How to Hang a Picture Frame Step-by-step Guide
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 1
Introduction At Profile, we believe everyone should be able to display their treasured memories, archivements or inspiring artwork on their walls in order to bring life and persoanlity into their home. This guide is designed to keep things simple and spread education on the basics of framing. If you have a beautiful photo or artwork and a perfect picture frame that you want to display on the wall but you don’t know where to start, keep reading because in the following pages you will find a complete step-by-step guide to support you in this exciting project. To make things a little bit easier, we have divided this step-by-step guide into five different sections:
How to attach a photo to a matboard (page 3) How to attach a wire to the back of your picture frame (page 4) How to hang your picture frame on a wall (page 5) How to hang a gallery wall frame set (page 6) Additional expert tips (page 7)
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 2
How to Attach a Photo to a Mat Board In this first section, we provide guidance on how to insert a photo or artwork into a matted picture frame. Those are frames that include a mat board (also called a matboard, a window mat, a photo mat or a mount board). The main purposes of a mat board are to protect the photo by providing space between the glass and the artwork and to provide visual balance by adding distance between the edges of the artwork and the frame. If you want to know more about mat boards, please read our blog ‘What is a Mat Board?’ or ‘A Brief History of Matboard.’
TOOLS REQUIRED Mat board Photo or artwork Gloves (not essential, but will avoid fingerprints on your photo and the mat board) Self-adhesive acid free tape (e.g., 3M Magic tape)
STEP 1 - WORKSPACE Before you begin make sure the workspace you are using is clean and clear of clutter to avoid scratching your picture frame or photo frame. If necessary, lay a cloth or towel onto a table surface. STEP 2 - POSITION Place your photo onto a flat surface. Hold the mat board over the photo to check the positioning and that the photo will fit properly. STEP 3 - APPLY TAPE Next, place the photo or print face down. Then place either one or two tabs of acid-free tape on the top edge of the photo, leaving half of the tape exposed overhanging the edge. Then flip the photo or print back over face-up again, with the sticky side of the tape facing upwards. STEP 4 - ATTACH MAT BOARD Next, position the mat board over the photo, align the edges and rest down to adhere the mat board to the tape on the top of the photo. Push the mat board firmly down over the tape to help it to adhere firmly. Then flip the mat board over and burnish the tape a bit more to ensure it will adhere.
Note: You do not need tape on all sides of the photo. You only need to adhere tabs of acidfree tape to the top edge, so that your artwork or photo can just hang down.
EXPERT TIPS To apply tape on a larger sized or wider print or poster, use a method called T-Hinge, which is evenly spaced, cross-layered tabs of acid-free tape positioned along the top edge of the print only, behind the matboard window. Before placing the mounted and matted photo into the photo frame, wipe the glass with a clean lint free cloth to clean and remove any dust or finger prints from the glass inside the photo frame
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 3
How to Attach a Wire to the Back of Your Picture Frame Every larger sized Profile Picture Frame comes with a hanging kit included. These contain the wire and hanging fittings you need to attach to the back of you frame, so that you can securely hang your picture frame on your wall. However, we often get asked by our customers how to attach the wire. We understand this can be an intimidating task, for that reason, we have created both a step-by-step guide and also a demonstration video to support you in your little DIY project.
TOOLS REQUIRED Wire string 2 screws 2 hinged D-Ring hangers Ruler or Tape-measure Pencil
WATCH DEMO VIDEO
Cross-Head Screwdriver Scissors
STEP 1 - MEASURE & MARK Determine if your frame will be hung vertically or horizontally. On the back of your picture frame, measure down approximately 1/3 the distance from the top on both the left and right sides and make a mark on each side. This is where your hinged metal D-ring hangers will be fitted. STEP 2 - ATTACH THE D-RINGS Place the hinged hangers on top of the pencil marks. The hinged hangers should be fitted so the flat portion is resting on the frame and the ring is hanging over the inside backing of the frame. Take the screws, and using the cross-head screwdriver, screw the hinged hanger into the back of the photo frame. STEP 3 - LOOP THE WIRE With the D-rings installed on both the left and right sides of your frame, loop the wire through the first triangle hinged hanger and secure it by making a double knot. STEP 4 - TIE & TWIST THE WIRE Any excess wire from tying the knot can be twisted tightly around itself several times. To ensure more secure hanging, you can loop a portion of the wire back through itself. Use caution when handling the wire so as not to poke yourself on the wire ends. STEP 5 - SECOND KNOT Stretch the wire to the other side of the frame and thread it through the second triangle hinged hanger. Before tying a double knot, allow the wire to loosen slightly. Then secure the wire with a double knot. STEP 6 - TRIM ANY EXCESS WIRE Any remaining loose wire should be twisted back over itself or trimmed off with scissors. FINAL CHECK In the centre of the wire, pull this up and ensure your knots are tight and the hinges do not move. The wire should form a small arc (slack). If not, loosen the double knot at one end, and refer to steps above to correct it.
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 4
How to Hang Your Picture Frame on the Wall TOOLS REQUIRED
The action of hanging a picture frame can take a few minutes, but the picture frame will probably stay on your wall for many years to come. Considering that you will see your picture frame every day, it is important that you take a moment to determine the best place where to hang the frame.
Tape measure Screw driver
When deciding the perfect spot, consider the visual balance of your frame with the surrounding space, the dimensions of your frame in comparison with other objects on the wall and the cohesiveness and aesthetics of your frame with the rest of your interior style.
Wall hook
To know more about this topic, read our blog ‘How to Choose the Right Wall Art for Your Home or Office’.
Eraser
Pencil (or painters tape)
STEP 1 - MARKING THE TOP LOCATION Hold the picture frame in the ideal hanging spot on the wall. Then use a pencil or tape to make a mark on the wall where the top-center of the frame will sit. STEP 2 - MESASURE THE HANGING DISTANCE Place your picture frame face down on a flat surface. Then measure the distance from the top of the frame to the picture hook (e.g., 10cm). STEP 3 - MARKING THE HANGER LOCATION Use this measurement to make another mark on the wall. From where the first mark is placed, mark down the required distance where the hook will need to go (e.g., 10cm down). STEP 4 - PLACE THE WALL HOOK Use the second mark to screw the wall hook into the wall. Note: Observe any weight limit requirements of the type of hanger you are using, especially self-adhesive hangers. We recommend using mechanical hangers like screws and nails where possible. STEP 5 - HANG THE PICTURE FRAME Use the wire cord behind the frame to hang your picture frame over the wall hook. Make sure that the frame is supported securely by the hooks and check the frame is sitting level using spirit-level if needed.
EXPERT TIPS Larger sized frames such as A1 or bigger, may require two wall hooks or wall hangers to properly support the weight of the frame over time. Two wall hooks can spread the load and support a greater weigh than just one hook. Place blue-tack on the rear bottom corners of the picture frame (or alternatively felt stickers) to stick to the wall for stability.
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 5
How to Hang a Gallery Wall Frame Set TOOLS REQUIRED
Now that you know how to hang a picture frame like an expert, you might be interested on creating your own photo wall display (also called salon styled hang) to not just display a beautiful memory but to create a story with multiple photos.
Tape measure or Ruler Hammer
To make things easier for you, at Profile we offer Gallery Wall Frame Sets available in different layouts and styles for you to choose the one that best suits your needs. These gallery sets are very popular because it only takes a few steps for you to hang it on your wall.
Nails Pencil (or painters tape) Eraser
STEP 1 - BUILD YOUR LAYOUT Lay your frames on your floor following the layout you are trying to achieve. We recommend allowing a 5cm gap between each frame. STEP 2 - FIND THE LOOK Place your collection of photos on top of each frame. Stand back and look at them all together. Does the look feel right to you? Try swap some photos. Does this combination look better? Take a photo of your favourite and final combination for your reference. STEP 3 - PLACE THE YOUR PHOTOS INTO THE FRAMES Following the look that you created, place your photos into your photo frames and save the face-papers for later. Note: if you need help placing the photos into your matted frames, refer to the step-by-step guide ‘How to Attach a Photo to a Mat Board’ on page 3. STEP 4 - DISPLAY THE LAYOUT ON THE WALL Use masking tape to stick the face-papers that you have just removed from the frames onto your wall following the layout you created. Note: if you don’t have face-papers, you can also cut some kraft paper or large pieces of paper as per the size of each frame. STEP 5 - MARK THE WALL Make a mark on the paper at the appropriate place where to hang each nail or screw. Once you have placed all the nails or screws, remove the paper and leave only the nails or screws remaining in the wall. Note: if you need extra help hanging your picture frames, refer to the step-by-step guide ‘How to Hang Your Picture Frame on the Wall’ on page 5. STEP 6 - HANG THE FRAMES Finally, you can now hang your frames and ‘voila’, you have just built your own gallery wall of frames!
WATCH DEMO VIDEO
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 6
Extra Resources PICTURE FRAMING HELP & ADVICE
PICTURE FRAME BUYING GUIDE
Learn how to frame your pictures and photos with style. With their years of experience, our Master Certified Picture Framers offer their expert advice and tips to help you with everything from measuring, fitting and hanging. Our collection of articles and resources provides a wealth of information on picture framing.
Looking for the perfect picture frame or photo frame to showcase your memories? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of helpful blogs, reference guides and articles to assist you with learning more about picture frames and photo frames.
From understanding the different types of frames and matboards to discovering unique ways to display your art, we have everything you need to elevate your framing game.
Our library features expert advice on choosing the right frame size, material and style. We also offer expert tips on how to properly display your photo frames for maximum impact. Our curated collection of resources will help make it easy for you to make an informed buying decision for your next framing project.
Whether it’s learning how to mix and match different frames or choosing the right style of frame for your poster, our experts have got you covered.
Buying Guide General Help
PICTURE FRAMING HOW-TO-GUIDES
PICTURE FRAME INSPIRATION & IDEAS
Are you looking to add a personal touch to the décor of your home or office? Picture frames are a great way to do just that. However, framing pictures can be an intimidating task, especially if you have never done it before. That’s why we have put together a collection of How-to guides that will guide you through the process step-by-step and make it easy for you to achieve professional-looking results.
Are you looking for inspiration and ideas to frame your photo or artwork? Look no further than our library of picture framing blogs and articles! We have a vast collection of resources that will help you design the perfect picture frame to showcase your artwork and cherished memories. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, our collection is sure to provide you with valuable information and inspiration for your picture framing project.
Our How-to guides cover everything from choosing the right frame to inserting your artwork and photographs with care. We even provide tips on how to hang your finished masterpiece securely on your wall. Our goal is not only to help you create beautiful picture frames but also ensure that they stand the test of time.
Inspiration & Ideas
How-To-Guides
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 7
Australian Enquiries 02 9476 4568 International Enquiries +61 2 9476 4568 info@profileproducts.com.au www.profileproducts.com.au @profileaustralia Sydney, Australia
WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM.AU 8