A well-designed frame elevates a painting or print — it accentuates its details, enriches its colors, and turns it into a true work of art. The right frame can make a painting feel bold and expressive or turn a family portrait into a cherished heirloom. It’s an extension of the art itself.
But achieving that level of craftsmanship takes more than artistic vision — precision matters. The right tools shape every cut, secure every joint, and make sure the finished piece is as polished as the artwork it surrounds. Without them, corners won’t meet cleanly, mats will look uneven, and the final product won’t have the impact it deserves.
Wondering what equipment is needed for a picture framing business? These six must-have tools will help you create frames as striking as the art they showcase.
A perfectly cut mat draws the eye inward and adds a professional finish. But uneven edges and rough cuts can do the opposite, making even the most stunning piece look unfinished. The right mat cutter guarantees crisp, clean lines every time, turning a simple mat into an integral part of the frame’s design.
Mat cutters cater to different needs. Here are a few options:
Manual cutters for ultimate control, perfect for intricate designs
Bevel cutters for added depth, giving artwork a dimensional edge
Computerized cutters for speed and accuracy in high-volume jobs
Adjustable-blade models for clean cuts on various mat thicknesses
Having the right mat-cutting tools in your framing business ensures every piece is showcased beautifully, leaving customers with high-quality, gallery-worthy results.
A beautifully crafted frame is only as good as its corners. No matter how precise your cuts are, gaps will form, edges will weaken, and the frame won’t stand the test of time without a solid joiner.
A reliable frame joiner locks everything in place, giving the frame a tight, seamless fit that holds up for years.
Stock your shop with the essential framing equipment that creates durable, professional-quality frames:
V-nail joiners secure corners with deep-set fasteners for long-term stability.
Underpinners apply steady pressure, holding joints tight without visible nails.
Manual joiners allow hands-on precision, ideal for one-of-a-kind projects.
Heavy-duty joiners reinforce hardwood frames, preventing cracks and weak spots.
A well-joined frame speaks to the quality of your craftsmanship. With these specialized tools, every frame leaves your shop as flawless as the artwork inside.
Glass is the invisible window that allows artwork to be seen without distraction. A crisp cut provides the perfect fit, eliminating rough edges that catch light or create unwanted glare. For a professional finish, equip your shop with glass-cutting tools built for accuracy and ease:
Oil-fed cutters glide effortlessly, keeping edges even and glass intact.
Circular cutters shape custom pieces, perfect for unique designs.
Running pliers snap along the score line, breaking glass cleanly with minimal waste.
Safety rulers provide a steady guide while keeping hands protected.
Well-cut glass doesn’t steal attention — it blends in, letting the artwork take center stage. Quality tools make that crystal-clear finish possible.
A frame should do more than simply hold a piece of art. It should preserve a moment, a memory, a masterpiece. But without a secure mount, even the most stunning work can end up crooked, bubbled, or slipping out of place.
To protect the integrity of the piece, the following equipment is needed for your picture framing business:
Heat presses fuse adhesives, locking artwork in place with a firm, lasting grip.
Cold presses safeguard delicate pieces that can’t handle high temperatures.
Vacuum presses pull everything tight, smoothing out bubbles and preventing warping.
Roller presses provide quick, hands-on control for smaller applications.
A well-mounted piece keeps the focus where it belongs — on the art itself. There’s no shifting, no wrinkles, just a perfect finish built to last.
Frames don’t assemble themselves — wood expands, glue takes time to dry, and one misaligned piece can throw off an entire project. Clamps keep everything in place while the frame sets, eliminating gaps and misalignment.
Equip your shop with the right clamps for every job:
Strap clamps for securing the entire frame with even pressure on all sides
Corner clamps for holding angles in place, preventing separation
Bar clamps for stabilizing long frame pieces without bending or warping
Quick-release clamps for making adjustments without leaving marks or damage
Once the glue dries, a firmly clamped frame stays strong, square, and ready for the finishing touches.
A skillfully built frame and a well-run business need essential equipment. While precision saws and clamps shape the frame, a point of sale (POS) system shapes the customer experience. From pricing and invoicing to inventory and client management, a POS system is the unseen tool that keeps everything running efficiently.
Look for a platform with these features:
Custom pricing tools that make it easy to manage complex frame costs
Inventory tracking to avoid shortages of essential materials
Interactive previews to showcase frame designs before production
Integrated invoicing to speed up transactions and record-keeping
Vendor integrations for real-time pricing updates and easy ordering
A good POS system keeps the focus where it belongs — on creating beautiful frames, not managing paperwork.
Framing is an art, but running a framing business requires the right tools — both in your workshop and behind the counter. Luckily, LifeSaver makes running your shop easier.
Our all-in-one POS solution helps you manage every aspect of your business, from work orders and real-time inventory tracking to visualization tools and integrated payments. This lets you focus on the creativity and craftsmanship you fell in love with you started your business.
Schedule your free trial today to see how LifeSaver can simplify your workflow and improve your custom picture framing business.