Framing a print with no mat. When not using a mat how do you keep the print from touching the glass?

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

When not using a mat how do you keep the print from touching the glass?

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

You actually have a mat but, it is trimmed back so it is concealed under the frame edges.

Leitz Loc: Solms

cameranut64 wrote:

When not using a mat how do you keep the print from touching the glass?

I glue (archival, of course) a small square of mat board in each corner of the print. Perhaps more along the edges of larger prints.

Edit: Just did a quick search, this looks like a good option:

http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/econospace-1-4/picture-frame-accessories/

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

SonyA580 wrote:

You actually have a mat but, it is trimmed back so it is concealed under the frame edges.

I will try this, thank you!

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

Leitz wrote:

I glue (archival, of course) a small square of mat board in each corner of the print. Perhaps more along the edges of larger prints.

Edit: Just did a quick search, this looks like a good option:

http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/econospace-1-4/picture-frame-accessories/

This is quite expensive, I am making my own frames out of old wood pallets and want to frame some with the full print showing. Thank you for replying!

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

cameranut64 wrote:

When not using a mat how do you keep the print from touching the glass?

Framing a photo without a mat should be done the same way as when doing meatless framing of pastels or water colors. This involves using some form of spacer that holds the glass up off of the art work and is concealed in the frames rabbet. There are a number of spacers made for this purpose as well as various DIY solutions, but for ease of use and an eloquent and professional finished look, I'd recommend using the brand called Econospacers. The nice thing about them is that they come in different sizes (thickness) and colors (clear, white, or black), and are self adhering to the edge of the glass.

Available through many framing suppliers. Here is one internet source:

http://www.artright.com/our-online-shop/art-picture-framing-supplies-hardware-bulk/art-framing-picture-frame-spacers-archival/picture-frame-econospace-art-spacers-bundles-lengths.html

You can also buy these through Jerry's Artarama online art supplies.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

cameranut64 wrote:

When not using a mat how do you keep the print from touching the glass?

What's wrong with the print touching the glass, I never had any issues witch that?

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

cameranut64 wrote:

When not using a mat how do you keep the print from touching the glass?

By using spacers. Here's a good picture of how they work,
http://www.americanframe.com/departments/picture-framing-accessories/artwork-spacers.aspx
They're a square "stick" attached to create a space between artwork and glass. Dark brown or black for dark frames, white for light frames, transparent for where you don't want brown, black or white.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

speters wrote:

What's wrong with the print touching the glass, I never had any issues witch that?

Oh, I have!!! And so have many others. If the photo is never removed from the frame, there is no issue. However, there's a good chance the photo has attached itself to the glass and cannot be removed without damage, after it has been in the frame for a while.
I learned it the hard way, when just before painting a wall, we took the photos down, and dropped one. Glass broke, but that's when we discovered the photo could no longer be removed from the glass.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

cameranut64 wrote:

This is quite expensive, I am making my own frames out of old wood pallets and want to frame some with the full print showing. Thank you for replying!

I would use old wood (or any kind of wood) only for those prints that I have the digital file or negative for. Wood contains lignin and acid, and both will eventually discolour your print.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Get rid of the glass! Easy huh.

I mount mine on 8x10" artist's per-stretched canvas (not flat board)
OR
On Masonite with turned sides that cover edges. Then use three 3/4" cubes to make the print stand out from the wall.

GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

dpullum wrote:

Get rid of the glass! Easy huh.

I mount mine on 8x10" artist's per-stretched canvas (not flat board)
OR
On Masonite with turned sides that cover edges. Then use three 3/4" cubes to make the print stand out from the wall.

Interesting...how do you affix it to the canvas?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

cameranut64 wrote:

This is quite expensive, I am making my own frames out of old wood pallets and want to frame some with the full print showing. Thank you for replying!

I know you want your full photograph to show, but if the shot is nice (and I am assuming it is) then you really need to mat it, you will be happier. I use a mat that is only 1/16 inch smaller all the way around the photo. I mount my photo onto stock, then place my mat over the photo and while I center the photo, I then tape the back corners so it will not move. This way "Almost all" of my photo shows and it sits in a beautiful mat. Just my 2 cents worth.

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

billnikon wrote:

I know you want your full photograph to show, but if the shot is nice (and I am assuming it is) then you really need to mat it, you will be happier. I use a mat that is only 1/16 inch smaller all the way around the photo. I mount my photo onto stock, then place my mat over the photo and while I center the photo, I then tape the back corners so it will not move. This way "Almost all" of my photo shows and it sits in a beautiful mat. Just my 2 cents worth.

I have thought about making a mat with around 3/4" to one inch showing, I guess I will have to try it to see how it looks. Thank you for the info.
Terry

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

Old wood, glass and photo that doesn't touch the old wood or the glass! I call that a shadow box! Photo touch's nothing except foam core backer!