Traveller_Jeff

Several of my photographs have been selected for hanging from the hallway walls of a 27-story high-rise co-op in NYC. The dimensions would be 24"x36" and/or 30x40.

The local fire laws prohibit glass within picture frames in public places because of the possibility of accidents. They would accept plexiglass, but that is far more expensive than the co-op board wants to go. What can be placed between the surface of the image and the edges of the frames that is inexpensive and would not block or distort the image? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

I use the store Tap Plastics, to have them cut a non-glare piece of plastic for my framed prints. It works great, and is inexpensive.

Now, I always use a mat, so the plastic doesn’t actually touch the print. If it did, not sure if the plastic would eventually stick to the picture?

This is not “archival” plastic by any means, but works extremely well. It comes in various thicknesses, so for your size pictures I would use 1/8” thickness, for rigidity, to keep the picture perfectly flat.

Good luck!

MacEarl

Would a UV matte (or gloss even) coating take care of the permanence - fade issue and could provide enhanced surface texture and anti-glare to/for the print?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I am pretty sure there is no fire code in NYC that prohibits the hanging of artwork in public egress corridors.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/apps/pdf_viewer/viewer.html?file=firecode_chap_10.pdf&section=firecode_2014

Section 1027.4.3 Artwork. The walls of building hallway corridors may be decorated with combustible artwork, including artworks made of paper, canvas, wood or fabric, when in compliance with the requirements of FC805.1.

The co-op board may be requiring no glass because of safety reasons, but there is nothing in the fire code that addresses their concerns. I would ask them to provide a copy of the code they are referring to so that you can properly satisfy their concerns.

I think they are misleading you on firecode, but maybe the insurance company for the co-op has imposed this requirement.

You could always do canvas wrap or laminate your prints to gator board and have them either coated or laminate a protective film over the print.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

How about printing them as acrylics? These can turn out beautifully. Many commercial buildings now use this approach for very large images. You'll need to check pricing, try Bay Photo.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

If plexiglass is too expensive for the Co-op Board, acrylic photographs is way too expensive for them. They’re absolutely beautiful, but very expensive.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Glass is a non-combustible material. It is often required as sign coverage material in fire codes. I think this is a liability issue identified by the building lawyers and the fire code is being used to avoid arguments.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

That's why I added the link to the NYC fire code. But I am pretty sure that plexi or polycarbonate is a far worse hazard, because of the noxious fumes released during combustion. The whole thing sounds fishy to me as well.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Ya think! That's one of the reasons I think it is lawyers afraid of a tenant or visitor getting hurt after bumping a framed work after a night out.

Bipod

Congratulations!

Would tempered glass (the kind they use in sliding glass doors) be allowed?
It might also be expensive, but there really is no good solution other than glass
(and a mat to keep it from touching the print).

You could try getting a quote from a glazier. Framing shops and
art supply stores are ridiculously expensive--particularly in Manhattan.

You didn't say what printing process was used, so I'm assuming inkjet.

Since you're in NYC, I'd go to B&H and ask them. They do sell UV protective
varnisheds for prints, including in spray cans. However:

1) I have not tried it.

2) As stateed on the linked page, B&H cannot ship this product; it is only avialable
for store pick-up.

3) You would need to make a test print and try it to make sure it doesn't make the
ink bleed (every inkjet ink is different, and formulas change frequently).

4) While this product is certified permanent by a private firm, that really doesn't
mean anything. It hasn't heen around long enough to know if it really is permanent,
and the (secret) formula could have changed.

5) A "double your print back" guarantee is not avilable. :-)

Premier Imaging PremierArt Print Shield Protective Coating Spray Can (13.5 oz)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1138558-REG/premier_imaging_3001_101_prnt_shld_spry_coatng.html

I have used acetate-based varnishes (e.g. Grumbacher's) on oil paintings for many years.
I have also removed acetate-based varnishes from damar-resin based varnish from oil paintings--
so I know it can be done. However, I do not know (and doubt) if any varnish can be removed
from a inkjet print on paper without damaging the print.

No varnish or coating is truely permanent. Most valuable old oil paintings have been revarnished
many times. It is a meticulous and time-consuming process, but does give good results. Oil paints
are mixed with a "drying" oil (usually linseed) -- once it has cured it is resistant to solvents. I do
not believe that is the case with inkjet inks. Even those based on insoluable pigments contain
binders that dry by evaporation, not chemical reaction.

Unfortunately, conservation of artworks on paper is much more difficult---and is a separate specialty.
To get the straight dope, you would need to talke to a paper conservator (not a store clerk and us
Hoggers). If you have time, please let us know how it goes.

Sorry not to have better news.

Traveller_Jeff

I’m afraid not. The fire marshal came into our building and told us to remove all the artwork from the walls because they were behind glass. He told us that we were in violation of the building codes New York City.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Canvas wrap?

BebuLamar

If glass is not allowed then I would frame them without anything. I don't like plexi glas.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I was in the same fix last year with a restaurant. The options I came up with:
-Standard frames with acrylic instead of glass, ordered from IKEA
-Acrylic prints
-Metal prints
-Canvas prints
-Printing on gatorboard with a glossy finish and framed open.

The gatorboard & IKEA frames were the cheapest options.

Bill_de Loc: US

Could you find "FC805.1"?

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