How to Make Professional Quality Picture Frames

Update!! The Spline Jig now has it's own video and plans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OjLyZpU5rc

As a professional photographer for 30+ years, I've dealt with my share of framing artwork including cutting my own mats. I'm also a serious hobbyist woodworker and I have to say this is by far the best video I've seen on creating custom wood frames. You've earned my subscription - I'll definitely have to check out your framing jig.

I used to work in frame shops in the 90's. Loved it so much, years later I bought some basic equipment to started framing in my garage.

It’s so satisfying to watch your process and see how much the right frame elevates and enhances art pieces

You make it possible for a beginner like me to do this with some confidence. You're a natural when it comes to teaching. Your voice is extremely clear and relaxing to listen to which makes learning easier.

By far and away the best video I've seen on this subject on YouTube. Thank you!

I'm also a Framer by trade - Been doing it for a very long time and really enjoyed your video. I've always worked commercially and never made a frame from scratch the way you did. Who says you can't teach an old dog new trick - Thanks for sharing! Brilliant

I see lots of videos with absolutely beautiful furniture but they usually just have some music in the background and aren't very informative. The informative videos I find usually don't have the same quality in their woodworking. Your videos are the best of both worlds :) Thanks for making these in depth videos about your projects.

Wow, those are gorgeous. The frames themselves are works of art.

What an excellent video you have made on making picture frames!!! My mother is an artist and she has given us many pieces of her beautiful artwork that I have been procrastinating on making some custom frames for. This video has been of great help for me...thank you,William

I love these frames! Also it’s really cool to see all the different jigs and tools you have. Thanks so much for the great tutorial 🙏🏼

Hobbyist woodworker here, who learned a LOT from your video. Many thanks!!

Very nice, Michael. I never knew the details of what makes a quality frame build. None of this is difficult, but your attention to these details really makes for a great looking finished product. I'm looking forward to applying to some of my work! Thanks.

Just subbed. This is the best framing "how to" vid I have seen. Great work.

Every step was exactly like I envision myself in another few weeks - thanks for such a GR8 step-by-step video; I’ll watch the other related ones too.

My wife and I are just starting to make frames and your video really showed us how to do it.

Wow! Learned more about frames in the past 23 minutes than in the previous 65 years! Thanks a bizillion!!!

I didn't know about spacers and their functions. So much great info packed in this video. Thanks Michael!

I’m a professional framer and truly recommend this video. So informative. Thank you

Great video! Now I have even more reason to set up a table saw in my garage—you made this look like a fun and satisfying process. The only thing I would add for the final step is to put a dust jacket over the back of the frame (medium weight archival paper glued to the back of the frame with archival rice starch glue). That’s how I learned framed work should be finished anyways, since it seals the frame off from dust getting between the glass and the work. I also learned a different technique for float mounting involving a 45° slit in the backing board with linen tape coming through it. I was told this is the best way to keep the work as flat as possible, but your way looks a little quicker/easier. Lastly, for matting I was always taught to attach works to the backer board rather than the window, and do so with archival paper strip corners so that the work itself never comes in contact with any adhesive (hard to explain the corners with words). I’m not sure there is a right or wrong way, but removing tape (even archival linen tape) can damage the work, so since there’s an easy way to avoid adhesive coming in contact with the piece, This method always made sense to me.