Framing - 3 questions

[louismccullagh]

Hi

1. Can I just 'hang' a 310gm digital print (canson platine rag) on to the mountboard with an aperture cut into it. Will it curl?
2. When i frame a print behind glass is there any way to keep moisture out (I am worried about curls or wrinkles developing over time).
3.  When framing what sort of size of mount should I have around eg a 14x10" image (printed on a 11.7x16.5" sheet - A3).

Thank you for your advice.

[dgberg]

1. Might curl. The way to prevent curling would be to mount the print to foamboard or gatorboard.
2. Again mount to gator or foamboard if the hinge tape method doesn't work for you.
3. If by mount you mean frame size? If you are taking to a framer just give them the print and pick a frame. That's the easy way as what you are doing is more than likely a custom size.

[mcbroomf]

#3 is your personal preference.  You are asking really (I think) what size mat width should you have around the image itself (10x14).  Some images seem to look better with large(r) vs small(er) matt widths as well.  If you're looking for a number I'd suggest going to a gallery or art store and look at images of a similar size and see what you like.  Consider the frame width as well, as that will also have a visual impact.

[louismccullagh]

Thank you all.

If I mount it to a board (before using a mat around it) what is best? A sticky board? I was wondering about the conservation aspects.

[Jonathan Cross]

I use 3M Spray Mount sprayed all over the back of the print.  With this spray the image can be adjusted on the mount.

Jonathan

[TonyW]

There is a free application (Windows only) that may help you visualise your requirements for print size, mount size, mat size, etc.  It is now no longer supported by the author (AFAIK) and can be found by doing a search for MatWorks.

For conservation mounting have you looked at photo corners>
https://www.preservationequipment.com/Catalogue/Archival-Storage/Photographic-Storage/Self-Adehsive-Preformed-Mounting-Corners

[louismccullagh]

Thank you all for the advice, I will follow them up.

[louismccullagh]

I found these for anyone else asking the same questions.
Matting Advice

Mat Styles

[fdi]

1. Yes, this is the typical museum method for archival framing, assuming you just attach the print at two places at the top (three for large prints). The print will expand and contract at different rates than the mount board or mat board with temperature changes. If you use a solid piece of tape on the top or other edges then buckling will likely occur in a short amount of time.

Yes, it might curl a little, especially if you are in a high humidity area such as coastal region. If the humidity is reasonable and the paper is a decent thickness, it may not curl at all. I have lots of prints hung like this that have not curled. Fine art collectors realize this is archival printing because it allows the print to be easily removed from the frame and placed in a new frame. Of course if you are in an area with serious humidity problems then the wood in the frame may warp.

2. You can use Frame Sealing Tape to seal between the mountboard on the back and the edge of the frame. This can help keep out dust and reduce moisture.

3. This is mostly personal preference but typically I would use at least 2 inch borders for 18x14. As long as the frame is larger than the paper you will not need to trim it.

I am the owner of Frame Destination where some other links were posted and we have additional picture framing info.