How to Make a Picture Frame?

Many of us would like to display our favorite ones in picture frames at our homes and offices. If you want to display your pictures, you can DIY your own picture frame. A laser cutter would be an ideal tool for this DIY project. You can cut whatever frame you like with it.

In this article, we'll share the materials you need and the step-by-step process of creating a DIY picture frame with a laser cutter.

Materials and Tools Needed

Laser Cutting Machine

A laser cutter is the main tool for this project. It will be used for cutting the desired shape of the frame from wood, MDF, cardboard or acrylic sheets. The machine can also engrave anything you like on the frame.

Plywood Sheets

The base or primary material for making a picture frame could be plywood or MDF. These are the ideal materials to create a sturdy frame; however, acrylic can also be used.

Glue

The picture frame will be in several parts after cutting, so you will have to use glue to stick pieces together. For sticking wood and similar materials, German glue is an excellent choice. It appears to be white when you apply it but after drying it becomes transparent.

Paint

You can paint the frame to make it more appealing. For that, spray paint is the recommended option because it is easier to apply. You can also do acrylic paint, oil paint, or whatever you like.

Frame Hooks or Hanging Rope

If you want to hand the frame, you need frame hooks or a hanging rope. You can select any of them. However, some picture frames have a base that keeps them standing. Thus, there is no need for hooks and ropes.

Steps to Make Your Own Picture Frame

Step 1: Designing Your Picture Frame

For laser cutting, you need a design file. It could be DXF, SVG, AI, etc. You can make the whole design on

If you have experience in graphics design, you can create your own design using Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or any other software you find suitable. Otherwise, you can get ready-made designs online. 

Once the design is ready, open the laser software and import the design. Some laser software, such as XCS, also allows you to make some changes in the design.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Laser Cutter

Turn on the laser machine and connect it with the software. Now, you need to adjust the settings of the laser. 

Step 3: Cutting and Engraving Your Picture Frame

Place the MDF or plywood sheet in the working area. Now, adjust the focus of the laser module according to the thickness of the material either automatically or manually, based on the machine's feature.

Then preview the laser path to see if the size and position of the design are within the limits.

Finally, start the cutting process. 

Step 4: Assembling and Finishing the Picture Frame

After cutting the frame, take out the sheet carefully from the working area. Clean the parts and assemble them. You will need glue here to fix the pieces. Apply glue and let it dry for a few hours.

In our case, we do not need frame hooks or rope. It has a base, which makes it a standing picture frame. But if yours is different, you can fix the hooks or rope using screws.

Step 5: Fitting Your Picture into the Frame

The fitting of the picture depends on the frame. In our case, we only need to insert the picture from the top. But in most picture frames, you need to mount the images and then place a backing, which is fixed to the frame using glue.

Conclusion

Creating a picture frame using a laser machine is an interesting DIY project. You can convert a small sheet of plywood or MDF into a beautiful picture frame. It is possible to design the frame as you like. We have shared the step-by-step method to complete this DIY project. Follow the steps and share your results with us!