For those looking for more unusual or ornate picture frames, than that offered by most frame shops, can find some quite interesting samples at auction or in antique centres. Fine gilt frames, that are expensive custom made, can normally be found at a good price, especially if the picture it holds is either in poor condition or has no artistic merit.
Slightly damaged frames can also be cheap to buy and once repaired can provide a high class surround to your paintings.
Re-gluing
Wood has a habit of expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature and will also shrink as it slowly dries out, forcing glued joints to split apart. Nonetheless, if the securing pins are straight, these can be re-glued. Firstly, remove any dust or dirt that has collected in the joint plus any of the original glue. The new glue can then be applied to the joint and the corners held in place with a clamp. To secure the joint, either use a frame clamp, or you can improvise with wooden blocks and string; put two blocks at the centre of each side of the frame, tie the string firmly around the block, then move them towards the corners to tighten the string.
Re-enforcing corners
Some corners might be visually OK but may need added support to avoid stress. To do this, metal corner plates or pieces of plywood can be screwed to the back of the frame. Be sure the frame is big enough for the screws, otherwise the wood may split or you may find them projecting out at the front.
Moulded frames
Small chips in moulded frames can be repaired with plastic wood or cellulose filler. For larger areas of damage, take an impression (using model-casting rubber or dental compound) of a similar undamaged part of the frame. Use this to make a mould by pinning the casting material to a flat piece of wood strip, this then can be filled with fibre-glass paste to create a new piece. The finished piece can then be sanded then painted or gilded to match the original.
When framing your picture, always make sure the frame is deep enough to enclose the painting properly, a problem made more obvious with canvas on stretchers. In addition, the chord should be attached to the frame and not the painting stretcher or back panel and fixed just above the centre, this will help the painting hang with a slight tilt which, in turn, allows air to circulate and keeping dust off the picture.
Paintings that need to be behind glass should be separated from the glass by using a mount or slip (beading). The glass and the backing board can then be sealed to the frame using framers tape to prevent insects from getting in. Use brass or steal fittings as iron or steel will corrode.
Rob Tyrrell is an artist that creates fine quality pet portraits. He also offers a besoke framing service for all his portraits. If you would see samples of his pet portraits from photos, visit his web site www.robtyrrell-petportraits.co.uk