How to Assemble Floater Frames

Glue floater frame

Most floater frames are too thin to be assembled with a slot and peg system. Rather, they are assembled by gluing and clamping. Here’s how…

Preparation: Place the four frame sections on the work surface relative to each other. Open your band clamp and create a loop large enough to surround the frame. Place the corner brackets near where each joint will come together. Have close at hand two rags, one wet and one dry.

Joining: Place a small dot of wood glue on each miter face and spread it thinly and evenly over the miter. Do this in succession at each joint. Then press the four corners together.
Bring the corner brackets against the corners of the frame.

 

Tighten the band clamp by pulling the band through the housing.
Continue tightening the band clamp around the frame. As the clamp tightens, some glue may squeeze out at the joint. Wipe away any squeeze-out with a wet rag, followed by a dry rag. Wait for the glue to dry (60 min) before loading the frame.

Get a Glue and Assembly Kit for Floater Frames

See How to Measure for Floater Frames

See How to Mount Art in Floater Frames

6 comments

  1. I HAVE A 28″ X 50″ CANVAS PAINTED PICTURE THAT NEEDS A WOOD FRAME.
    I HAVE A DEWALT MITER SAW TO CUT MY ANGLES. . .
    HOW DO I KEEP MY ANGLES TIGHT AFTER APPLYING MY GLUE?

  2. I just recently bought a painting that is 28″ x 40″ and I would like to install it into a floating box frame. What size frame do you recommend I purchase?

    1. Hi:

      The size depends on the amount of “float” you’d like to have around your painting. If you order a standard floater frame, our clients typically go with 1/4″ of float around the frame which would mean you’d order a frame that is 28.5 x 40.5. If you order a stepped floater frame, the “float” is built in, so you’d merely need to add 1/16″ to each dimension to ensure there is enough room for your canvas. Just a reminder, the depth of your canvas is as important as the length and width. You want to ensure you order a floater frame that has a depth that is equal to or greater than your canvas depth.

      I hope you’ve found this information useful.

      Best,
      Framing4Yourself

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