How I Frame my Paintings -Update

I first posted this tutorial on February 2015. Since then I've found other/new floating frames that are worth a look: 

dickblick.com - Blick Grande Wood Floater Frames

Some of these frames may only accommodate painting panels with a cradled backing. In that case the panel attaches to the frame from the backside with screws. Other ways to attach cradled panels to floaters are with some sort of offset clips as shown below.     

     

Jerrysartarama.com - Illusions Floater Canvas Frames 3/4" Deep
CanvasPlace.com - 1.25" Deep BLACK Floater Frames (7/8" rabbet)

My Post from 2015

Supplies needed (most are available at any local arts and crafts store):

• floating frame (I recommend those at CanvasPlace.com)
• hanging hardware: D-ring hangers and braided picture wire
• clear all purpose household caulking (available at most hardware stores)
• black foam board
• mat cutter
• mat cutting board
• metal ruler
• screwdriver

I'm using a 6" x 6" floating frame from but you can use any available size to match your painting. I paint on Ampersand Gessobord 1/8" flat panels available at Jerry's Artarama.

Attach the hanging hardware to the back of the floating frame. 

Using the mat cutter, ruler, and cutting board, cut two pieces from black foam board. One piece is 6 1/8" x 6 1/8" (the interior dimensions of the floating frame) to insert into the front of the frame. The second piece is 5" x 5" to place on top of the first piece.

Run a bead of clear household caulking around the inner ledge of the floating frame and press the 6 1/8" x 6 1/8" foam board in place. Place several dabs of caulking onto the 5" x 5" foam board. Center and attach it to the top of the larger foam board piece.

Place several dabs of caulking on top of the smaller foam board piece. Making sure that the painting and the frame are both right-side up (with the hanging hardware near the top of the frame), adhere the painting to smaller foam board.

The painting will appear to float in frame.