The Framers Forum

Does anyone know anywhere that supplies acid-free/inert spacers for framing art up close?

It seems like the holy grail of framing materials. I know certain high-end framers use an inert plastic for spacers but they probably make their own.

I you can also use mount board/foam board on small frames and I know about econospace, but are their any other products out there?

I'm interested in how other framers solve the problem.

It depends what you are doing, I'm not sure what you mean by 'framing art up close' . For a spacer to lift the glass above and artwork I generally use mountboard cut in 5mm strips, wood spacers - if not in contact with the artwork, or econospace. If the artwork is going right into the rebate you can also line the rebate with an adhesive aluminium foil. If I'm spacing artwork, that is lifting it above the backing sheet, I'll use a combination of conservation mountboard and conservation grade foamboard.

What you seem to be describing is econospace so what is wrong with that?

By framing close up I mean framing with the artwork touching the inside of the frame. It would also come in contact with the spacer so needs to be inert or sealed.

Econospace seem to be the only inert spacer available but their selection is limited.

I was just interested if anyone knew of any other products.

speak to someone at Rose and Hollis
I think they do something but don't know the conservation level

it's a spacer wrapped in acid free paper I think

I use Rose and Hollis F1, a 4.5x6mm spacer in obeche. Intrestingly of you don't use R&H you can gat a very similar product at Wicks in thier hardwood strip collection. Its not called Obeche but it's the same stuff, possibly slightly different dimensions.

Framernathan wrote:I know certain high-end framers use an inert plastic for spacers but they probably make their own.

First I've heard of that.

Framernathan wrote:I'm interested in how other framers solve the problem.

It's not a problem!

Not for me anyway - spacers made from foam board, mount board or a combination are effective, as archival as the quality of the board, which could be "museum" and, if you keep your skinny offcuts that most would toss, FREE!

I go along with Roboframers comments......

I have to make some tomorrow, I might wrap some perspex in paper, or not
Same as Roboframer here too.