The Framers Forum

Hello,

I have two pieces of artwork coming and they both go to the edges of the paper. My question is what do I do to float Mount because I've seen different methods.

Method one was making a slit in the mat and applying gummy archival tape the back of the art and the back of the mat.

The other was to buy a mat and some foamcore. I find this more appealing but am unsure if it's entirely safe. In short you cut the foamcore slightly smaller than the art. Then you attach the art to the foamcore and attach the foamcore to the mat.

Which method should I choose or are they both acceptable?

The first way is fine if you want the art tight to the backing. Rather than cutting slits I prefer to cut a window in the backing board
slightly smaller than the art and hinge to drop out to the back of the art. Then fit the dropout back where it came from and tape it
back in.

The second way as you say is to hinge the art to a thicker piece - foamcore or whatever and stick this to the backing. This raises the piece
and creates a true floating effect. You can raise it as much as you like, but you have to ensure that there is no way you can see the foamcore
edge from any angle when it's in the frame. This way is handy if the art is slightly wavy. The waves will be less noticeable around the edge
because of the gap.

Hello and welcome the forum

Both methods are fine. As Prospero says, one is flat against the undermount (mat) and the other is raised or floating. You can substitute the foamboard in the second method for conservation board if you're unsure about the archival qualities of foamboard. The first method Prospero described is called the hedgehog method.

Just so you know, there is a framers forum on your side of the pond http://thegrumble.com/index.php but you are more than welcome to stick around here the more the merrier!

I prefer the foamboard method which is also referred to as a pedestal mount.

David McCormack wrote:I prefer the foamboard method which is also referred to as a pedestal mount.

Thank you for the warm welcome. As far as the foamcore to the mat, I'm going to try to be descriptive as possible since I am so new to the whole framing process. I know the basics, but that in itself took me about five hours to learn.

For the method I'm looking for with the foamcore (you called it a pedestal mount *cant find it anywhere online*) is this more or less how you do it?

1) Cut 3/16 (.47cm) thick foamcore 1/4 inch (.63 cm) smaller than the art itself.
2) Mount the foamcore centered on a mat (with what material? Just linen tape?)
3) Mount the artwork to the foamcore (with what material? Just linen tape?)

I get the general way of measuring it out etc. or at least I think I do...but how to mount it is where I get confused.

If you visit the Grumble you'll get to know everything you ever wanted to know about float mounting.

Welcome Karizmo

You don't say which state in USA
Do try and get to WCAF show end Jan in LV.
Plenty of info on the Grumble that David McCormack recommended.
Over 100 seminars about framing + vendors booths + social gatherings etc etc
Its not a cost, its aninvestment

For WCAF

http://www.cvent.com/d/t5fD8bkdRE2Yphsh ... vkk2/P1/1Q?

Karizmo wrote
"Thank you for the warm welcome. As far as the foamcore to the mat, I'm going to try to be descriptive as possible since I am so new to the whole framing process. I know the basics, but that in itself took me about five hours to learn. "

Really?, you are a fast learner it must have took me around 6 months to learn the basics, but when I first started we never had the internet, let alone things like You Tube, forums etc

Welcome to the FF

You have received some excellent advice from prospero and David for whatever of the two methods you choose to mount your artwork.

Best of luck.

Peter.

Karizmo wrote: 1) Cut 3/16 (.47cm) thick foamcore 1/4 inch (.63 cm) smaller than the art itself.
2) Mount the foamcore centered on a mat (with what material? Just linen tape?)
3) Mount the artwork to the foamcore (with what material? Just linen tape?)

I get the general way of measuring it out etc. or at least I think I do...but how to mount it is where I get confused.

Hi Karizmo,

don't use linen tape, it's far too strong for most art on paper, you want to use paper hinges. You need to mount the art first and then mount the foamboard. If you follow the instruction on the document from Prospero you won't go far wrong. Don't forget, when you float mount something you then need to keep the art away from the glass! You will need to make a spacer of some sort which can be from foarmboard or wood so that the glass is about 5mm or more from the art.

For glue you should use a good quality conservation white glue. For suggestions on material types, paper hinges and glue etc., you should visit the Grumble as they can advise on what is available near you!

Hi again Karizmo,

I see you have posted on the Grumble Ironically your first reply is from a UK framer

Have a look at the Lineco website for supplies of paper hinges and adhesives https://www.lineco.com/framing-products

Here's a link to Lineco suppliers that should be near you https://www.lineco.com/lineco-stores-newyork