How to Make a Picture Frame for LARGE Prints

Last Updated on March 3, 2022

Learn how to make a picture frame for large prints with this easy DIY frames tutorial!

This post is sponsored by Mohawk Consumer Products. 

Hey friends! Hopefully you have already seen my recent post about how we added some gorgeous artwork to our master bedroom after having completely blank walls for almost 4 years. We are so thrilled with how much color and warmth the prints have added to our space. But here's the thing… The prints themselves tapped out our actual budget, so we had nothing left in the budget for custom frames, which can be SO EXPENSIVE. So, instead, we decided to make our own DIY frames from inexpensive materials. They were unbelievably easy to make (and we've made a lot of easy DIY frames before–like these and these–but these are by far the easiest and it just so happens I love them the most!). Read on to learn how to make a picture frame with the easiest tutorial ever :)

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And before you ask, you can find all the prints that I framed below :)

DIY Frames for Large Prints Tutorial

Steps:

1. First, you need to cut your wood down to size. Several of our prints were exactly the same size. So, we cut pieces for two frames at a time by stacking the boards on top of each other and clamping them–this ensured that the pieces were the exact same length AND saved us time.

Each frame requires 4 boards–2 horizontal pieces and 2 vertical pieces. The horizontal pieces will overhang the vertical pieces (see the diagram below). In order to get the frame to be the perfect size (allowing enough surface area to attach the prints to them), we cut each horizontal piece to 1/4 inch longer than the print. The vertical pieces need to be cut shorter (to account for the overhang of the horizontal pieces) than the print. So, we cut the vertical pieces to 1 1/4 inches shorter than the the print. I know, it sounds confusing, but it's not. Below is a diagram that shows what I am talking about for the 11 x 11 prints that we framed. But you use this SAME exact “formula” for any size print you are working with.

2. Lightly sand any rough edges created by your saw.

3. Next, use your 90 degree clamps to create tight joints. Once they are in place, use your staple gun or brad nailer (or even a hammer and nail) to attach the boards to each other.

4. Once your frames are assembled, you are ready to stain them! I used my favorite stain, Behlen Solar Lux Dye Stain, in the American Walnut color. It's such a rich stain, it only required one coat!

5. After the stain dries, you can attach your prints. Now, I wouldn't recommend this method for original, irreplaceable and super expensive pieces. But this method is perfect for large posters or reproduction paper prints like we used. Run your glue tape along each edge of the BACK side of your frame.

6. Next, carefully lay your print flat down on top of the glue tape. I don't have photos of this step because our prints were so large, it required Joe and I both to “team work” it. I REALLY recommend 2 sets of hands if you are dealing with large prints. The smaller ones were easy enough to attach on my own. And don't panic if you don't get the position perfect the first time. You can reposition the print on the tape (as long as you haven't pressed down super firmly yet).

7. Attach some photo hanging hardware to the top center of each frame (I used sawtooth hangers) and hang the up!

SO EASY! And ours turned out beautifully. Check them out!

Be sure to save this to Pinterest or share it on Facebook so you can find it again when you are ready to make your own DIY frames :) And if you are looking for some awesome and super affordable large prints to frame, check out my printable art shop. Here are some of my most popular prints.