Abstract: A filter having a structural framework (45) formed integral with and surrounding an active filtering area, and a process for manufacturing the filter are disclosed. The process includes (a) masking selected areas (40) on a sheet (30) of filter media, which areas will serve as the active filtering areas in the end filter product; (b) applying to the remaining exposed areas of the media a liquid-phase filler material; (c) forcing the material to fully penetrate and completely saturate the exposed media areas; (d) and curing the filler-saturated media areas whereby the filler material solidifies within the fiber structure of the media making that portion of the media sheet impervious to any air flow therethrough. The sealed media area (45) provides a structurally integral framework which is continuous with the active filtering media area (40) of the filter. The filter may then be secured along its integral framework area (45) to a suitable mounting substrate surface.