Framing Prints

jakeblu

jakeblu

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Steve
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Hi, looking for some advice here regarding the seemingly simple process of framing prints. I say seeming simple because I am having serious problems especially with larger prints.

Every large size print I frame (ie above 16x12) always seems to end up looking rippled, for want of a better word. I tape them down on the sides and corners but its just not working for me despite how much I try to smooth out before replacing the back.

So come on folks help me out here what is your workflow for placing your prints into frames.

Steve
 
Double sided mounting tape either in a diagonal cross or several vertical and horizontal lines dependent on the size. Get the stuff that is not too permanent but more "tacky" and either start at the top and roll downwards or at one side making sure it is straight.
 
Watched a guy do it once though I've not tried it myself. He had some white card cut to the print size. Pasted some gum (the type kids use at school) onto the card using a artists brush, he then carefully spread the print over the gummed area, flattened it all out with one of these plastic rollers you use for pressing down the edge of wallpaper when decorating. He made it all look so easy but he's been doing it for yrs

I suppose the only downside of using gum is it would be more dificult to remove the pic if changing frames.
 
How about just taping it along the top only? It's in a frame so it's not going anywhere but that should allow the print enough movement to just hang there without any "ripples"
 
Bill Roberts said:
How about just taping it along the top only? It's in a frame so it's not going anywhere but that should allow the print enough movement to just hang there without any "ripples"
Click to expand...

Having done a framing course myself I agree with Bill.

Most framers will only tape across the top and allow the print to hang down inside the frame naturally.

This eliminates any creases etc that result from trying to tape all four sides or all four corners. :)
 
Bill Roberts said:
How about just taping it along the top only? It's in a frame so it's not going anywhere but that should allow the print enough movement to just hang there without any "ripples"
Click to expand...


Exactly how I do mine after receiving some kind advice from someone "in the trade", never had any problems... I don't apply tape the full length of the print, just a strip at either side

I also have mounts cut to custom sizes as I sometimes find that standard apertures don't have enough overlap for the print

you probably know already but just in case... for framing you should always use Matt or Lustre prints, these minimise any reflection...gloss prints under glass show every small crease & imperfection.

simon
 
Thanks there are some great replies here.

I think I like the idea of just taping the top and letting the print hang in the frame naturally seems to be a consensus on this and I will try that next time I frame. I can only see a possible problem with this and that is most of my large format prints come rolled in a tube and tend to hold that shape when taken out. Do you think this will cause problems?

Steve
 
steve_v said:
Thanks there are some great replies here.

I can only see a possible problem with this and that is most of my large format prints come rolled in a tube and tend to hold that shape when taken out. Do you think this will cause problems?

Steve
Click to expand...


Good point and it can make life more difficult..it's one of the reasons I buy most of my prints from DSCL, they send them flat-packed :thumbs:

simon
 
Roll them out on the kitchen table and leave paperweights at either end. Depending upon the size it usually flattens them out overnight :)

steve_v said:
Thanks there are some great replies here.

I think I like the idea of just taping the top and letting the print hang in the frame naturally seems to be a concensus on this and I will try that next time I frame. I can only see a possible problem with this and that is most of my large format prints come rolled in a tube and tend to hold that shape when taken out. Do you think this will cause problems?

Steve
Click to expand...
 
F-Stop said:
get them mounted on gatorfoam or mountboard. if they are worth getting framed, they are worth getting mounted.
Click to expand...

Not sure how this works, do you paste the photo onto the board then place the board between the photo mounts .

Steve
 
Yeah, that could work definitely. Would probably need a thinner mountboard. I usually get 3/16th of an inch thick gatorfoam or foamcore (different terminology), but I don't usually use photo mounts either.

So would probably have to see what works best with photo mounts.
 
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