Glass or plastic for this size frame?

[WannabeFramer]

I'm wondering what glazing is best for a frame 1220 wide x 650 tall?

It is a budget frame for artwork of no value and needs to be as cheap as possible. A velvet panel which has been stuck down to cardboard already (not by me).

Is that too large for 2mm float glass? Which I assume would then need a subframe?

Acrylic was too expensive when running a couple of options through FramR, and the customer wonders about styrene. Which know is generally frowned upon for quality frames, but is it really a bad option for a budget item? Would it make the frame lighter or just cause problems? I see Wessex do a 3mm styrene cut-to-size option. But 2mm acrylic is cheaper - is that too thin?

I'm thinking plastic will give me static headaches from the velvet though.

What would you go for?

[JKX]

It’s less than a square metre (0.793) so should be fine, especially (assuming) with no mount.

A subframe should only be required if the frame is too skinny for the size, ie could flex.

[JFeig]

Wannabe Framer - It is your shop and reputation. As such, you have the final decision of accepting a job, or not, from a customer who is making unrealistic requests to your standards. You cannot satisfy all of the people all the time.

[WannabeFramer]

It’s less than a square metre (0.793) so should be fine, especially (assuming) with no mount.

A subframe should only be required if the frame is too skinny for the size, ie could flex.

Oh OK! I had in mind that anything more than 1m wide was a no go. That makes it easier for me! No mount, just econospacers.

The frame (at the moment) is 20 x 20mm, so quite thin. It is the colour they wanted. I don't mind putting a sub-frame in - what do you think?

Wannabe Framer - It is your shop and reputation. As such, you have the final decision of accepting a job, or not, from a customer who is making unrealistic requests to your standards. You cannot satisfy all of the people all the time.

You are very right. This is also a sort of semi-favour and they know it isn't what I would normally want to do. My name won't be on the back of it They did actually have another piece they took away again. It was a fragile looking silk print that they said was over 100 years old. I didn't want to be responsible for gluing it down.

[Justintime]

Spacers will mean that the glass is unsupported as it would be if it was mounted. 2mm glass with spacers at this size is borderline for me I think. I'd definitely be thinking about a subframe. That frame needs to be rigid with no flex for that size.
Just remember that if the acrylic is too thin, it's more likely to flex. Expansion of acrylic also comes into play at this size.
Sadly cheap favours can all too often come back and bite you.

[JKX]

I assumed this was going against the glass when I said no mount. Spacers are worse still, less supporting area and more airspace, still maybe OK but as Justin says - borderline.

[WannabeFramer]

No, no mount. And already a complete PIA already.

I am assuming it couldn't go direct against the glass/plastic? Or am I wrong?

So in an ideal world, what would be your go to method/materials for something like this?

[pramsay13]

For something like this I would probably be okay with 2mm glass at a push although I would be more comfortable with 3mm, especially if there is just a spacer and no mount.
If it's cheap I would be happy with 2mm acrylic directly on the image as acrylic doesn't have the same thermal properties of glass so there should be less chance of condensation on the inside of the glazing, but again 3mm is probably better at that size.
20 x 20mm frame is too small for the 1220mm length as it would bend so I would want a subframe or a larger frame to start with.

[WannabeFramer]

I'm regretting this now - lesson learned

[JFeig]

Wise, grasshopper.

Just remember that many of us "seasoned" picture framers on this forum have been there and done that and learned from our mistakes as well.

Be wary when a person starts with.... "CAN YOU JUST"

[WannabeFramer]

Yeah. I am not good at saying no. A conversation to be had. I remember being told never to do business with friends

[WannabeFramer]

Update:

I've gone back and explained things but price is the key. They really do just want it to look pretty on the wall, nothing more. They wonder about not having any glazing at all and just hoovering the fabric occasionally. I suppose it is no different to having a tapestry hanging.

Would the 20 x 20 moulding still be too weak do you think?

If the answer is yes, I am handing it back.

I've just spent 2 hours reading everything I can about glass/acrylic/styrene/subframes and realised its not worth it. They took the second item away to 'get it done cheaper in Birmingham' so I'm not fussed about losing them.

[JKX]

I think if the customer is happy hoovering it and the frame was fixed to the wall with mirror plates, I’d ask myself to make the call - take it or leave it.

The same profile in aluminium would cope in the normal way, but would probably generate the same sticker shock.

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