Help me order this kind of frame for my paintings on boards
June 19, 2020 11:23 PM   Subscribe

I have a group of four to six 8x10 paintings on wooden boards that I'd like to display in a group in a modern guest space. This and this appealed to me - something like an "open shadow box"? Any suggestions about where to have something like this made? I don't want the front of the paintings covered, I really like the texture, but like the sense of them floating in the center of an open space. Extra points for brushed aluminum or silver or something with a very modern appearance.
posted by arnicae to Media & Arts (5 answers total)
 
Metal versions of these would be a taller order, but the ones you linked are just common one-by lumber (probably 1x3 pine) that’s been mitered together, the corners tacked with a little glue and some finish nails. The back will be plywood or hardboard, hopefully set into a rabbet. I suspect the finish is rolled-on flat latex paint. This is very basic carpentry with big box materials.
posted by jon1270 at 3:08 AM on June 20, 2020


I think shadow box or shadow box frame is the term you're looking for. Many frames of this style come with glass, but you could leave it off and mount the paintings using foam tape or small spacers so it stands away from the background.
Frame 1
Frame 2
Frame 3
More Frames
posted by XtineHutch at 5:50 AM on June 20, 2020


I've had several frames made like this for paintings on masonite or canvas-wrapped board. The mouldings are just L shaped, and the art itself is mounted on spacers to bring it to the level wanted. My framer had a wall full of this kind of moulding; I don't think it's uncommon. Often called "floater frames" but it looks like you are looking for a lot of "float" - shouldn't be hard for a framer to fabricate.
posted by niicholas at 7:09 AM on June 20, 2020


Your local framing shop can handle this. Do you have one nearby you can talk to by phone and/or email? My local shop is great. I've been going to them for 7 years. The owner just builds what you want and orders the materials needed is he doesn't have them on hand. He's made quite a few non-standard pieces for me over the years. It's so, so much better than trying to find a mass market version of something when you know exactly what you want.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 9:08 AM on June 20, 2020


You could use a cradled wood panel for smaller versions of this (up to at least 18x24). Larger panels will have bracing that would make them unsuitable.
posted by jimw at 9:24 AM on June 20, 2020


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