How to frame a picture at home

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Save £££s on framing with this guide

If you're regularly investing in wall art pictures and then spending a fortune getting them framed, it could be time to learn how to do it yourself at home. Framing and hanging a picture takes some patience, but it can be done - and it'll save you money in the long-run.

We spoke with Beaver Frames, who shared their top tips for how to frame and hang a picture like a professional:

Many people let the decor of their home influence their choice of the frame too much. It's more important however to choose a frame which complements the artwork, rather than the room.

Wooden framing is versatile and durable. It works well with both contemporary and traditional pieces. Often, people don't realise that antique framing works well with contemporary art, and modern framing also works well with traditional artwork.

We would recommend either wooden or even aluminium framing. Metal framing is contemporary and often cheaper than wooden frames. Aluminium framing works better with photography rather than artwork.

MDF plastic framing is cheaper than wooden and metal framing, however, it has a shorter lifespan and can also affect the quality of the artwork over time. Over time, the chemicals in MDF can transfer to the painting. This can be prevented however by using foil tape to separate contact between the painting and MDF frame.

Another way to protect the artwork is with a mount. A mount keeps the glass away from the art. Mounts can also make the artwork look as if it is floating. We would advise using an unbleached white or off-white photo mount, as coloured mounts can interact with the chemicals in the artwork.

First of all, when fitting your artwork, make sure your hands are clean to avoid getting marks on the artwork or glass frame. You should then clear a flat working area and place your artwork face down.

Next, you should begin to take your frame apart. Place the frame face down, then use a knife to lift up the flexipoints. Then carefully separate the boards and glazing so you are left with just the frame.

If applicable, you should then attach your picture to the mount with tape. Firstly, place the picture face down and place a strip of tape across the top edge of the picture. Then, turn the picture over and carefully position the mount over the artwork. When these are positioned correctly, firmly apply pressure to attach these in place.

Once the mount is attached, you can start with the glazing. First of all, remove any protective film and clean your glazing one more time. It is unlikely there will be much dust however some may still remain. Once the glazing is clean, place the glass back inside the frame, as well as the picture and mount, as well as any backing board.

Once all the above has been carried out, turn the framed image round to inspect ad see if the alignment is straight. If you are happy with this, you can then begin to hang the frame.

Of course, hanging your frame is a skill in itself. Once you've successfully framed your picture, you'll need to hang it just right. These are Beaver Frames' tips:

Choosing the right fixing for the frame is the first step. This will depend on the size and weight of the frame and image. For smaller, lighter prints, a nail or hook will suffice. However larger, heavier framing will require some form of anchor, such as a plastic wall plug or toggle bold.

The rest of the tools you will need are a hammer, anchors for heavier artwork and a spirit level. For heavier frames, you may also need a screwdriver or power drill.

It is important for carefully choose the positioning for the framing, especially with larger pieces. You want to avoid rehanging framing in different positions as holes in the walls may become visible.

Generally speaking, the centre of a piece should be eye level. This will, of course, depend on surrounding artwork, and the size of the frame. The frame should also be centrally placed between each side of the wall, assuming there is no artwork either side.

Before hanging, you should use a pencil to lightly mark the positioning of the top of the frame on the wall. Then mark a vertical line centrally underneath the horizontal line, so the wall fixing can be applied centrally.

Once the horizontal positioning of the top of the frame has been marked lightly with a pencil, use a spirit level to make sure the line is completely horizontal. It is important to use a light pencil, or even painters tape as this can easily be readjusted to get a horizontal line.

Once the fixing location has been accurately marked, you can then insert the hole. If using a plug and screw, using a power drill with a hammer action is most effective. The wall plug, screw and drill bit should be the same size. Simply drill a hole in the wall deep enough to fit the plug and screw, then tap it in with a hammer.

If using a picture hook, simply align the hook centrally on the vertical line, and gently but firmly hammer in the nails.

Once the hook or screw has been inserted into the wall, you can slowly and gently lower the opening, or wire onto it. If the frame is large and heavy, you may need assistance with this, to avoid the frame scratching the wall. If the wire is pulled tightly enough, the frame should be close to the wall.

Take a few steps back to check the frame looks straight, and you're all done!

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