Tray frame help

[Phil@phramed]

Hi All,

I'm about to make some large hand painted tray frames for a client and they've asked for a backing board on the back to aid the strength of the frames. They have previously had their framing done at John Jones and their tray frames were backed. Is this something that you do? Please can you advise me how you would do this?

Thanks for your help,
Phil

[prospero]

You could place the backing board in the frame first and fix the art though it. This will elevate the art a tad which may or may not be desirable.

Or....

Drop the backing into the space the in space in the frame at the back and fix with points.

[Phil@phramed]

Many thanks for the help Prospero.

I do some times place a backing board in the space at the back of the frame and fix with points as it looks tidy/neat, I just wanted to check if there was a technique using a back board that strengthens the frame that I was unaware off.

[prospero]

As for strengthening the frame, I never think it's a good idea to do it by fixing a whole board at the back. In unfavourable atmospheres (damp) the board can expand to the extent that it parts the frame corners. Which defeats the object of a strengthener. If you want to reinforce the corner joints then use steel 'L' plates. Or triangles of plywood glued on. The latter is better than the Ls if you haven't got a lot of depth to screw into.

[Phil@phramed]

Thanks, good to have the reassurance that there isn't a technique I was unaware of. I'll just place the back board in the space at the back.

I really appreciate the advice