Framing today, a simple matter of measuring the artwork, sawing the pine framing with a fine-toothed veneer saw, using 8 exact cuts. One mm too long or too short would make the frame out of line, so generally these cuts need to be 0.5mm accurate. Then distressing the surface with a wire brush, sanding, staining, glueing, clamping and stapling the frame. Leave 24 hours to dry.
In the mean time, measure and cut a backing board from 3mm MDF. Mark mount-board for the spacer, using the frame recess as a guide, cut an aperture to make the width of the spacer 7mm or so. Laser-print the labels, adhere one to the rear of the artwork stating title, medium, date. Then measure glass using the recess of the frame, score with your Toyo glass cutter and snap.
Next day, unclamp the frame. Mark holes for fixings; mirror plates or D-rings, by measuring the appropriate distance down and using a scratch awl to mark the centre points, then drill with a 2.5mm drill. Varnish the frame, sand and retouch, revarnish, or paint if needed.
Once dry, polish the glass with glass cleaner or methylated spirits and assemble in the frame, followed by the spacer, painting, backing board, removing dust as you go. Check the image from the front for dust and that all looks well. Apply pins to hold the painting in. Add optional framer's tape all the way around the edge to form a dust seal (I tend to avoid this stage because it can look messy and make disassembling the frame awkward and damaging). Apply the second label to the back. Screw in fixings, tie nylon hanging cord, apply masking tape to loose ends of the string.
