorgeous. The frames themselves are works of art.

[@ChibiOkamiko]

I’m a framer by trade, I enjoyed watching you work. Made me miss my shop (it’s been closed since March 😢).

[@adolfodelgado9361]

Open your shop again in your garage small one, i did signs for 20 years and i been thinking to open one in my garage just small one's no hanging

[@grom7826]

How utterly sad ! Open the nation up !

[@MichaelAlm]

Sorry to hear about your shop 😢hope you can get back to it soon.

[@JTWoodworks]

I didn't know about spacers and their functions. So much great info packed in this video. Thanks Michael!

[@MakerTom2022]

Hobbyist woodworker here, who learned a LOT from your video. Many thanks!!

[@craigfeldpausch1429]

My wife and I are just starting to make frames and your video really showed us how to do it.

[@jamesgrellier4750]

This is an excellent video, Michael. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and producing such clear and useful videos of your work.

[@boonecowoodwerks2682]

You do such a great job of presenting a process in a way that makes one feel as though success is very attainable, thank you!

[@nopelosi2012]

Wow! Learned more about frames in the past 23 minutes than in the previous 65 years! Thanks a bizillion!!!

[@trishamiller4633]

I’m a professional framer and truly recommend this video. So informative. Thank you

[@andreacapper8431]

Well thought out instructional video - you obviously love what you do, and you're outstanding at demonstrating the basic concepts. Thank you for sharing this, and I would also love to see a "how to" video on the spline jig.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Hi Michael! Great video! I just wanted to add my 2 cents as I've worked in a frame shop for a few years. Conservation should be kept in mind if your clients piece is valuable or sentimental, or even neither. The goal of conservation is to make sure the piece remains intact and unaltered while being displayed. This includes using UV protected glazing, acid-free mats and foam-core, but more importantly, how the piece is mounted. One reason why using a mat is preferred is because of how you can use photo corners to mount the piece, without applying any adhesive, and hiding the photo corners underneath the mat opening. Mats also space the glass away from the glazing and prevent potential damage if the ink adheres to it (I've only seen this once on an old re-frame with acrylic glazing and oil paint). Be sure to allow for 1/4" on all sides for the photo corners to be hidden (I've gone as little as an eighth, but it's more fiddly). Lineco makes conservation photo corners in small and larger sizes. I know hinging tape can be removed, but after re-framing hundreds of pieces, having no tape to deal with is much preferred. There is no way to avoid using tape on the piece if you're doing a float mount or no mat frame. I've been meaning to make a series on my channel for some of the best-practices I've learned, but I wont get around to that for a while yet.

[@michaelplitt2135]

Thanks for the info :)

[@sidhammer9461]

Great video! Now I have even more reason to set up a table saw in my garage-you made this look like a fun and satisfying process. The only thing I would add for the final step is to put a dust jacket over the back of the frame (medium weight archival paper glued to the back of the frame with archival rice starch glue). That’s how I learned framed work should be finished anyways, since it seals the frame off from dust getting between the glass and the work. I also learned a different technique for float mounting involving a 45° slit in the backing board with linen tape coming through it. I was told this is the best way to keep the work as flat as possible, but your way looks a little quicker/easier. Lastly, for matting I was always taught to attach works to the backer board rather than the window, and do so with archival paper strip corners so that the work itself never comes in contact with any adhesive (hard to explain the corners with words). I’m not sure there is a right or wrong way, but removing tape (even archival linen tape) can damage the work, so since there’s an easy way to avoid adhesive coming in contact with the piece, This method always made sense to me.

[@lauratrouard7793]

WOW! This is one of the best “how to” videos I’ve watched in a while. I actually feel ready to start making my own frames now

[@foos.998]

Yes, a video on a spline jig would be great!

[@johnporter8896]

I never got to make mouldings when I was a picture framer. Instead we just bought sticks in and chopped them on a Morso and underpin the corners. Now I have a table saw, I think it’s time to give it a go for my own art! Thanks for the tips!

[@curtislondon4642]

Absolutely 💯 % the best frame video I've seen to date.

[@kevinjones2622]

Can I say? There are plenty of folks out there making KZbin videos that should not. You ain't one of those. Thanks for all the information presented here.

[@nomadprints]

Exactly the video I've been needing. Excellent work. Thank you!

[@zekesherrod6258]

This has been super helpful, I have been a fan of your channel for a while but a friend recently asked if I could make a frame for some art she made for her in-laws and this showed up on my feed. Perfect!!!

[@dhank2242]

Best framing/matting "How To" on KZbin. Thanks!

[@pteddie6965]

Beautiful frames and matting plus interesting artwork. Thanks for all of the valuable information and a special thanks for the free form to use when planning out the framing process.

[@koz234]

Nice neat work. My favorites are double and triple mat arrangements. A mat cutter is also important...The Logan 750-1 is a gem

[@markkoons7488]

This video feels like an act of generosity on your part. Thank you.

[@lizcoates7039]

I wish I'd watched this before I framed some pictures I had!! I will continue to watch and learn. thanks for great tuition.

[@jumpinghoops]

Thank yo so so much for this. I had bookmarked earlier and am now circling back to put this into action. You are very unique, in that you embody the top tier skills of a woodworker and the sensitivities of a framer. As an artist and wanna-be woodworker, I appreciate this. Your attentiveness to the nuances in the framing genre are quite rare. Keep up the great work, my friend!

[@bugsygoo]

The thing that impresses me the most on this video is the use of Imperial measurements. Wow! That makes things overly complicated. Did my head in!

[@bluebirdie4118]

So happy to come across your video! I’m a soon-to-be graduate (Majoring in the Fine Arts) and knew one day I’d have to figure out custom frames when it comes to shipping and handling. Your videos was direct but simple to understand! (Math isn’t my strong suit, but it’ll bit worth the time to make sure lol) Will definitely be looking at this video and more! Just have to be a bit more courageous when touching a power tool/saw 😅

[@jessicasevilla2529]

Your system is absolutely amazing Bravo. 💯

[@chrystallkurts3914]

Thanks so much for this. I have wanted to learn about smaller projects in woodworking for a long time.

[@pastryqn]

fantastic video. Ive been producing a lot of pastel art lately and it all needs framing. Now all I want is your workshop to make frames. great video.

[@ddutton0]

Such a great video, reminds me of my art school days!

[@woogaloo]

This was super informative! Very in-depth. Would love to see a video about the spline jig!

[@douglasmichel6361]

This is awesome, I do custom framing (mostly for myself) as a photographer and a custom cabinet/trim contractor, perfect together I figure. I just happened across your YT channel and love it. Now of coarse I have to back peddle to your beginning. Thanks a lot, like I don’t have enough to do, kiddingly I can’t wait to dive in. See ya around the block so to speak. And get ready to be pummeled with questions.

[@chrisferguson237]

Great content Michael. Appreciate your knowledge and clarity of information.

[@guillz925]

This is a ridiculously informative video, there aren't many people that would go this in depth. Thank you.

[@mattwujek]

Thank you so much for this detailed walk through of your process! Questions for you: 1.How do you typically seal the back? 2. What's your preferred hardware for hanging? Thanks!

[@rosap2850]

I’m mad crazy with your shop. I have so much painting that requires the type of framing your making. That’s also my favorite type of frame.

[@Offred]

Artist and teacher here - this a such a great video! Thank you!

[@bumpy_moleskine]

Superb video & explanation. Thorough yet concise. Thank you.

[@greyseal18]

great tips, thank you. I like that it's covers a lot of information in a tight informative video

[@kevinhodder3823]

Michael, this video inspired me - greetings from Alberta.

[@violetdeluxe]

Nice job getting ready to make some frames and this video was prefect - much appreciated!

[@matthewcampbell9691]

Such a great video - informative, enjoyable, and just really cool! Much respect for your work!

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

The one thing I might add for work with glass/plexi over top would be to add archival brown paper glued to the back to prevent dust from getting in. It's surprising how much dust will get in and this helps with that. I know from reframing some work done years ago :).

[@0956y]

Very inspiring, thank you for making such informative video!

[@jtlong8383]

Very helpful to see how you make some simple, beautiful frames! I don’t know why we Americans cling to measuring in fractions because metric is so much easier! Thank you for the inspiration and ideas.

[@jbratt]

I invested in a point shooter after too many frames without it. It is the same one in your video. I can honestly say that if I didn’t have it I would quickly lose interest in doing any more frames. It comes out so neat and easy there is no way I would do any framing without it. Also if you ever have to remove the artwork for any reason the points will bend easily and the art can be extracted. Thanks for the videos 👍

[@robertsmith3518]

Great vid ! Thanks for all the tips . Very enjoyable and relaxing show. Your a natural in front of the lens . Thanks again!

[@alamaamosa3801]

Invaluable information,love the work sheet makes rational and comprehensive sense.

[@mstrick96]

I'm an artist and framing is getting to be expensive for exhibitions. I have a good workshop so am planning to begin making my own frames. Great video!

[@mattbendzinski4945]

Wow - lots of interesting stuff. Way more than a person expects but then that is why you do a professional job and others don't. Many thanks for the info.

[@TymstoneArt]

This was great! I'm a San Francisco painter not a woodworker, but I dug what you put down in your videos. The only thing I didn't hear was about the hanging mechanisms. Different ones change how the artwork sits on the wall. Thanks for the Interesting things to look at.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks! Yeah I ran out of time with the video, so I didn’t have a chance to talk hanging hardware. I usually like D rings and wire. Put bumpers on the bottom corners so it lays flat.

[@stratlix1]

Great video. Very well presented and much appreciated. Thank you!

[@shamaineponsaran7793]

I super liked this video. I love art and wood works. This definitely would be one of the projects I will be making. Thank you so much for making it so simple. How I wish I will be able to buy all the power tools amd materials needed for this project. I hope you can also make a video on how to make this with basic tools only as not many people have high end power tools like yours. Looking forward for more of your videos.

[@Clairejart]

Thanks so much for this Michael! I'm ready to up my frame game (which is actually pretty terrible). I bought your miter jig plans and can't wait to start. I would love some recommendations on the kind of lumber used and why sometime.

[@traolachmellett8938]

I subscribed straight away! Thank you for the framing videos, they're so informative! Please make more!

[@indujain1424]

Thank you so much Michael for this video and it is very much helpful and the knowledge you gave about different frame is great 👍❣️

[@gillylovett7735]

I’ve been a framer for over 40 years and I am very judgmental, as much as I fight it! (I’ve framed from Preschool art to Man Ray to Picasso etchings and mostly original artist show art.) This was excellent!!!

[@donesry2902]

Thanks for the education! I'm starting to think that I can actually do it. Very professional

[@whitexeno]

I am loving this Alm vs MakeSomething picture framing battle. Keep it up.

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! Total coincidence

[@patrolduty8715]

Thank you very much. I am planning to make a picture frame for my newborn son and this is perfect video!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Booyah! So much great info from the frame master. Great stuffs Michael

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Tyson!

[@1qazandrew333]

I've made many frames and still learned something. Thanks!

[@DidThatHelp]

Instantly recognized the Talenti gelato containers. Super handy!

[@maryramerman9275]

This was so informative and really helpful to see the whole process! Thank you!

[@knoell3]

Nice work, good tips. I spline every frame as it looks like you do. Really strengthens corners and looks nice. Well, you know that. 😀

[@gregsmith3406]

Great video, Michael. I really appreciate you and your channel! I would be interested in a video of your super simple spline jig. It looks like it’s made of MDF. Thanks, Greg

[@Arts...]

Hello there! I am a framer too but I used to make a frame from polystyrene and I find it easy because it is already my habit to make, but as far as I saw this beautiful vedio a very creative one and I really love to look forward more vedios you make..it gives me some idea to improve my skills ability for this creative art. Thank you and more power.

[@pancua978]

I am here to vote yes on a spline jig video please! :)

[@johngriswold]

Very well done. Gorgeous work! Thank you.

[@tracymcrae5994]

Love your videos. Succinct instruction, great jigs & fabulous results! And yes .... even though your jigs are simplistic .... I’m a newby woodworker so all the help I can get to achieve quality would be ideal!!

[@RavenGrave113]

A video on making a spline jig would be great!

[@briarfox637]

There are a bunch of vids like that and rockler even has a jig that's inexpensive for achieving it.

[@marinechapssemperfiout9939]

Your method and style are outstanding! Semper Fi

[@treezza2817]

Thanks for showing how you make those outstanding frames!

[@gaylebyron4494]

Your frames are beautiful and love your attention to detail.

[@derylwilliams6400]

Fantastic video, thank you for being so generous with your skills! Passing this on to OH who is interested in making frames for my artwork! 😉

[@genevieveanglin9672]

Love the free work sheet. Thank you so much!!

[@gabeespinal2412]

Well done! Truly enjoyed your organizational skills in addition to your craftsmanship. Your video has been bookmarked and I have subscribed. Al the best.

[@mmcl1312]

Excellent video! I'd enjoy a video about the spline jig. I tried making one a while back and found it tricky keeping the parts in place when trying to keep a good 90degree angle. I also kinda messed mine up by using brad nails to hold the parts together while the glue dried... then realized my mistake when cutting my first splines and found that I couldn't cut in certain spots because the saw blade would hit the brad nails... doh!! Thanks for the great frame video!!

[@cliffordfair1322]

I love watching your videos. Really like the planning sheet but i didnt see them anywhere.

[@jimdean5284]

Michael, I have been looking for an excellent tutorial on picture framing and you're the man. I am an artist and a woodworker and am now doing many of my own frames. Many, many, thanks and have a great Xmas. I have also subscribed.👍

[@MichaelAlm]

That’s awesome! So glad I could help 😁

[@kuravani1963]

Good explanation. Technic used are prefect. Keep it up. Thanks

[@UncleDonzo]

You have a great shop bro. Just started mine!

[@benschaaf]

Love that rain cut scene ;) Nice car too.

[@mjaldrich7]

HI Michael thanks for the videos. I make substantially sized frames from pine and poplar for my particular artwork. As and example, my last frame was 69" x 36" what do you recommend for re-inforcing hardware at the miters that will be hidden? The spline is nice but doesn't fit with my clean look. I currently use trim head screws but I just hate the idea of the small holes showing

[@bobbogee]

I love this video! I've never made frames, but will be doing a lot in the future. Thanks for this great overview, subscribed!