The Framers Forum

What are my options for mounting a very large drawing on thin fragile paper?

It can't be dry mounted for obvious reasons and needs to be kept clear of glass. I'm thinking of a sandwiching it between Melinex sheets?

If it's square, a platform mount or edge mounting strips

A little more information on the art, please.

Without seeing the thing it's hard to comment. How large is very large? How much of the paper can go under the window margin?

You could proceed using a platform mount so that nothing needs to be attached to the actual paper. It may sit there very happily or it could sag or go ripply. The point is that if you start with the least invasive option and it doesn't quite work, you still have the option to go to the next stage which may involve tiny hinges to hold it, or total encapsulation. Covering with Melinex will protect it and allow stable mounting, but it will impart a high-gloss finish which may spoil the appearance.

Also, not sure of the availability of very large sizes of Melinex.

JFeig wrote:A little more information on the art, please.

1.5m x 1.3m. I don't have the item at the moment hence sketchy details, I suspect customer is seeking ball park quotes before deciding who to go to. He does not want a mount but wants the glass off the image hence my dilemma.

Float mounted - why din't ya say!

Melinex over an area like that wouldn't look very clever at all - too wavy and shiny. I'd be suggesting NOT float mounting but if it was insisted on I'd use pass-through hinges - lots of them and would be advising it's highly unlikely it's going to lay flat, I'd lay it out on the counter and say "It'll look just like that"

If it is a float mount, I would place a board of 4 ply rag under the paper (slightly smaller) and hinge the art on all sides around the board. With the art semi controllable on this rag board you can then attach it to a back board with an open border.

Did I mention, that all those hinges on the sides and bottom should be somewhat loose.