A beautiful painting deserves a surface that is just as unique. Instead of adding a traditional frame after the artwork is complete, Trekell Pro Team Artist Mab Graves incorporates the frame into the creative process from the very beginning.
In this tutorial, Mab shows how to transform a Trekell Gothic Floater Panel into a one of a kind framed painting surface using decorative trim, molding paste, and a few simple finishing techniques. The result is a custom Gothic panel that is ready to be painted, gilded, or finished in whatever style inspires you.
Why Start with a Trekell Gothic Floater Panel?
A quality foundation makes every project easier, and Trekell Gothic Floater Panels are ideal for creating custom framed artwork. Their cathedral-inspired silhouette already feels dramatic, and the built in float cap adds a natural architectural step around the painting area.
The recessed floating edge naturally creates a clean separation between the painting and the decorative frame, giving the finished piece a polished, storybook appearance. Combined with Trekell’s unique Gothic shape, these panels offer endless possibilities for artists looking to create something truly original.
Materials You’ll Need
- Trekell Gothic Floater Panel
- Decorative wood or resin trim and molding
- Sandable wood glue
- Clamps
- Molding paste
- Sandpaper
- Gesso
- Paint or gilding materials
Step 1: Select Your Decorative Trim
Mab begins by choosing decorative trim to build up the frame on her Gothic panel. In her video, she mentions purchasing molded trim from an Etsy shop, but there are plenty of options. Decorative molding can be found at woodworking suppliers, home improvement stores, antique shops, or even made from leftover trim you already have in your studio.
Choose a profile that complements the Gothic silhouette and fits comfortably around the edges of your panel. You can keep it simple and classic or go ornate and highly detailed depending on the look you want.
Step 2: Attach the Trim to Your Gothic Panel
Apply a quality sandable wood glue to the back of each trim piece and carefully position it around the Trekell Gothic Floater Panel. Mab notes that she glues down any trim first and makes sure it is clamped for a secure bond.
Once everything is aligned, clamp the trim securely while the glue dries. Taking the time to create a strong bond now will make the rest of the project much easier and ensures the decorative frame feels firmly integrated with the panel.
Step 3: Refine the Frame
After the glue has cured, inspect each corner and seam. Because Gothic Panels have curves and angles, you might need to do a little carving or sanding at this step so each joint fits together naturally and sits flush against the panel.
These small adjustments create a cleaner finished frame once it has been primed and painted or gilded. Mab mentions that you may need to carve and sand at this stage to get everything looking just right.
Step 4: Fill Seams and Gaps with Molding Paste
Next, apply molding paste to fill any gaps or visible seams where the trim pieces meet the panel. Mab uses molding paste to smooth seam lines and unify all of the separate elements.
You can also use molding paste creatively by piping additional decorative details directly onto the frame. This helps blend the trim together and creates a cohesive, finished appearance that feels like a single sculpted object rather than separate pieces.
Step 5: Let Everything Dry
Patience is one of the most important parts of the process. Mab notes that waiting for the piece to dry between each step is the hardest part.
Allow the molding paste to dry completely before moving on. Depending on the thickness of the application, this usually takes about a day. Although waiting can be difficult, allowing each layer to fully cure helps produce a stronger and cleaner final result.
Step 6: Prime the Entire Gothic Panel with Gesso
Once the frame and molded details have completely dried, apply multiple coats of gesso over the entire surface of the Trekell Gothic Panel, including the trim and molding. Mab recommends at least four coats, sanding between each layer.
Lightly sanding between coats removes imperfections and helps unify the texture. Multiple layers of gesso ensure the panel is properly sealed and ready for paint, gilding, or other decorative finishes.
Step 7: Paint or Gild Your Custom Gothic Frame
After the final coat of gesso has dried, your custom Gothic panel is ready for its finishing touches.
Paint the frame to complement your artwork, apply metallic leaf for an elegant, cathedral-like finish, or experiment with glazes and patina effects to make the piece uniquely your own. The built in float cap on the Trekell Gothic Panel creates a crisp boundary between the central painting and the ornate frame, so both elements can shine.
Why Artists Love Custom Framed Gothic Panels
Creating your own framed panel allows the presentation to become part of the artwork itself. With Trekell Gothic Panels, the shape and floating architecture already set a mood before you even begin painting.
Instead of searching for the perfect frame after the painting is complete, you can design one that matches your creative vision from the start. Starting with a Trekell Gothic Floater Panel makes the process easier by providing a sturdy foundation and a built in floating edge that naturally separates the artwork from the frame.
Final Thoughts
Mab Graves’ process shows that creating a custom framed painting panel does not require advanced woodworking skills or expensive specialty tools. With decorative trim, molding paste, patience, and a Trekell Gothic Floater Panel, you can build a one of a kind surface that becomes part of the artwork itself.
Whether your style is whimsical, darkly romantic, or traditional, turning Trekell Gothic Panels into custom framed painting surfaces is a rewarding way to elevate both your artwork and its presentation before you ever pick up a paintbrush.