How to Build a Fancy Frame Using Molding
- 1). Measure the length of the length and width of your picture to determine the size of the frame. If you intend to use a mounting mat, measure the length of the mat instead.
- 2). Subtract 1/4 inch from each measurement. If, for example, your picture is 5 inches wide by 7 inches long, your working length and width measurements are 4 3/4 inches by 6 3/4 inches. This small subtraction will allow the inner edge of the frame to overlap the picture slightly.
- 3). Add twice the width of the molding to each of your measurements. For example, if the width of your picture is 4 3/4 inches and the length is 6 3/4 inches, and the width of the molding is 3 inches, add 6 inches to each measurement. Your new width will be 10 3/4 inches and your new length will be 12 3/4 inches.
- 4). Cut two width pieces (10 3/4 inches each) and two length pieces (12 3/4 inches each). Make each cut at a 90-degree angle.
- 5). Measure the moulding-width distance (3 inches) in from both ends of each of the four cut frame pieces. Mark that point with a pencil. Then, with a ruler, trace a 45-degree line out from each pencil mark to the corner above it.
- 6). Cut along the two pencil lines on each piece to leave two 45-degree angle edges on each piece.
- 7). Cut out the rabbet profile in each of the four pieces of molding. The rabbet profile is the indentation that hold's the glass in the frame. The rabbet must be deep enough to house the picture, frame, mat (if present) and backing. For most configurations, 3/8 inch is deep enough. But stack the items and measure them to make sure. Attach a 3/8-inch rabbet bit and 1/2-inch shank to your table saw. Drill a 3/8-inch rabbet groove on the shortest side (not the 45-degree edges) of each piece with a rabbet drill. The rabbet groove will be 3/8-inch wide and deep and run the length of the short side of each piece of molding.
- 8). Glue the 45-degree angled pieces together with wood glue to create a frame with all of the short sides facing inward. Follow the glue's instructions for the application method and drying time necessary. Use a picture frame clamp or masking tape wrapped around the outer edge of the frame to keep the four pieces held tightly together until the glue dries.
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