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Important: Check your new aluminium frame for damage before you take it apart. We can only accept claims for obvious damage that is reported before the frame is used.
Tools and preparation
Your aluminium picture frame comes with glazing (other options are available), an MDF backing board and all the hanging fixtures you need.
- Get the artwork ready. Have your artwork, and its mount if it has one, ready to go into the frame.
- Place the frame face down. Use a clean, soft surface to protect the frame and the glazing.
- Tools needed. A small flat-head screwdriver, for the corner brackets and spring clips.
The corners may look slightly out of line when the frame arrives. This is normal and is put right as you assemble it.
Opening the frame
- Open the frame. Use the screwdriver to slacken two corner brackets and release the spring clips. Take the spring clips out before you release the length of moulding, or they will ping up.
- Take out the glazing and backing. Slide the glazing and backing board out of the remaining three sides of the frame.
Prepare the glazing
Remove the protective film from both sides of the acrylic.
- Wipe both sides and the edges with a microfibre cloth to reduce static.
- Peel the film slowly from the outer edge inwards.
- Handle the acrylic only by its edges.
- Put the cleaned glazing back into the frame (coated side facing outwards if it is anti-reflective).
Anti-reflective glazing: The coated side must face outwards for it to cut reflections.
Fitting the artwork
- Position the artwork. Sandwich your artwork between the acrylic and the MDF backing, then slide them into the frame.
- Reassemble. Refit the length of moulding you removed and tighten the screws.
- Secure. Push the spring clips back into position.
- Final check. Look at the front for dust and check everything is straight.
Aligning the corners
If a corner is not quite aligned, loosen its screws slightly, adjust the mitre and tighten them again.
Fitting the hanging fixtures
Aluminium frames use hanging brackets that slide into the profile. Fit one on each side, about a third of the way down from the top, and tighten the screw. Thread the cord through the brackets and tie it securely.
Follow these steps and your artwork will be held securely and neatly in its aluminium frame.