The Framers Forum

Hi,

I would appreciate any thoughts on the following:-

I’ve been asked to frame several pieces of artwork 270cm x 80cm (2.7M x 0.8M). I had previously done a smaller piece of artwork which they had seen using Lion L’art AP11-24 but due to the size of this piece I am suggesting using the AP46-24 (to get the same box depth) with the AP03-24 as a spacer. I would then use 3mm acrylic glass and 3mm MDF as a back board but wonder-

(a) Will this be strong enough;

(b) Can I just cut two pieces of jumbo mat board and tape them to provide an undermount between the artwork (printed on 300 gm paper) and the MDF

(c) The artist wants anti-reflective UV acrylic – does anyone know a source with sheets big enough?

(d) Any other thoughts gratefully received


Regards,

Graham

grahamdown wrote:I’ve been asked to frame several pieces of artwork 270cm x 80cm (2.7M x 0.8M).

It's late and I'm going to bed - but if you'd transferred the metric in to imperial, instead of shifting/including the decimal point, I for one could have at least related.

grahamdown wrote:Lion L’art AP11-24 but due to the size of this piece I am suggesting using the AP46-24 (to get the same box depth) with the AP03-24 as a spacer.

Oh, of course, the AP46-24 .... with the AP03-24 as a spacer - nice!

What the feck are you on about!

Not knowing anything about that moulding (you did not give any size - only a part number) I can only reply to the glazing.

If you have only a standard 6mm rabbit (rebate) that acrylic might flex and fall out as you try to flip it over. I would suggest modifying the rabbit to 12mm width with a table saw and or a router and or use 6mm acrylic.

I expect Graham is on about these as he mentions Lion mouldings:

http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product-search ... ch=ap11-24
http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product-search ... ch=ap46-24
http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product-search ... ch=ap03-24

When you get to something of that scale it's not just a case of making a standard frame but bigger.

The whole thing is going to be very unwieldy. I would make a sub-frame out of timber with a few cross braces - same size as the glazing. Build everything around this and attach whatever hangings to it.

I wouldn't fancy trying to make a 9ft long mount. There is some 70mm flat moulding that Rose&Hollis do that is about 10mm thick with a bevel on one edge. You could paint it or better still, cover with fabric.

Hi,

270cm x 80 cm is approx 8' 10" x 2' 8" in english!

The moulding is part of the Lion's aluminium range and hence quite strong. Also the artist is very particular about the appearance of the pieces which are predominantly black with light tracks on them.

As it's aluminium I figured I could attach additional hangers along the top and bottom lengths and wire between them to provide additional stability?

Regards,

Graham

(c) The artist wants anti-reflective UV acrylic – does anyone know a source with sheets big enough?

you can try Amari Plastics. We buy Acryglas XT AR master sheets 3m x 2m and get them quartered to make them a managable size. Not sure what thicknesses they do over and above the standard 2mm. Contact your local branch via this web page:

http://www.amariplastics.com/amariplastics/contact.asp

grahamdown wrote: 270cm x 80 cm is approx 8' 10" x 2' 8" in english!
The moulding is part of the Lion's aluminium range and hence quite strong.

Ap11-24 would not be at that size it, you will have the glazing popping out the front, it will not hold the weight of the glazing, I don't even think you could use Prospero method with a sub frame with that moulding.
What the artist want and whats possible are two different things.


Steve

I would only suggest that you use the #AP46-24 for the wide rebate. I would only do the job if a internal wood strainer is made and used for additional strength with 6mm acrylic.

Yes. One advantage of the ally moulding is the corners would be super-strong. But it would have to be deep enough to swallow the thickness of the inside package. One way to make it firmer would be to put ally hangers along the long side and screw them to the sub-frame. But easier to use a narrow/deep wood moulding and do the same using mirror plates.

Another advantage of the subframe method is that it creates a ledge on the back under the top rail that you can use with a matching batten(s) on the wall. That way the weight is evenly distributed making a very secure installation.

Hi,

Happy New Year and thanks for all the replies.

Apologies for the late posting of my thank you but I ended up in hospital over Christmas having and operation (what a way to spend the New Year) but home now and able to respond.

The artist was also worried about the size so we have decided to start with five pieces 1M x 0.7M so I plan to use the same materials as proposed for the larger pieces (which hopefully will be for another exhibition later in the year) and experiment with bracing etc.

Thanks again fo rall those who responded and the useful suggestions - gratefully received.

Regards,

Graham

Hi,

Many thanks to all those who offered advice. In the end the artist decided on a piece 2700mm x 600mm.

I think I took all of your advice and created a subframe etc.

Photo's of the back and front of the image. all I have to do now is get it in the car to deliver it!

Regards,

Graham

Well done Graham, look a very neat job, hope the customer is happy with all your hard work, and thanks for the up-date

Steve

Lovely job

Was it just me or did anyone else think the frame was transparent

What is the art medium Graham? Looks like strands of fibre?

Nice job Graham. I especially like your nail varnish.

Sweet.

Thanks for all your comments.

the image is actually a very high quality print output from a motion detection lab. The artist wore a series of motion detectors whilst painting and the various motions were captured and printed. this one is from her right knee. The print is on very high quality paper which as you can see is a majority of black ink withthe white traces showing the movements. The black is very dense and is a nightmare as it marks very very easily!

Regards,

Graham