Another Frame - Process Queries

[RobM]

so, if I'm picturing this correctly, you would insert points into the inner side of the frame, to achieve the gap? How would they be concealed? Or do you just mean for maintaining a gap behind the mount and art?

I have been doing a lot of these recessed mounts with the wide choice of deep rebated mouldings and my customers love them. As for any gap between mount and artwork or between mount board and fillet I use flexi points rather than arrows as these seem to keep things flat better - I also don't push down heavily when fitting them and leave some depth in the rebate so they are below the edge to lessen the strain on them that would occur if they were put in at an angle when trying to get everything fitted in to a shallow rebate moulding.

[Justintime]

@RobM With the glass cutter on a panel cutter on the wall, if you have a new wheel, pop a drop of wheel oil from Lions on it before cutting, start 5mm in and don't let it crash off the bottom of the glass, it should cut perfectly sounding every time. Since I've been more careful with my technique my current wheel has lasted a very long time. Con clear and AR99 are the only tricky ones as they have to be cut on the correct side. I accidentally started to cut on the wrong side of an offcut the other day and quickly flipped it over and scored the correct side and it was fine.

I think it's more about sales technique than diplomacy. Once you've learnt the techniques of leading the customer through the design and sale process, the consultations become easier, smoother and the customer often notices that they've had a nice experience.

[prospero]

One point....

If you are going to combine a slip/spacer with a window mount. Without the glass pressing down on the mount surface
it is liable to curl.

[Justintime]

@prospero Is it though?? Surely this technique wouldn't be so widely used if that was the case. The way backing board is designed, with a curve in it, placed curve inwards is designed to add some pressure to the work. If hung in a suitable position I don't think this should be a problem tbh. The fear of it certainly wouldn't put me off using this design technique.

[prospero]

Yeah but no but... It ideally needs pressure from both sides.

[JKX]

How widely used is it anyway. - a spacer under the glass as well as a mount, or mounts, on two-dimensional art?

I never did it once. It never would have entered my head and if I’d seen it - any maybe I did - I’d have dismissed it. If someone asks for it that’s fine, and it’s fine if everyone else loves it too. I’d make sure a customer’s choice was an informed one first though.


I’ve done a mount with a spacer too with things like medals with photos etc in apertures as well, but that’s functional, not to create an effect, an effect I personally find a bit odd, with no practical function whatsoever. It draws attention to itself - well. mine at least.

I have what I call art constipation - I can’t pass a gallery - I’ve never seen this anywhere bar here - mind you I don’t get UK trade mags any more so maybe it’s a thing somewhere.

[vintage frames]

Intersting discussion ..

I can understand the usual presentation of paper art - frame, glass, mount board, art.
It all looks okay.
But then I looked at the photo Justintime posted, where he created a sort of cabinet effect by adding spacers underneath the glass.

I liked it a lot - and not just because Justin is a nice guy.

You get to see this sort of device used in museums where the artwork, usually a small drawing or watercolour, is both protected and given a greater sense of importance to the viewer.

If the customer gets that same impression from the finished work then everyone's a winner.

[JKX]

I do like the look of floated artwork set well back from the glass using the maximum of a deep rebate frame, I think it looks better than just enough to keep it off the glass in a not so deep rebate frame. It’s the setting back of a mount under the glass I’m not so keen on - nor remember seeing anywhere.

The same sort of look can be created by setting the glass back as well, either with a deep lipped frame (not an easy profile to find), or a matching (or even contrasting) wooden rebate slip, but although better functionally, still not something I’d suggest.

[Justintime]

I’ve done a mount with a spacer too with things like medals with photos etc in apertures as well, but that’s functional, not to create an effect, an effect I personally find a bit odd, with no practical function whatsoever.

I appreciate what you're saying but design is all about creating an effect. I like to get an idea in my head, design it and then figure out how to make it.

[RobM]

Something I'll bear in mind. I may set up another frame of this style and keep it on the workshop wall to survey whether or not this happens over the long term. Perhaps it's less of an issue with thicker mount boards?

One point....

If you are going to combine a slip/spacer with a window mount. Without the glass pressing down on the mount surface
it is liable to curl.

[RobM]

John, Justin, Dermot - I'm liking this insight into how tastes and ideas differ among seasoned pros.