The Framers Forum

On re-reading your original post, I'm reminded that you want to achieve a black polished finish. Well to get there quickly, you could stain the obeche black with either a water or spirit stain. Then rub in two applications of Black grain filler. You can buy this stuff from a luthier supplies. Fullsc...

Good point.
But maybe the profile is only available in obeche.

Of course, you could just use the epoxy wood filler. Just smear it on and spread it out as far as needed. Then when set, use 180 grit to sand back to the timber, then 320 grit to finish up. My original method would give you a woody effect, the epoxy might be a bit plastic like. Gesso will fill up th...

Yes, obeche grain is pretty horrible. One solution is to rub in some Rustins Grain Filler. Fullscreen capture 09122023 112031 AM.bmp.jpg Rub lots on with a cloth then take as much off again with a cloth. Do it twice when the first coat has dried. It's important to remove as much as possible, across ...

Wise advice from Prospero.
The tanins in oak and ash will react with the wire wool to create a dark staining effect.
And of course my advice was to dull back the wax shine with 0000 wire wool.

But I did say gently dull back the shine.
Don't lay into it and you should be fine.

i second everything Justintime said. If it was a water-based stain then you would need to have sealed it as the stain would come off even if handled with damp fingers. A quick sealant is to wet a cotton pad with a little shellac and rub it over the wood. It will dry in a couple of minutes. Then you ...

It's good to know someone's doing on the Forum.
I agree it would be a little 'anal' perhaps to see it as a primary method of securing the mitres but it certainly adds interest and maybe a way of giving identity to your frames.
And at least they are your frames.

Do you get to use splines often, Jeremy?

There's a guy in London, Beuys Framing doing splines on his frames.
You can look it up on Instagram.

The framer in America is definitely very talented and spends a lot of time on his frames.
He has created a strong identity for his business.

You could just select one of the fillets from Rose & Hollis and glue it to the underside of the moulding you're going to use.
Use some masking tape to hold it in place until the glue (PVA) sets.

If this is for one of your own paintings, then I'm sure you'd be able to paint one of Rose & Hollis's plainwood mouldings. There are lots with really deep rebates.
If you're talking to them, ask if they can send you a printed catalogue, as it's much easier to browse it than on-line.

I've been sending out framed pictures with glass glazing for many years. For an average 600mm x 600mm glazed frame, this is what I do = Cover the glass in this stuff from Toolstation, so if it does break, the glass is still held in place, Fullscreen capture 17112023 64647 PM.bmp.jpg Next, I make a b...

Just a question - does the newspaper in the frame you showed, looked wrapped?
Jim Millar's version was to attempt to show a no wrapped effect.
Whether overlaying then with a sheet of acrylic is a better effect becomes another matter.

Just use 0000 wire wool to dull back the sheen.
Go gently at first and then a bit more vigour if you like the result.

I like the 3D effect and admire the clever way the newspaper is cushioned against the acrylic glazing. Even though the author describes the method as cost-effective, I'm not a great fan of having the glazing up against the art. Not worried about the conservation, just the visual appearance. Would it...

As long as you know that this will only work with bare-wood mouldings which you then paint yourself, then a Nobex saw or others like it will do the job. What you then need to finish the mitres is a 'mitre shooting board' where you use a block plane to shave off the saw marks and finish to a more acc...

Actually, that's a good idea - mixing methyl cellulose with wheat starch to gel up the paste.
And of course, there's the worry, whether alcohol would have any effect on the paper.

If the paper is antique, then no. On modern papers and inks? Who knows.

That's very interesting Justin. I've never used the stuff but can see where you're coming from when trying to control the amount of water on a wheat-starch hinge. From reading the chat on the Grumble, it would seem to be a useful alternative to wheat paste. Another idea would be to use a 50/50 mix o...

Thanks Tim. Really interesting and good solid advice. My only advice would be - if you don't see what difference offering hand-finished frames to your customers would be, then move on. They are not for you. If, however, you do want to look a bit deeper, then go and learn what would get your customer...

I have to admire the way you are able to service all your customers' expectations.
Obviously makes for a more interesting work life.

What would be your advice to anyone thinking of expanding their offer into hand-finished frames?

Or what to avoid or get wrong!