[sonofwezzley]

I'm a bit confused about a framing issue and would really appreciate any thoughts. -

The main issue is - when I see prints framed with mounts - how is the print held in place..?

I did think that maybe it had to be fixed to the mount or the backing board, but a framer was telling me that just the mount holding it in place is ok.

then I got thinking that if thats the case - could the mountboard pushing into the print. to hold it in place, cause damage?

I not sure I want to float mount as I'm paranoid about damage after seeing a sale description recently that the 'back of a print had some damage where a japanese hynge had been removed'

basically any thoughts on best options for framing in the most print friendly way would be very much appreciated, thanks

[weaver]

Aug 20, 2008 14:48:38 GMT 1 @sonofwezzley said:

I'm a bit confused about a framing issue and would really appreciate any thoughts. -

The main issue is - when I see prints framed with mounts - how is the print held in place..?

I did think that maybe it had to be fixed to the mount or the backing board, but a framer was telling me that just the mount holding it in place is ok.

then I got thinking that if thats the case - could the mountboard pushing into the print. to hold it in place, cause damage?

I not sure I want to float mount as I'm paranoid about damage after seeing a sale description recently that the 'back of a print had some damage where a japanese hynge had been removed'

basically any thoughts on best options for framing in the most print friendly way would be very much appreciated, thanks

From what I've both seen and had framed, a ggod framer will sandwich the print between a front and back mount, with the window cut in the from one and then secure each side of the sandwich with either tape or adhesive, using none anywhere near the print, there is no real pressure to damage the print, just the friction between the front and back mounts, further secured when the whole lot is held tight within a frame and secured. Small bits of tape would be used if a piece was float mounted, the japanese paper is water soluable so can be removed easily with a slightly moist cotton bud, or by a friendly framer. There is a good chance of damaging your print if you decide to unframe a professionally framed piece ( remember you paid alot of money to get the job done propperly, and would be miffed if it fell apart easily), due to frame tension springs, taped corners, well constructed double mounts etc... my advice would be to use a quality, recommended framer to both frame and unframe your pieces, they'll usually let you reuse a frame they have supplied for free or at a greatly reduced cost, for mounting and framing a new piece in an old frame.

[icky]

One benefit of float mounting is that the print will be evenly affected by the sun. With a mount you will sooner or later get a difference between the parts exposed and the parts under the mount.

[weaver]

Aug 20, 2008 15:13:01 GMT 1 @sonofwezzley said:

Thanks dude. the front & back mount sandwich method sounds interesting..I'll look into it,

A lady I just phoned in a fancy w1 framing place was telling me the best way was to have the print fixed with a couple of japanese hinges behind at the top attaching it to the mount to let it hang...and that it would slip down otherwise....not sure i'm into that ...prefer the way you've seen..

Cant someone invent a way to suspended the print in mid air within the frame so that is dosen't touch anything?

seriously though - Japanese hinges ok or not?

thanks

Jap hinges are fine, and a good thing as they wont damage the print, IF USED CORRECTLY.
If some idiot decides to rip the print off the mount then obviously, he'll damage the print as the ahesive on the hinge has to be strong enough to support the print and allow it to hang for several years.
Thats why I sugested that you use the same framers to frame and unframe a print as they know how it was constructed in the first place.
Float mounting inside a box frame will be as close as you will get to your ideal, floating in mid air, as the piece is hung off 2 paper hinges onto the backing mount, leaving the print as unimpeded as much as possible.

[sonofwezzley]

thanks dude.

& just for the avoidance of doubt - if there is a mount too, is the print usually float mounted with a couple of hinges behind and then also held in place with the mount?

Thanks