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 www.instagram....
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.co...
Rockler Thin Rip Tablesaw Jig www.rockler.co...
Rockler Contour Sanding Grips www.rockler.co...
Rockler Pro Lift Router Table and Lift www.rockler.co...
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...
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...
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/...
almfab.com
Instagram @almfab bit.ly/alminsta
Pinterest /almfab / almfab
Facebook /almfab / almfab
Music: www.epidemicsou...

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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 $$$...)

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@MakerTom2022]

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

[@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.

[@guillz925]

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

[@nopelosi2012]

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

[@chrystallkurts3914]

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

[@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!

[@trishamiller4633]

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

[@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.

[@Offred]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@craigfeldpausch1429]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@patrolduty8715]

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

[@markkoons7488]

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

[@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.

[@curtislondon4642]

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

[@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!

[@michaelgrace8229]

not only is this a great video in regards to the information given, but DAYUM DUDE! Those video editing skills! I know that must take some time! Very enjoyable to watch!

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! Thank you!!

[@dooovde]

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

[@bobdown8043]

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

[@Itssimplypickles]

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

[@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.

[@treezza2817]

Thanks for showing how you make those outstanding frames!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@jimwlouavl]

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

[@marinechapssemperfiout9939]

Your method and style are outstanding! Semper Fi

[@1qazandrew333]

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

[@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 😅

[@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.

[@wuj.design]

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!

[@foos.998]

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

[@dhank2242]

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

[@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.

[@alamaamosa3801]

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

[@BaseandGlider]

Framer here - great video. To reduce static on plexi slowly roll off the plastic with a thin tube held taught.

[@raphaelklaussen1951]

The bamboo loos gorgeous in the rain.

[@c90sf]

Michael, would like to see the "SPLINE JIG VIDEO". Perhaps on other jigs that you use as well. And thank you for sharing these nuances in this video. Non one else has before. Thanks bud. GREAT VIDEO!

[@chrisferguson237]

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

[@jayclinton1811]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the rain storm.

[@372trip2]

Amazing video 🎉. I’d love to see you build a larger frame like a 5 ft ones and I’m curious on what’s the best black paint to use.

[@bumpy_moleskine]

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

[@pancua978]

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

[@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 :).

[@J4Julz]

Great video, very thoroough. I appreciate all your hard work and willingness to share!

[@nightskysparks]

Wow Michael! You are an amazing artist.

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@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.

[@desirae413]

Can’t say I’ll never make my own frame, but chances are extremely slim. However! I LOVED watching this video

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Wow! Loved the tip of india ink with armor seal over it. I'm an artist who does woodworking, or a woodworker who makes art, haha. I'm ready to make some frames and will be trying the India ink idea. Great other tips, like plexiglas cleaner. Great video. Very thorough.

[@gaylebyron4494]

Your frames are beautiful and love your attention to detail.

[@nethead72]

Nice walkthrough. More to it than measure and cut.

[@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 👍

[@whitexeno]

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

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! Total coincidence

[@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 🙏🏼

[@ronliebermann]

Everybody likes to find a good picture frame. One which hopefully matches the image in some way. It’s hard to categorize all images, but some examples might be family, sport, adventure, literature, and beauty. But there’s one thing: no matter which frame you choose, that’s it. The image is framed forever. But actually, it would be fun to make a digital picture frame which is an LCD display. So you could mount an image in the frame, and then choose a theme. There could be family themes; ranging from a log cabin to people holding hands. And you could even make the LCD picture frame magnetic, so that it sticks to the front of the refrigerator. So if you want, you can push one button to start the “family” sequence which will reframe the image twenty four times a day. And of course everyone will want to reinterpret the contextualized image every time that a new frame appears. And there’s one more benefit: besides displaying frames, the LCD display can also display words in various fonts. So perhaps the kids can learn a hundred fonts such as Sans Serif, Helvetica, and so on. The fonts would match the picture frame theme. The idea is to get kids in the habit of recognizing context. There are about three hundred important fonts, and all of them are contextual. They convey much more than words alone. In fact, if children were able to recognize fonts, that would add a new dimension of meaning to a story. And so would a changing context.

[@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! 😉

[@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!

[@twisterinigo804]

Thank you for the freebies dude.. More blessings.

[@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.

[@naturallymarisa]

I love those Talenti containers for all the small workshop things. Picked up that trick from my dad. 😂 (It also makes for a great dog poop bag holder in the backyard.)

[@tdoggoo]

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

[@caribguy2007]

Wow much easier than i thought to get that made. Had no idea how to accomplish that look or that i could do it with what i have.

[@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.

[@kathrynzansler3602]

Hey Michael! Great video! I used to work in a frameshop, and we used much of the same techniques. I wanted to mention that if you wanted a rich color that was close to black, you may want to try leather dye. We mixed a rich brown with the black to create an ebony look. Not sure if that interests you, but I figured I'd pass the info your way. :)

[@MichaelAlm]

That’s great to know!! Thank you 😁

[@Миханаганидр]

holly heck that tape trick is MVP

[@Stellarchild]

By far the best picture frame video I have watched. I subscribed to your channel immediately ;) Reminded me of the woodshop tech that we had at Concordia.

[@JTWoodworks]

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

[@rodrigoundaa]

Amazing work. you make it looks so easy. great work mister.

[@hoganpetrie9984]

show us how to make the spline jigggg I have watched almost every picture frame making video and have finally stumbled upon the best. instant subscribe

[@automaticprojects]

Wow. Great video with some terrific techniques.

[@LuispaTango]

"The Ferrari" of the Picture Frames!!! Saludos desde Buenos Aires!!!

[@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.

[@RossMacfarlane25]

super video, i think your audio/commentary is really good quality

[@butterylight]

Really helpful! Would you be able to weigh in on your suggestions for wall mounting these?

[@TheoTrujillo]

The 1st and last video I will watch on frames!! And here I thought building frames would be Boring!! Haha This video makes me want to buy that point shooter thing and spacers!! Haha well done sir!! Your passion for this craft shows!!

[@marvan1994m2r]

Thank you for sharing your steps. Very helpful. Your frames are nice

[@albertroswell]

oh I love your shop and all your work, would love to see it someday, I came here because I am making my own frame and I am using a 3d printer to print the frame the shape I want and I was slooking for a way to make the corner joins without glue, I ended up using a dovetail interlocking, it looks great, thanks for the video I wish I had those tools to make it wooden instead of plastic :)

[@bharatpanchal2124]

Very nice your idea to make photo frame to the best look ...................thanks for sharing this video

[@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

[@maryramerman9275]

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

[@douglasmichel6361]

A trick regarding static and plexi, I used to be a sign painter/ lettering artist ( before computers) we made tons of plastic letters for signs and had to deal with static, especially the one shot lettering enamel leaping from my brushes to the plastic ( if we were lettering on the plastic) we would drill a 1/16” hole in a corner not to be seen later and hook a piece of copper wire through the hole down to the concrete floor, grounding it out. Viola! Little to no static while working with plastic.

[@MichaelAlm]

Whoa!! That’s good to know!!!

[@hyrulehyzers]

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!

[@UncleDonzo]

You have a great shop bro. Just started mine!

[@neilf4128]

Did you see? David remade his frame jig with similar upgrades, just one week after you did. How funny is that. Small world. Love your jig more.

[@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. 😀