Could I ask how many of you pack out your floating frames, when the depth of the canvas being fitted is discernibly shallower than the moulding?
So I'm thinking of two ways (as attached photos, showing cross sections):
1. Pack out with foam core; or
2. Use an inner frame
Of course, the foam core would be the more straightforward option, but there's the added issue of getting fixings "through" the board. I guess it's the norm to just lay foam core strips in between to leave gaps for fixings, for this option?
The inner frame is certainly more professional, but of course more involved.
Are there any other ways?
Also, I was taught to leave a 5-10mm gap from the top of the canvas to the top of the moulding. Is the the norm, or do you use other dims (or even keep them flush)?
Thanks All.
Packing Out Floating Frames
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RobM
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Packing Out Floating Frames
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JFeig
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Re: Packing Out Floating Frames
I have never heard nor followed that rule. I have worked on "floater frames" where the are was above, even with, and below the top surface of the stretched art over the past 40+ years or so.RobM wrote: Mon 05 Oct, 2026 7:58 am
Also, I was taught to leave a 5-10mm gap from the top of the canvas to the top of the moulding. Is the the norm, or do you use other dims (or even keep them flush)?
Regarding the use of a premilled moulding as a way of lifting/shimming the stretched art off of the base of the moulding, that seams to be a rather costly method of doing so, vs raw wood strips, metal washers, or sections of hollow tubing(or wood dowel) over a wood screw.
Jerome Feig CPF®
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theframer
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Re: Packing Out Floating Frames
I find a moulding that is the depth i need to raise the canvas and just cut 50mm strips placed where i screw it to the frame so only use about half a meter of moulding depending on how many screws are used.
Dave
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Justintime
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Re: Packing Out Floating Frames
Lions supply canvas offsets from 0-32mm in height.
Justin George GCF(APF)
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RobM
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Re: Packing Out Floating Frames
Thanks Jerome for having responded to this one on two separate forums. You're right, I think I'm being overly precious about something that's generally quite straightforward. Washers are the way.
JFeig wrote: Mon 05 Oct, 2026 12:22 pm I have never heard nor followed that rule. I have worked on "floater frames" where the are was above, even with, and below the top surface of the stretched art over the past 40+ years or so.
Regarding the use of a premilled moulding as a way of lifting/shimming the stretched art off of the base of the moulding, that seams to be a rather costly method of doing so, vs raw wood strips, metal washers, or sections of hollow tubing(or wood dowel) over a wood screw.
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RobM
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Re: Packing Out Floating Frames
This is very handy middle ground, saves greatly on a whole frame, thank you Dave.theframer wrote: Mon 05 Oct, 2026 1:56 pm I find a moulding that is the depth i need to raise the canvas and just cut 50mm strips placed where i screw it to the frame so only use about half a meter of moulding depending on how many screws are used.
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RobM
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Re: Packing Out Floating Frames
You sound like a man fed up of my slew of basic questions
But the height of the clips isn't so much the issue, than the offset distance if fitting from the inner canvas to the inner of the frame, or am I missing something?
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RobM
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Re: Packing Out Floating Frames
...unless I fasten them from back to back of course.RobM wrote: Mon 05 Oct, 2026 8:26 pm You sound like a man fed up of my slew of basic questionsDon't blame you.
But the height of the clips isn't so much the issue, than the offset distance if fitting from the inner canvas to the inner of the frame, or am I missing something?
I'll shut the door behind me...
