Framing Instructions
Step 1 - Gather Parts
Gather all the parts required to assemble the frame. In the set you will receive a DIY stretch frame, a DIY floater frame, and all the screws, pins, hangers and fixings you will need to put it all together. You will also need a hammer and a screwdriver.
Step 2 - Connect Stretch Frame
Connect the four sides of the wooden stretch frame with the plastics pegs provided. Insert by hand and then gently tap with a hammer until the peg is flush with the surface of the wood.
Step 3 - Mark Painting Corners
Once the frame is assembled mark the corners of the painting with a small pin hole. This will help you align the frame to the painting when it is faced down. Flip the canvas faced down and align the stretch frame with the four pinholes you have just made.
Step 4 - Stretching the Canvas
Double check the frame is aligned with the edges of the painting before adding pins. Once you're happy, place one pin in the centre of each side of the frame. To attach a pin pull and hold the canvas tightly around the frame then push the pin through.
Step 5 - Check for Misalignment
Once the four centre pins have been fixed your canvas should look like this. This is a good time to check to make sure the painting lines up with the frame as any necessary adjustments can easily be made by removing the pins and starting again.
Step 6 - Continue Stretching the Canvas
Working from the centre outwards add more pins towards the corners of the frame ensuring the canvas is tightly stretched each time you add a pin. It's best to add a few pins on one side and then a few more on the other, rather than finishing an entire side before moving onto the next. Avoid placing pins that align with the holes in the black floater frame as these will block the screws later in the assembly.
Step 7 - Stretch the Corners
To stretch the corners cleanly begin by pinching the canvas as shown. Make sure the canvas is tightly stretched all the way to the corner.
Step 8 - Fold the Corners
While pinching, fold the corner like so and hold in place.
Step 9 - Pin the Corners
Fold down once more and fix to the back of the frame with another pin. If you're not happy with how it looks simply remove the pin and try again. Once all four corners are done gently tap all the pins with a hammer until they are as flush with the canvas as possible.
Step 10 - Read Before Starting Assembly
To assemble the floater frame start by attaching the angles to both ends of the long sides of the floater frame. The angles will be attached to the back of the frame which is the side with the pre-drilled holes. These holes are not for the steel angles, however, which will be attached by screwing directly into the surface of the frame as shown in Step 11.
Step 11 - Attach the Angles
Using the small screws provided (the bigger ones are for the very end) screw the steel angles into back of the floater frame. Align the angle parallel to the edge of the frame as shown leaving a small gap between the angle and the edge of the frame.
Step 12 - Attach the Angles to Short Sides
This step is important to achieve smooth clean corners so take extra care here. Hold the two sides of the frame together as shown so that the corner is as clean as possible. While holding the corner tightly together, slowly screw the angle into place. It helps to screw just far enough so the angle is still slightly loose, then check the corner of the frame is clean before tightening the angle into place.
Step 13 - Ensure Clean Corners
When finished it should look something like this. Repeat this step on all four corners to complete the floater frame assembly.
Step 14 - Centre Stretched Canvas
To centre the canvas within the floater frame insert foam pieces into the gaps around the edge of the painting. You can cut pieces from the foam tube the canvas was wrapped around when delivered or folded pieces of cardboard work just as well. Once these pieces are firmly in place and you have a consistent gap between the painting and the floater frame you can begin the final assembly.
Step 15 - Attach Floater Frame
With the painting facing the ceiling slide the frame over the edge of a table or flat surface. While tightly squeezing the two frames together, screw the larger screws through the pre-drilled holes in the back of the floater frame. Don't try to over-tighten the screws as this may warp the frame - they don't need need to be fully flush with the back of the frame. Repeat this step until all the screws have been completed and the canvas is firmly fixed into place. Attach the hangers where desired.
