Ceramic baby footprints?

[AJP]

Hello

New member posting for first time ... Only one week into picture framing as a career and I've landed a job somewhat less than straightforward (to me, at least).

I've been asked to frame some baby footprints, which have been pressed into some kind of homemade clay or dough and then painted. The hardened lump is very heavy and very deep - would probably need a 3" rebate to accommodate, not allowing for some pretty serious backboard.

So far I'm thinking that I need to fix the dough-lump onto a painted plywood backboard, then build a box frame. Does that sound sensible enough?!

Also, in terms of glazing I'm veering away from glass (as this kind of construction will presumably, over time, let in dust and insects) and thinking it would possibly be more appropriate to seal the lump itself with some form of varnish.

All ideas very welcome, but please remember: I'm a novice - be kind!!

[Roboframer]

Welcome to the forum AJP!

How heavy is it and what shape? - I'm guessing circular.

There's no need to paint the backing board (and there are suitable boards around that are far lighter/thinner/easier to cut than plywood), you can bond mount board to it and use the same to line the rebate of your box frame.

Regards glazing, there would be no more problems with dust and insects than there would be with any other frame where the glass was not sealed, so if it's a concern, seal the glass in.

I'd recommend you do use glass (or acrylic) - not least of all because its flat surface is easier to clean than all the nooks and crannies left open to the elements without it, but if for any reason you don't, well you won't need a box frame at all, depth is normally required to space the glass from the artwork. I'd not volunteer to varnish it either, that comes under the heading of 'altering the original condition' and with or without customer consent, one chance is what you get.

[misterdiy]

Hi AJP and welcome

We have done a number of these and we pretty much follow robo's methods. We use glass and the seal, although not airtight, is good when you have the lined fillet in the box.

We bond our feet with silcone to the mountboard which has already been bonded to the backboard. They are fired clay which isnt that heavy, but silicone has tremendous sheer strength. We haven't had one come back yet. That's tempting fate. Probably get one back tomorrow now

[prospero]

Hi and Welcome AJP

Never done anything quite like this but there was a very similar question on the US framers Forum. that may be useful.

[AJP]

Thanks everyone - grateful for all your help.

The lump weighs about 1kg, and yes, it's circular. I'm off to stock up on silicone!