The Framers Forum

Dear Forum

Hoping you can help with my latest challenge. I have been given a canvas to re-frame which is 600mm x 770mm. In discussions with my client about framing options, I suggested recycling an old frame of hers from a previous project as it suited the canvas well. (My thought being that I would cut it down to size and re-make the frame to fit). She really liked the idea of using the frame but said that she wanted to use it at the size it was ie with the canvas floating (somehow?) within it. The frame measures 810mm x 1.130m so is not only bigger, but not the same proportion as the canvas.

This client knows what she likes and although it sounds a bit wacky, I can see why she likes the idea as it looks pretty good. The frame is a lovely old oak frame, not very deep (and not a deep rebate), so sits proud of the frame. She also wants glass adding, but I can’t see that being possible unless I create a box-like structure to sit the canvas inside which would then fit into the back of the frame. Is this making sense?

What I need to figure out is how best to secure the canvas to a backing board. It doesn’t need to be a conventional solution – preferably not. And she wants the backing board to be same colour as the frame, which co-incidentally is the colour of my workbench – varnished MDF. Hmmm.

Still with me? Are you scribbling this down on paper trying to work it out from my garbled brief? Any thoughts most welcome?

Hi Mrs C,

Sounds like an interesting job!
my first thought would be to just extend the back of the old frame, then use a spacer to keep the glass away from the canvas, the canvas would be floated on board. If it is ok to see the edges of the canvas, it could be screwed to the backing. If the edges need cover just add a small frame around the canvas (may need to increase the depth if you do this). I don't quite get the colour of the backing, does she want it to be MDF or the colour of the oak frame? You can get oak veneered plywood, I used it to make my shop counter, so with this as a backing it could be coloured to match the frame, and could even bu used to make the spacers.
If the customer would like the old frame set back, with no extension, then I would look at an acrylic or glass box to encase the canvas.

Richard, that is a very informative drawing of the proposed frame in this scenario, just out of interest, using a frame extension as illustrated which appears flush with the backing, please advise the best way of securing the backing to the frame extension....

Thanks Rob

Hi Rob, the extension and backing being flush was not really intended, you could either make the extension a little bigger than in my drawing, to give a deeper rebate and use framers points, or if the backing is flush or higher use something like offset clips to hold it securely in place.

Thanks Richard, appreciate the explanation

Rob

Just back at my workshop after few days away – many thanks Richard for the very informative and beautifully illustrated solution to my framing challenge. Clearly explained and understood. Now to cost it.

just to say thanks to Richard (Framemaker) for the invaluable help recently re. framing the canvas.
It all went brilliantly and client was delighted. As too was I. It was a really interesting project to work on. And great experience.
Will post a photo once I have it (plan to go and shoot in situ in client’s home).