How to attach Paintings to frames -

How to attach Paintings to frames -
when Heavy Duty stretcher bars were used.

I use Stretcher Bars that are 1 1/8 inch or
more thick. To attach the painting to the
frame securely, I use this system shown.

First you need screws - I use ones that are 3/8 to 1/2 inch long on the shank.
Then an eye hook which has a hole large enough for the screw to fit - these
are about 3/4 inch length. They don't need to be very big as you will be
using at least 1 on each side depending on the size of the frame.
I use a 1/4 inch nut drive to put the screws in, but a screwdriver will work too.

Location of eye hook in painting held with screw

First, set the canvas in the frame, then mark a location for the eye
hook - an example is 1 on a 24" and 2 on a 36" side. Adjust
accordingly for larger or smaller paintings.
I use a small ice pick to poke a small hole for the eye hook. Once all
are marked, then screw in the hook as shown, leaving enough to
attach to the frame.
After the hooks are installed, put the painting back in the frame and
mark for the screws. Again, I use an ice pick. If the wood is very
soft, you can just poke a small hole with the pick. If it's hard like oak,
then you need to drill a hole about 3/8 inch deep so the wood won't
split when you screw the screw in. Make sure the frame is thick
enough in the area you put the screw, if it's thin, then use a very
short screw as needed. You don't want the screw to come through
the frame.

Eye hook location so screw is secure in frame

Once you have the screw hole
made, just set the painting in the
frame and screw in the screws.
This system holds very well, and is
easy to remove if needed.

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my index for viewing paintings and
helpful hints on modifying older
stretcher bars to resemble heavy
duty bars.