Newbie Advice - Attaching a large print with no window

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JC01
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Newbie Advice - Attaching a large print with no window

Post by JC01 »

Hi there,

Still very new to framing so hopefully a simple solution.

I've been given a very large (A0) photographic print and want to frame it edge to edge so with no window.

How and whereabouts would I fix the print down so it doesn't warp / isn't loose in middle? Is there a standard practice for this?

Thanks in advance!
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Gesso&Bole
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Re: Newbie Advice - Attaching a large print with no window

Post by Gesso&Bole »

Good question! This can be tricky. It depends on the type of photographic print. And if it is flat to start with . . . .

So, here's a couple of suggestions if it is low value and replaceable;

If it is of low value, and with the customer's consent, the print could be dry mounted. Then you can use spacers inside the rebate to hold the glass off the print. (Probably more time consuming than a window mount, so not any cheaper). Dry mounting does not get all types of photographic print flat, sometimes you can get an 'orange peel' effect. Dry mounting requires equipment and expertise you may or may not have.

Again, if it is a low value cheap job (no shame in doing those as well as the sort we all like) you could use acrylic instead of glass, and have the print up against the acrylic, which may hold it flat. This is not the ideal way of doing it, but if price is important, and the customer understands the options, then it is better than putting the print up against the glass.

If it is not replaceable, then you might consider float mounting it.

Perhaps if you tell us a bit more about the print, in terms of size, paper, glossy/matt, condition and replaceability we can give some more specific help.
Jeremy (Jim) Anderson
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JC01
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Joined: Mon 28 Jun, 2021 3:17 pm
Location: London
Organisation: HWJ
Interests: Cricket, photography now frames...

Re: Newbie Advice - Attaching a large print with no window

Post by JC01 »

Ah thanks, some good tips.

So it's size A0 and is quite a high quality glossy giclee print. (Reasonably thick)

However, it isn't particularly expensive and could be replaced. It was just printed for framing (Although it has lived in a tube for a while)

I definitely don't have the equipment or expertise to dry mount it but was hoping to put it behind glass...

Hope that's enough info, ideas welcome!
Justintime
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Re: Newbie Advice - Attaching a large print with no window

Post by Justintime »

A0 is just over the standard size (for LJ board at least) so you may need jumbo board. Cut the board to the size of the print and place 2 to 3 hinges at the top as normal but fold them over the back of the mount and T on the back. The top hinges should be tight. Continue round the work placing hinges 2 to 3 each side and hinge the same way but give side and bottom hinges a tiny bit of slack to allow for expansion and contraction. Make the frame the usual 2mm bigger than image size. If its a valuable piece use the aluminium rebate tape from Lions to prevent the work touching the inside of the frame. Sometimes you can have issues with gummed tape not sticking to glossy finishes. In which case use P90 Plus tape, but remember to burnish gently.
This size, I'd be looking at 3mm glass or Acrylic (especially when using spacers), so make sure that your frame is strong enough or deep enough to accommodate a subframe.
Justin George GCF(APF)
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