Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/04/19

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Subject: [Leica] Re: Help me mat & frame
From: David Prakel <dprakel@rochester.rr.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 08:38:59 -0400

on 19/4/00 3:01 am, George Hartzell at
owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us wrote:

I've just had a crash course in mat cutting and framing from a professional
so I could pass on the information in my volunteer work with 5th graders. I
can answer most of your queries

> So, call the mat in the front the window mat.  What material do you
> use to hinge the window mat to the thing behind it?  I've used a tape
> called Filmoplast 90 and/or a linen tape w/ a water activated
> adhesive.

For archival purposes you should be using linen tape.
 
> How do you like to hang the photo.  We played with corners (prefab and
> home made) and "tape T's".  I've found that I like the tape T trick so
> far.

We used both folding paper corner mounts and pieces of tape. I like your
description of tape Ts as it described perfectly what you do. The corner
technique doesn't always hold the print flat. Hanging the print on two T
shaped piece of linen tape I was told is how it is done for archival
purposes.
 
> What do you attach the photo to?  We used pieces of the same material
> we were using for the window mats.  I've also hinged the window mat to
> foam core and attached the photo to that, but it felt slightly
> blasphemous.

We used 4-ply board for the mat and 2-ply board of the same quality as the
back mount.

> What do you put in front of the picture?  Glass or acrylic.  If you
> use acrylic, do you have trouble with it scratching?

Depends on the size and the type of frame. If you are using Neilsen frames
you can use glass up to about 16x20 (frame size) bigger than that and you
should really use acrylic. Acrylite is lower in weight than glass and can be
used for larger frame sizes for safety. It has the advantages of cutting out
UV and is available in an AR (anti-reflection) finish which also has some
in-built scratch resistance.
 
> Do you have any mailorder or bulk suppliers that you like?  I've
> ordered some stuff from Light Impressions,
> http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com.
> and had a pleasant experience.

I would wholeheartedly agree with your choice of Light Impressions - I deal
with their distributor Lumiere Photo in Rochester and find them even more
knowledgeable try www.lumierephoto.com or call (716) 461-4447. I have no
connections with the company other than as a satisfied customer.

Hope this helps.

David Prakel

dprakel@rochester.rr.com