The Framers Forum

I haven't done this before so was hoping for some guidance. I am wanting to fit a narrow flat slip (14mm wide, 10mm deep, no rebate - specifically Wessex PW213) inside a larger frame (rebate 7mm wide, 20mm deep - specifically LJ Hampshire II) and to drop in an artwork that's on board approx 5mm thick. I was thinking I would assemble the slip with outer dimensions to match the size of the artwork, allowing me to drop the board-slip-sandwich (total thickness 15mm) into the main frame rebate.

However, with this approach, I'm going to loose 14mm of each edge of the artwork behind the slip, which seems excessive. Therefore I'm considering assembling the slip to dimensions which leave only about 6mm of the artwork covered on each side (as with a regular frame). But then I'm confused as to how I will fix the board to the slip and the board/slip sandwich to the main frame.

I'm wondering whether perhaps the flat slips aren't designed for this purpose and I should be using one which has a rebate. However, the rebate ones tend to be rather more chunky than the client was hoping for - and I'm also wondering what (if not this) the flat slips are actually for. I am familiar with the thin, ridged fillets designed to go behind mount board - but atm these flat ones (which tend to have a groove down one side - Wessex A046/A047/B1231 are further examples) are flummoxing me.

Many thanks
Catherine

I'm not entirely sure that I understand but here goes what I would do. Cut and join your flat slip to only cover as much of the artwork as you want, maybe 5mm all round. Cut your frame to fit the slip. Cover the underside of the slip in rebate tape to protect the artwork from the wood, to create a barrier. Place the slip in the frame. Place the artwork onto the slip. Pack out the space between the artwork and the frame with slips of mountboard/ cut down slip, just something to prevent it from moving. Lay a backing board on top and fit as usual.

There's no need to affix the artwork to the slip in fact it is best practice not to.

I would do the same as justin

Thank you. All clear and understood - and sounds rather easier than I was expecting.

Maybe use 5mm foamboard strips to fill the gaps.
A few spots of pva to hold them on to the slip.