The Framers Forum

I've been asked to frame a piece of art on suede leather from Mexico. The thickness is about 1.5mm, and it's very soft and pliable. It's been rolled, and doesn't lie quite flat. It must be new because it's still got the leather smell. The size is 39 x 21cm and I've been asked to frame two of these separately.

I'd be grateful for ideas on how best to deal with these.

I'm thinking of laying it on to some self adhesive board and then float mounting - if anyone can see a problem with doing this, please would you let me know, thanks

Sticky board and leather doesn't sound like a good combination to me It will come unstuck in the future surely. With your customer's permission could you stitch it (tack with cotton thread) to foamboard (cut smaller than the leather) and then float that by gluing to a backing board. Are there any existing holes in the leather? Depending on the art it shouldn't be that difficult to put in a few discreet stitches

Thanks, I must admit I was a bit dubious about using adhesive board myself. There aren't any holes in the leather and I'm a bit nervous about stitching it but perhaps I'll have to bite the bullet.

Bite the bullet! I'd be lost without my sewing kit

It it one of those that the image has been branded on, if so in the past i have just used a window mount on top, then sewed it to the backing mount where it will not be seen, as there is not much else you can do. If you try to surface mount it , and there are no holes, it will show if you try to sew it, unless you stick it some how

Yes, thanks Steve, I would agree that the image has been branded on. It has rather an attractive border and it would be a shame to lose that if it can be avoided.

Hello

I am about to do several of these and also need advice please. I don't really want to sew them as I'm a bit worried about tearing the leather, and also it seems almost as destructive to put sewing holes in as it would be to stick it to something. Customer is happy with sticking down.

I'm thinking of sticking them to either ply wood or foam board.

Anyone have any views on which would be better, and what adhesive to use?

Past experience or examples?

Thanks,
Megan

I should add that two of them are going under a slip mount, one will float

What about platform mounting it with plenty of space for expansion and contraction with a spaced shadow mount on top?