Professionally framed art is not your standard framing. It is put together with the idea that the piece on display is there for good. But when you love a piece and wish to swap out the frame, it can get a bit – well – tricky. And more so if you’ve never done it before. If you find yourself in that dilemma – as I did with this project – then let me spare you the headache by sharing how to dismantle a professionally assembled metal art frame.  

It is a LOT EASIER than you may think!

 

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How to Dismantle a Professionally Assembled Metal Art Frame

A couple of years ago, I purchased this original sketch from an antique store. While I loved the piece itself – and the frame too – I did not think this was the right match. The frame and sketch were the same colour, essentially, which just washed out the entire piece.

I decided it needed to be reframed in such a way that allowed that beautiful sketch to shine through.

After flipping the artwork over, I could see that the sketch was professionally framed. 

So how do you know if what you have has been framed by a professional?

If you are unable to pop out the back with your hands, then yours was assembled by a pro framer. If it is a metal frame – like mine – it may look something like this (see below): 

Unlike store-bought frames that allow you to remove the backing with your fingers to swap out prints or photos, professional framers ensure that the art inside is framed specifically for that piece – permanently.

After reviewing a few articles online and taking a close look at what I had, here is how I removed this frame.

 

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THE STEPS

STEP 1: Assess Which Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you are working on a soft, padded surface. Flip the piece over and examine the back to identify each screw or bolt so you know what tool(s) you’ll need.

For mine, there were 2 basic tools required:

1. A “slot” screwdriver (meaning the screw has a single horizontal indentation) to remove the hanging wire.

2. A small Allen wrench (technically a “hex key”) for the 2 small bolts along the corners.

(Both of my tools came from this 106-piece kit. It’s come in handy more times than I can count – one of my husband’s best gifts ever 🙂 ).

 

STEP 2: Remove the Hanging Wire

If you have hanging wire, remove that by taking your screwdriver and unscrewing the screws holding it in place.

 

STEP 3: Unbolt the Bolts Holding the Corners Together

Taking your hex key (aka your tiny ‘Allen’ wrench), begin to unbolt (or ‘unscrew’) all the bolts along the corners of the frame. 

This will allow the corners to separate and give way (see below):

With the corners loosened, you can begin to gently pull one of the sides of your frame out.

Continue doing so until each side has been separated from the piece.

 

STEP 4: Bag Up Your Pieces

Group together all the parts of your disassembled metal frame.

 

Fasten the metal pieces together (I used this Velcro tape. It comes in handy for storing all sorts of long and hard-to-organize pieces in my craft room). Bag up any screws, bolts and smaller pieces. (And make sure to carefully handle and store the glass front).

Now you can reframe your piece into whatever frame you’d like!

 

Trouble-shooting tips

Although there are similarities, no two pieces of professionally framed art will be exactly the same. For this reason, when thinking about how to dismantle a professionally assembled metal art frame, it can feel a bit daunting. Still, you can forearm yourself with some basic information to help you ‘unframe’ your piece.

Here are some common scenarios to look out for:

1.  Dust Cover Removal: If you have a ‘dust cover’ (usually thick paper) covering the back of the frame, it will likely be glued or stapled. Use a flat head screwdriver to lift the staples and plier to remove them. If glued, use a utility knife to cut the edges of the paper along the frame to remove it.

2.  Cardboard Backing Removal: The back of your piece may have cardboard backing – possibly taped down. If you can’t remove the tape by hand, a utility knife can help. Cut along each edge, then pop it out.

3.  Glued Matting: If the art inside has been glued to the matting use your utility knife to gently slice the matting off the piece.  

4.  Hidden Hardware: Some metal frames have hidden fasteners or spring clips just inside the frame’s channel. Use a flashlight and small flathead screwdriver to check.

 

Wrapping Things Up

Here’s that same sketch in a new frame. 

The difference is subtle yet striking – allowing the sketch to really pop in my newly-styled foyer. While the mat is just a bit bigger than I’d prefer, it’s definitely a frame that complements the piece nicely, allowing the delicate lines and charm of the sketch to stand out.

Removing pro-framed art may sound intimidating – at first it was to me as well – but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it is absolutely doable (trust me!). I hope this tutorial on how to dismantle a professionally assembled metal art frame gives you the confidence you need to tackle your own project, and breathe new life into a piece you love.