The Framers Forum

Sometimes. I don't have a problem fitting glass directly over a poster, especially the ones on thin paper and not drymounted as they often look better that way. Also when the customer only wants a very cheap job and a discount! When using spacers I often use the ecospacer from lion, particularly the...

Generally I'd say the convention is not to glaze oils or acrylics. It is easier to clean glass however. If there is a smoker in the house glass would be a good idea.

The only advice I'd give is to make sure you use a spacer between the glass and artwork so the glass doesn't rest on the paint.

David.

We are finding business very erratic, through August and start of September it went nuts, then the last 3 weeks it just seems to have died which has meant we have caught up again. Last Saturday could have been a wet Tuesday in February, today was better which was a relief because you don't know how ...

I hope this is just a dodgy batch as I like the texture on Bainbridge boards and I'll keep an eye open so thanks for the tip. And don't get me started on sizing and vellums, which are specifically produced for lines and wash, I'll rant with Robo on that one. It's a great board but rubbish for lining...

Well I think Prospero just about summed it all up, excellent advice. I'd add a couple of things, I use Bainbrige Alphamat board as standard, I think it's a great board, but it's rubbish at taking a line very erratic and like blotting paper most of the time. For lining I use Arqadia and Crescent boar...

Hi Bagpuss I have a High Street Shop, been in business since 1993, if I was starting again I'd do it differently. Either a seperate workshop or more likely working from home. The hassle of rent, rates, local authorities I'd rather not have it. Save a lot of money, all fixed costs by the way, and spe...

Hi Bagpuss It seems I might be in a minority here but I love them and use them (a lot) I think you must have them if you want to offer a complete service. I use Nielsen, as far as I have found they have the best range of profiles, colours and finishes. They also offer a very good chop service, I've ...

Hi Ellis It's really annoying when you think a job is finished only to find you've hardly started! I don't like spray mount, OK for short term use but too unreliable long term. Double sided tape adhesive is solvent based so is going to dry out and fail over time. I used to use it on multiple mounts ...

Hi John What a question. In 2005 we had a shop on a market town high street we had a very good year and in the november took the most orders in a month we had ever done in 12 years. The following march we closed the shop. Why - increasing rents, a 54% increase, we would have had to increase our turn...

Hi TX There is a range of clear plastic holders available specifically designed for holding knives, guns and coins. They are unobtrusive and look very professional, the ones for knives are adjustable for varying blade widths. In the UK they are available from Lion but I'm pretty sure they come from ...

Hi fionnuala I use a vaccum cleaner, blow guns just move the stuff around and the crud has a habit of coming back down again. We've used cheap ones that last years(Panasonic) another cheap one lasted a couple of months(Hoover!). We now have a small Dyson been hammering it for over 3 years now works ...

Hi The method I use is; I make a foam core template, the shirt is pinned to this and then the shirt is stitched to a conservation mount board. With a top mount and box frame our prices start at around £220 for a full shirt with standard glass. UV glass is a good idea but to show them off the best go...

Hi Crofter

Exactly what herbs are you growing and isn't a bit risky advertising here you don't know who's reading. If you get the right crop it'll be more lucrative than framing. Watch the electric bill though. Let me know when you have a couple of kilo's.

Dodgy Dave.

Hi Mr Bojangles

I use the bainbridge alphamat as our standard board, I've been using it for years and occasionally use other boards for special finishes, but wouldn't recommend anything else.

David.

Hi Peter Guess who's got a 4000? I put it in storage a couple of years ago when we closed one of our outlets, we already had a 5000. Overall I think I prefer the 4000 especially when I got smacked on the head from the cutting head on the 5000. If I'd got the time I probably would have swaped them an...

Hello All, my first post, does that mean I've lost something? I saw Moglet's note concerning the Spring Fair and the framing competition and thought I'd like to follow it up. Do you think the objective is to enhance the image or show off your skill? I think it should be a bit of both without overpow...

Hi Sam I got up to the show on Thursday and could not believe how quiet it was, there seemed to be more exhibitors than visitors. I started going in the late 80's, Sundays were a nightmare you literally could not move for people a real scrum. That was when I started visiting in the week although I d...

Hi Crofter Generally I do not add a bias to the bottom of the mount for squares, ovals or circles, or limited editions where you have an extra margin under the image. I haven't come across a golden ratio for an oval but wouldn't be surprised if the width and height are the same ratio as a rectangle....

Mary

Thank you.

Hope you are having a happy Valentine's Day too.


David.

Hi greenfields At one time or another we've dealt with all the above they are all good companies I'd also add King & McGaw wide range and excellent service. I would advise to try and keep suppliers to one or two depending what you want to offer. In our gallery we wanted to offer a wide range and...