The Framers Forum

I have a 12' x 14' painting on 6mm MDF board which I'm going to put into a narrow ash frame - I've rotated the moulding through 90 degrees so the rebate faces the front (so a kind of improvised tray frame). Anyway, my query is how to fix the painted MDF panel into the frame. I was planning to either screw or pin through the back of the moulding into the back of the board, but it doesn't work - the board just comes away again. I can glue it, but was wondering if there were any alternative methods which would be more reversible?

thanks!
Calico

12 INCHES by 14 INCHES... not FEET

There isn't really an alternative that is reversible. The only way I can think of to make a mechanical fixing that wouldn't show is to cut a little slot in the side of the panel and use something like a bendy mirror plate (Lion do them) cunningly bent around to engage in the slot and go round the back and be screwed to the frame. But doing it to a 6mm panel would be fiddly. You could cut the slot with a Dremel cut-off disc, but it's a tad risky.
I think I would make a 'frame' out of 1/2" sq timber - the same size (not too tight) as the inside of the frame and glue it to the back of the panel. Then drill holes though the timber and screw sideways though to the outer frame.
The timber would become a permanent part of the painting, but at least it could be easily removed from the frame.

Not the ideal, but sometimes there really isn't a choice if the customer wants it framed that way.

think I would make a 'frame' out of 1/2" sq timber - the same size (not too tight) as the inside of the frame and glue it to the back of the panel. Then drill holes though the timber and screw sideways though to the outer frame. (my quote button has disapeared)

That is the way I do it. I have done the same float mounting daler board in L profile frames normally used for box canvases. Works fine as long as the woden frame is securely attached to the board (mdf in your case) its not very reversable but as long as the customer is aware it should be OK.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.