The Framers Forum

Hi everyone.

I've been asked to price up some mounts for an artist.

The mounting side of things I'm fine with. It's the presentation I could do with some advice on good practice about.

The artist wants the prints wrapped so they can be presented in a browser at an art gallery.

For my own work I tend to buy cellophane envelopes with a sticky tab and just place the mounted artwork inside.

Is there a better way to do it? Cello wrap perhaps? Something to give them an option of including a business card etc?

Though the prints are at least 50cm square before mounting.....

Hi Bang,
Option with double-sided tape is easy if you can get the right size bag, if not you may be able to get one near from a local packaging firm and crease with a Bone Foder and fold it and tape with one of the below options.
Many tapes can go yellow and brittle.

REAL BONE FOLDERS
These genuine bone folders are quality-made tools for burnishing tapes when repairing tears in artworks, applying press on lettering and mount decoration tapes. The framers choice tool for making creases or folds in paper, tapes and Mylar plastic films (Mylar plastic and polyester films for special mounting of artworks without glue or tapes). One end pointed and the other rounded gives you a choice of working tips.
LBF1 Real Bone Folder 152mm x 19mm
LBF2 Real Bone Folder 204mm x 25mm


If you are brave with a hot knife, a solid board and a straight edge you will be able to cut and seal most bags close to the mount outside.
shrink wrap systems are another option.


Tapes from https://www.framersequipment.co.uk/conservation.htm
and https://www.framersequipment.co.uk/sealing_tapes.htm

Tape option
3M SCOTCH PERMANENT MAGIC TAPE 810
An invisible, permanent, clear tape from 3M Scotch with a polyester base.
Code Description
3MMT 19mm x 66m

Duuble sided tape option
PH7-70 CONSERVATION ATG TAPE
Permanent double sided adhesive transfer gun tape. It has a water based acrylic adhesive system which will not react with sensitive papers. The adhesive system is acid free, but ATG tape should never be placed anywhere near the artwork. ATG tape is ideal for bonding double mounts together and apply overall backing papers on the backs of frames. Designed to be applied using an ATG Tape Despenser, rolls will fit most ATG guns (see Code DST-G).
PH7-D12 PH7-70 Conservation ATG Tape 12mm x 30m
PH7-D19 PH7-70 Conservation ATG Tape 19mm x 30m

Mitreman

Thanks for that!

Yeah, I've got an artist's bone.

I didn't think to use my atg gun to seal the wrap, I'll have a wee practice with it. I canny see the wood for the trees sometimes!

Thanks also for the tip on the permanent, transparent Scotch tape, I might make a neater job with that.

I really like the idea of shrink wrapping the mounts. Also I could see more use for that with greetings cards etc. Jings, the shrink wrapping equipment isn't half expensive
though!!

What’s an artist’s bone?

I have the impression that you have a client that wants you to do the "retail packaging" of their art.

Todays SOP is to use pre-formed baggies for this process vs film on a roll. You have to consider the time required to insert your cut mounts into the bag. It is unclear that you are mounting the art behind the mounts.

Whatever the case, it is important to price your time for that process service of "custom retail packaging" based on your shop labor rate. And don't forget that there should not be a discount for your shop labor rate.

JKX wrote: ↑Wed 24 Jan, 2024 9:58 am What’s an artist’s bone?

Artist's bone folder.... not the bone of a dead artist...

JFeig wrote: ↑Wed 24 Jan, 2024 12:42 pm I have the impression that you have a client that wants you to do the "retail packaging" of their art.

Todays SOP is to use pre-formed baggies for this process vs film on a roll. You have to consider the time required to insert your cut mounts into the bag. It is unclear that you are mounting the art behind the mounts.

Whatever the case, it is important to price your time for that process service of "custom retail packaging" based on your shop labor rate. And don't forget that there should not be a discount for your shop labor rate.

Yes, I would be mounting the artwork and presenting it for them.

I like the sound of the bags or shrink wrap over cello wrap or film, it just sounds a lot less footery.

You're absolutely right, I've not quoted a price yet but I need to take into account that it will be taking my time away from other jobs.

bang wrote: ↑Wed 24 Jan, 2024 6:13 pm Artist's bone folder.... not the bone of a dead artist...

It’s a bone folder, no prefix required!

I bag most of my mounted prints. I use cello bags from https://www.fulcrumfilms.co.uk/. They do most sizes you would ever want… except 18” x 18” (so i buy the 20” and fold 2” over and tape it. I use 2400 micron mount board and a 1400 undermount and they fit fine.