How To Make Photo Frames

Are you planning to make your own photo frame, but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’re unsure of what materials to have, or how to actually assemble a photo frame together? Luckily, these are the exact questions that we answer in this article just for you!

Making a photo frame is actually quite easy, you just need to make sure that you have the right equipment and creative vision to do so. With that, here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to make a photo frame!

Tools And Materials

Before anything, let’s gather the tools and material we need for our DIY photo frame. For tools, the following is what you will be needing:

• 75mm mitre corner clamps x4
• Drill
• 2.5mm drill bit
• Measuring tape
• Mini Phillips head screwdriver
• Mitre saw
• Pencil
• Safety glasses and earmuffs

For your materials, here are the following:

• 335mm x 30mm x 19mm timber picture frame moulding
• 435mm x 30mm x 19mm timber picture frame moulding
• 300mm x 400mm x 6mm MDF
• Disposable gloves
• Frame stays
• PVA wood glue
• 240 grit sandpaper
• Wood filler

Once you’ve gathered all of your tools and materials, you’re all set and ready to go!

Step-By-Step Guide

Now let’s begin the photo frame-making process. With this simple step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to build a durable wooden photo frame!

Step 1. Cutting The Timber
The first step is to cut the timber and the backing for your frame. You can use an MDF board for the backing cut from your local Bunnings. While there are many different photo frame sizes, for this project, we suggested using a backing board cut of 300mm x 400mm and a frame of 435mm x 335mm.

Begin by cutting your tinder frame with a 45-degree mitre cut at the end of the timber. Measure out around 435 mm for where your next mitre cut will be placed. For this particular cut, make the cut such that it is in the opposite direction. Check to see if your measurement of 435mm is from long point to long point to ensure that you have the right length.

Step 2. Marking And Cutting The Second Length
With the 435mm length timber that you first cut, use it to mark the second length for the frame. Be sure to make a 45-degree mitre cut in the opposite direction.

Step 3. Measure And Cut Shorter Frame Lengths
Next, work on cutting out the shorter frame lengths. Repeat the first two steps to make shorter frame sides of about 335mm, with opposite 45-degree mitre cuts at both ends. Keep in mind that the 335mm length is from the long point to the long point of each of the cuts.

Step 4. Assemble The Frame
Now, you can put the frame together. Join all four sides of the frame and ensure that they fit together. With PVA wood glue, join the ends together and wipe off any excess glue. Grab your four mitre corner clamps to keep the frame in place as the glue dries. After the clamps have been placed, tighten them again so that the frame is square.

Step 5. Sand The Frame
Once you are sure that the glue has dried, remove the clamps. With 240 grit sandpaper, sand down the front of the frame to create a smooth finish.

Step 6. Insert The Picture Or Artwork
Now, you can insert your picture or artwork into the photo frame. Once done, place down the MDF backing board on top of the picture or artwork.

Step 7. Secure Frame Stay Clamps
After inserting your picture or artwork, we have to fix the sides that have the frame stays. They should be in the centre of each of the frame sides. If the wood you used is hardwood and it’s challenging to make the stays into the timber, so you can pre-drill holes with a drill and 2.5mm drill bit. Then, secure the frame stays with a screwdriver.

Step 8. Adding Final Touches
After step seven, you can customise and personalise your brand new frame in any way you want to. Once finished, you’re free to hang the photo frame anywhere with hooks, velcro hanging strip, or by simply placing it on your shelf. Now you’re all done!

Summary

Making photo frames has never been easier. With this simple step-by-step guide, we hope to have helped you create a photo frame just for you and the memories you wish to hold dear to your heart.

If you’re looking for the best store in Sydney for your photo frames, then look no further than Photoland.

We offer a complete range of products and services from print photos and scanning, right through to picture framing and photo albums.

Please call us today on (02) 9235 1933 or leave an enquiry.