Picture Framing Tabs: The ULTIMATE Guide!

Picture Framing Tabs: The ULTIMATE Guide!

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of picture framing tabs, covering everything from what they are and why they’re used, to the different types available and how to choose the best ones for your specific framing needs.

What are Picture Framing Tabs?

Picture framing tabs are small, often flexible pieces of metal or plastic used to hold the contents of a picture frame (artwork, matboard, glass, backing board) securely in place. They are inserted into the frame’s rabbet (the recessed area around the inside edge of the frame) to apply pressure against the backing board, preventing the contents from shifting or falling out.

• Think of them as the unsung heroes of the framing world. While the frame itself provides the aesthetic appeal, the tabs ensure everything remains stable and protected.
• Without proper tabs, your artwork could easily slide around, gather dust, or even become damaged.

Why Use Picture Framing Tabs?

Using picture framing tabs offers several key advantages:

• Security: They keep the contents of the frame securely in place, preventing shifting or falling out.
• Protection: They help protect your artwork, glass, and backing board from damage caused by movement or dust.
• Professional Finish: They contribute to a clean and professional look, ensuring the back of the frame is neat and tidy.
• Ease of Use: Most picture framing tabs are easy to install, making them a convenient solution for both amateur and professional framers.
• Removability: Many types of tabs are designed to be easily removed if you need to access the contents of the frame, allowing for easy artwork changes.

Types of Picture Framing Tabs

There are various types of picture framing tabs available, each with its own strengths and suitability for different applications. Let’s explore the most common options:

Metal Framing Tabs

Metal tabs are typically made from spring steel or flexible metal alloys. They are known for their durability and strong holding power.

• Spring Steel Tabs: Offer excellent spring tension and are ideal for frames that need to hold heavier items.
• Flexible Metal Tabs: Easier to bend and adjust, making them suitable for a wider range of frame depths.
• Waved Tabs: Designed with a wave shape to provide consistent pressure even with slight variations in frame depth.

Plastic Framing Tabs

Plastic tabs are generally more affordable than metal tabs and are often easier to install and remove.

• Bendable Plastic Tabs: Can be easily bent to fit the frame and provide good holding power for lighter items.
• Rigid Plastic Tabs: Offer more stability than bendable tabs and are suitable for frames that require a firmer hold.
• Twist Tabs: Designed to be twisted into place, providing a secure and adjustable hold. These can be particularly helpful with wood frames.

Specialty Tabs

Besides the common types, some specialty tabs cater to specific framing needs:

• Offset Clips: These are specifically useful for securing canvas art that has been stretched over a frame.
• Corner Clips: Designed to hold frame corners together, particularly during the framing process. While not picture framing tabs in the truest sense, they offer important support.

Choosing the Right Picture Framing Tabs

Selecting the best picture framing tabs depends on several factors:

1. Frame Type: Consider the material of the frame (wood, metal, plastic) and the depth of the rabbet.

2. Contents Weight: Heavier items require stronger tabs, such as spring steel or rigid plastic. Lighter items can be secured with bendable plastic or flexible metal tabs.

3. Ease of Installation: Some tabs are easier to install than others. If you’re new to framing, consider tabs that are simple to bend or twist into place.

4. Removability: If you anticipate changing the contents of the frame frequently, choose tabs that are easy to remove and reinstall.

5. Cost: Metal tabs tend to be more expensive than plastic tabs. Consider your budget when making your selection.

The following table helps summarize:

Factor	Considerations	Recommended Tab Types
Frame Material	Wood: Consider tabs that won’t damage the wood. Metal: Consider tabs that won’t corrode.	Wood: Twist tabs, bendable plastic. Metal: Stainless steel.
Contents Weight	Heavy: Requires strong holding power. Light: Requires less holding power.	Heavy: Spring steel, rigid plastic. Light: Bendable plastic, flexible metal.
Installation Skill	Beginner: Choose easy-to-use tabs. Experienced: Wider range of options.	Beginner: Bendable plastic, twist tabs.
Frequency of Change	Frequent: Select easy-to-remove tabs. Infrequent: Secure tabs are priority.	Frequent: Twist tabs, easily bendable tabs.

Installing Picture Framing Tabs

The installation process generally involves the following steps:

1. Prepare the Frame: Ensure the frame is clean and free of any debris.

2. Insert the Contents: Carefully place the artwork, matboard, glass, and backing board into the frame.

3. Position the Tabs: Place the picture framing tabs along the inside edge of the rabbet, spacing them evenly around the frame.

4. Secure the Tabs: Depending on the type of tab, bend them into place, twist them, or use a specialized tool to secure them.

5. Check for Security: Ensure that the contents of the frame are held securely in place and do not shift or fall out.

Numbered lists might also be appropriate here, depending on the specifics of the different tab types, so an alternative presentation could be:

1. For Bendable Metal/Plastic Tabs:
   1. Position the tab so it rests against the backing board.
   2. Bend the tab inward until it presses firmly against the backing. A flathead screwdriver can assist in achieving a tight bend.
2. For Twist Tabs:
   1. Insert the tab into the rabbet.
   2. Twist the tab until it locks into place.
3. For Spring Steel Tabs:
   1. Position the tab.
   2. Use a tab inserting tool to insert the tab firmly into the rabbet. These tabs will hold themselves in place once inserted.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you may encounter issues when using picture framing tabs. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Tabs Not Holding: This could be due to using the wrong type of tab for the weight of the contents or not bending/twisting the tabs properly. Try using stronger tabs or ensuring they are securely in place.
• Tabs Damaging the Frame: This can happen if the tabs are too stiff or if excessive force is used during installation. Use gentler tabs and avoid over-bending them. For softer wood frames, consider using twist tabs to avoid cracking.
• Tabs Breaking: This is more common with cheaper plastic tabs. Invest in higher-quality tabs that are more durable.
• Tabs Bending out of Shape: This could occur when trying to remove and re-use tabs. Replace with new tabs instead of re-using bent tabs.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about picture framing tabs. Now go forth and frame with confidence!