White Cassetta Frame

A corner sample of a tray type cassetta frame, finished in white, a style that is sometimes referred to as a St. Ives frame. As a guide to prices, a frame like this sample to fit a 12" x 12" painting costs around £25 in materials charged, and the same in labour and overheads, with VAT the total cost is £60

White colourwash

A simple white finish with slight colour variations. The frame was painted with acrylic primer, then a green/blue paint, then a coat of off white. When dry the frame was sanded and distressed, and then given a watered down colourwash. Next the frame was given a brush over with liming wax, which was wiped off, and lastly some coloured pigment was brushed over and the whole frame was given a good polish. The finish is a subtle but attractive colourwashed/distressed look.

White float frame

This box canvas is framed in a 2" deep white painted box frame, this is mounted to a white painted MDF backing, then another white painted frame which is about 2 1/2" deep, surrounds the outside of the backing. The outer frame is a wide flat frame which has been cut on its side or at right angles to how it would usually be cut and joined. This general style is sometimes called a 'St. Ives frame', although now this can refer to almost any white framing, some people also call this style after the artist Ben Nicholson, although I think lap or butt joints and natural wood finish would be more typical of Nicholson frames. With the example here no glazing is used, although you can also have them with glazing, by having the outer (or inner) frame made from two parts; a rebated frame and a space or fillet.

Gesso frame

This frame was cut and joined, it was given a size (primer) coat of glue and was then painted with 5 thick coats of gesso. It was given a light sanding, just exposing some of the timber round the edges to give a slight distressed finish. It was then sealed with clear wax and finally had a coat of white liming wax. It is a simple finish but still has a handmade and crafted look. 

Sprayed box frames

These box frames are made from tulip, which is a good wood for painted and gilded finishes. The frame in the photo above has a sprayed on gesso base which is given a coat of white primer which is then sealed with a matt varnish.

The frame in the top photo is the same as the first, but after the primer coat it has had a bright white gloss spray finish which is sealed and protected with a gloss varnish.These frames are very simple and cleaning looking, with seamless corners as the mitres are not visible. It is also possible to spray directly onto the wood, building up the paint layers to get a solid finish.

White gold box frames

These box frames have been water gilded in 12ct white gold, this leaf is a 50/50 mix of gold and silver.

Richard Dack painting

This painting by Richard Dack has been framed in a traditional profile which is painted white and waxed. It is for the Red Rag Gallery.