A Modern Framing Concept - DPChallenge Forums

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

09/28/2005 10:05:15 PM · #1

I was playing around with some framing ideas in my free time today and came up with one that is a little interesting. It's a bit difficult to see what I have done in the photo so I'll explain...

This wooden frame is designed for a small shadow box application. The frame is 1.5" deep, so it's a good bit deeper than the average frames (1/2" or less).

Step 1:

I sandwiched my photograph between two 11x14 sheets of glass (cleaning the glass thoroughly is important here) and then I taped and trimmed the edges to help hold the glass together. I placed the glass in the frame.

Step 2:

I cut 4 strips of black foamcore to line the inside of the frame, leaving 1/8" of depth available in the frame. I used acid free double sided tape to hold the foamcore on the inside edges of the frame (this is a standard shadowbox technique.)

Step 3:

I cut a piece of colored (to match my print colors) mat board to fit in the back of the frame and stapled it in place.

Step 4:

I put the dust cover on the back along with the hanging hardware.

This technique makes the photo appear to be floating in the frame. Use of museum grade glass (which i did not use here) would really make it appear to be floating.

I'm interested in seeing any unique framing you have done.. feel free to post photos here...

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

09/28/2005 11:08:08 PM · #2

That's a great idea and a very nice effect.
I would think that the sandwiched print will be doubly protected from the elements, especially if you used the UV protection glass and will keep the print perfectly flat. I'm just wondering if the print will have a tendency to slip as the tape holding the glass together ages and loosens some.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/28/2005 11:16:13 PM · #3

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

I guess i forgot to include one minor step... I place one small bit of acid free double sided tape on the back of the print so it would not slip inside the glass.

In this particular frame, I did not use UV filtering glass since the project was an experiment. If I did choose to use UV filtering glass, I would only use it on the outside glass. It would not be required on both sides.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/29/2005 01:17:46 AM · #4

I like the look. You need not only clean glass but a really accurate placement of the print on the glass.

I thought you mentioned in one of the other threads on framing that the print shouldn't contact the glass directly (needs a mat). Does this technique place any limits on the life of the print or anything?

orussell

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

09/29/2005 07:07:07 AM · #5

Originally posted by GeneralE:

I use a similar technique. I have done floating mounts but mostly leave a white space around the image. I've found that glossy paper tends to be pressure and heat sensitive. I either use matte or lustre (E-surface) papers. My technique can be viewd here: //www.newfoundlandrepublicimaging.com/pages/information.html As John mentioned it's very important to make sure the glass is extra clean. Insofar as the paper touching the glass, if there is an air tight seal, there shouldn't be a problem; by laminating and taping the seams you effectively isolate the print from the airborne contaminants that would normally affect a print.

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

09/29/2005 07:42:20 AM · #6

Originally posted by GeneralE:

I don't have the contact issues with true matte papers...

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

09/29/2005 08:11:21 AM · #7

Looks lovely. Have seen this before in art shops etc but would never have thought of doing something like it myself. Excellent idea.

orussell

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

09/29/2005 09:41:11 AM · #8

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by GeneralE:
I like the look. You need not only clean glass but a really accurate placement of the print on the glass.

I thought you mentioned in one of the other threads on framing that the print shouldn't contact the glass directly (needs a mat). Does this technique place any limits on the life of the print or anything?

I don't have the contact issues with true matte papers...

I don't have the contact issues with "true" matte papers either nor do I with E-surface papers. Glossy paper I do have issues with in this type of application.

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

09/29/2005 12:21:01 PM · #9

Originally posted by orussell:

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by GeneralE:
I like the look. You need not only clean glass but a really accurate placement of the print on the glass.

I thought you mentioned in one of the other threads on framing that the print shouldn't contact the glass directly (needs a mat). Does this technique place any limits on the life of the print or anything?

I don't have the contact issues with true matte papers...

I don't have the contact issues with "true" matte papers either nor do I with E-surface papers. Glossy paper I do have issues with in this type of application.

I have had the problem with papers like Epson's premium luster paper...

orussell

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

09/29/2005 12:33:22 PM · #10

The Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl works fine for me. The Ilford Gallerie Smooth Glossy is a different story, as are all the glossies I've tried to laminate. As I said very pressure and heat sensitive (I solder my copper foil tape).

Your problem could have something to do with pigment inks because they are more viscous than the dye based inks. Just a thought.

Thanks for letting me know about the premium luster in any case. I don't often use it but I'll be sure not to laminate it just in case.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/29/2005 01:10:24 PM · #11

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I don't have the contact issues with true matte papers...

OK, so it's a pressure problem (getting Newton's Rings) with glossy papers? Thanks for the clarification! I almost always get prints on matte/lustre papers.