Oval Shadowbox

[bugslife]

Does anyone have experience with building shadowbox sides for an oval frame? I'm guessing maybe some thicker foam tape that's then covered with a fabric finish might be the best solution but I'm looking for any and all advice! It's a pretty small oval (8x10) and needs 1/2" deep sides.

 

[Rick Hennen]

We frequently cut those out of MDF using a CNC router and cover them with fabric. rianfabrication.com

 

[Jim Miller]

For that depth, you can wet a 1/2" wide strip of matboard, wrap it around the shape you need, and let it dry thoroughly. You could turn the frame upside down and use the rabbet to form the shape, and if you have two frames, place one on the top as well as the bottom of the matboard band. While still moist, join the ends together with water-activated linen or paper tape. Cover it with fabric to hide the seam. To prevent warping over time, cut a mat with an oval window to match the outside perimeter, and glue it halfway up the 1/2" depth.

 

[Jleschak]

For that depth, you can wet a 1/2" wide strip of matboard, wrap it around the shape you need, and let it dry thoroughly. You could turn the frame upside down and use the rabbet to form the shape, and if you have two frames, place one on the top as well as the bottom of the matboard band. While still moist, join the ends together with water-activated linen or paper tape. Cover it with fabric to hide the seam. To prevent warping over time, cut a mat with an oval window to match the outside perimeter, and glue it halfway up the 1/2" depth.

That’s how I approached it more or less, although didn’t wet the band.
It was a 4” mini shadowbox. Customer wanted to use an old frame so made it work…was cute.