When you opt for DIY custom framing, you have the freedom and control to make your own decisions about frames and other elements all along the way. And that freedom should be accompanied by an assembly process that exemplifies simplicity and helps protect your piece.
At American Frame, we’re always here to help guide your efforts and make the custom framing experience a simplified one. In this article, we’re focusing on the proper way to back a wood frame, including tips on how to tackle this DIY framing project for a beautiful, professional-looking presentation that protects the art.
A dust cover is a methodically cut sheet of Kraft paper or acid-free backing paper used to cover the back of a custom wood frame, preventing bugs, dust and other debris from getting anywhere near your work. It also helps to stabilize the level of humidity inside your wood frame, which can be negatively impacted by moisture. Applied correctly, a dust cover effectively seals the backside of a wood frame, protecting the work from damaging particles and adding a professional flair to the finished treatment.
Follow along as our framing specialists illustrate these easy, step-by-step directions for backing a wood frame with a protective paper that not only looks professional, but also safeguards your artwork or photography.
Step 1: Apply adhesive transfer tape.
Adhesive transfer tape is a double-sided, professional-quality framing tape used in mounting artwork to a backing board, adhering mat boards to backing board, attaching double mats to each other or adhering dust covers to the back of wood frames. It is recommended as a basic element of a DIY framing supply kit.
As the first step in backing your wood frame, you’ll want to apply a strip of ATG tape to the back lip of the wood moulding, all the way around the perimeter. For ease and efficiency of application, consider using an adhesive tape applicator.
