Home Garden

How to Use Glazing Points & Picture Frames

While many modern picture frames come with a back that holds the photograph or artwork in place, others do not. These are called open-back frames. To hold the artwork in these frames, small metal triangles, called glazing points, are used. The points are wedged tightly between the artwork and frame, holding the pieces together. Inserting glazing points in a frame is a straightforward task, but you'll need to use care to avoid damaging the art.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Frame
  • Mat (optional)
  • Artwork
  • Glazing points
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Point shooter (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Lay a towel on top of a tabletop or other flat surface and then place the desired picture frame on top of it with the back facing upward.

    • 2

      Insert the glass into the frame followed by a picture mat, if desired. Place the photograph or artwork on top of them with the finished side facing downward.

    • 3

      Pick up a metal glazing point and place it at the top left side of the frame with the triangle side wedged barely between the artwork and the frame.

    • 4

      Place a flat-head screwdriver on top of the glazing point at the location of the small raised ridge. Tap the top of the screwdriver head with a hammer very gently. Continue tapping the glazing point until the raised ridge is flush with the bottom edge of the frame.

    • 5

      Insert additional glazing points around the perimeter of the frame in the same manner at 10- to 12-inch intervals, or at least one per side. You can use more glazing points if the artwork feels loose or gaps are present.