The Framers Forum

Thanks Richard. Yup I have a circular saw, will keep in mind. Found some 10mm x 68mm that will suffice, so all good. So these cleats... I'm going to get 450mm ones and put them either side across the top of the frame and screw them in to the area where I can screw all the way in through the frame, s...

Ah ha. Gotcha. Yes I have been thinking about this sort of thing originally. I used to use these when installing headboards in another life. But as you say was unsure what to do about creating this angle. The metal french cleats I had found before were all v pricey but I think maybe this is the answ...

Hi Prospero, thanks for this. Yes I pretty much understand your suggestion, thank you! but do you have a link to the mirror 'catches' you are referring to? I just can't picture this part. Re the hefty size batons.. The problem I have is I only have a depth of 10mm maximum for the batons to fit in th...

Thanks Mark I haven't glued them down yet no. But I have done this with all the smaller ones and they've held up fine. I asked the advice a long time ago on the framers only page on facebook and it was about 50/50 whether people screwed into the mdf or glued the mdf. 2 people recommended gripfil.  S...

Thanks Mark. Its definitely the heaviest thing I've framed to date so questioning my own judgement! That is a very good point regarding the screws. I had previously been advised to not screw into the mdf as the screws wouldn't hold well and therefore was just securing the painting to the subframe wi...

Hi framers  I am making a tray frame which is 180cm x 125cm.  It is for a 12mm thick painting on a panel of Mdf. It will have a 1cm shadow gap all around in a wooden tray frame. I just wanted some advice about fixings to use for something this heavy.  I make these regularly 1m x 1m. I use 7mm x 38mm...

Brilliant!

I can not WAIT for the day I get to suffer for my art! At the moment I have a young child at home. So slap dash is sadly my only option.

I just thought I should follow up on this. I never did get around to making my own gesso. I’ll get to that level of expertise one day! I’ve actually been using watered down wood filler to fill the grain and then sanding it down with a 320 sandpaper. Seems to be working really well. Then I use a wood...

Thank you Mark. I will have fun exploring all the options available along the way I’m sure. I already own a fair few things I definitely wish I hadn’t purchased. But it’s all part of the journey right? I do have one question. When you use the ratchet straps do you put anything between the straps and...

Thanks everyone. I actually found a 7m Bessey clamp which I think will do the job for this one (just) but I’ll have some larger ones to do shortly so this is all very helpful. Mark I really like the squares and ratchet strap. Thanks for sending this. I’ll definitely be trying this out. Thanks again,...

Hi framers Could anyone advise the best corner clamp for a home framer to join large float frames? The profile I mostly use is 39mm d x 55mm w. I have up until now been using 4.5m band clamps when joining 1m square frames. Which I’ve been perfectly happy with. However the artist I’m framing for is n...

Thanks everyone all very useful info. Agree Wessex are absolutely fantastic company & amazing delivery service. Can't fault them. I am buying my glass, backing board and mount board from them. I just have periods where I don't need anything other than a piece of mountboard! Very good point about...

Sorry to be clear I mean that I would like to find somewhere I could collect them myself. Hence wondering if anyone buys from alternative suppliers that are not picture framing related? For example cass art are a chain that sell some but they are v limited colour selection. Wondered if theres anywhe...

Does anyone have any tips for sourcing individual sheets of mountboard of a specific colour? (not white/ivory/black) Are there any art stores, art store chains that carry quite a range of colours? When I need one sheet of a specific colour my only option I know of is to order from Wessex which then ...

Thank you, yes I'm using acrylic gesso. I watched your video and it definitely is not the same texture, product, consistency or effect! Can you buy rabbit skin glue gesso already prepared? I am assuming not from what I have found so far. For the purpose of what I'm doing right now there is no time/m...

Thanks. These particular pieces of wood are chops, so no waste here! The dent actually came out fine steaming it. Didn't think it would. I have applied so many layers of Gesso and still have woodgrain. I am definitely going to give this ripple paint a go as I have loads more of these to do. Thanks f...

Thank you everyone thats very helpful as always. I think it is too big to steam but I might give it a go just to see. Dermot thank you. I have looked at your course before actually, it looks great. I might sign myself up one day later down the line. Ripple paint. Good to know! I have to admit. I had...

Hi folks. I've got a small dent in the face of some bare wood (obeche). What can i repair it with? Is wood filler going to show through? I will be applying gesso and then a painted matt finish on top. I haven't used gesso yet. So any tips on applying this too would be appreciated. The desired affect...

Ok you've convinced me. I'll ask for it back! (Its a neighbours)

Oh dam it. Now you've made me want to try and get it off! Especially if I get to use a blow torch. I'll tell them a cost for me to have a go. if I do give it a go I will let you know the results!
K