AboutSara Tro Expertise I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
Expert: Sara Tro Date: 1/19/2008 Subject: plexiglass
Question Can plexiglass be used when framing watercolors? Thanks.
Answer hi Susan!
Thanks for the question!
As far as my knowledge goes, I see no reason why you wouldn't use plexi-glas on a watercolor.
Plexi has some great pluses, but some not-so-great negatives too.
On the plus side, if you're shipping a piece of art, if it's very large and glass would be too heavy, or if you need to have the artwork actually touch the glass for some reason, plexi is the way to go. (you wouldn't want to use plexi with any pastel work, though, unless under a special circumstance). Also, you can ship art framed with regular glass, provided the piece is not too big, is well packed (place a film over the glass to prevent it from damaging the art if it breaks), and has a sturdy frame on it to keep the piece from "torquing" during shipping.
The negative sides of plexi are that it requires a special cleaner (not such a big deal), it has a significant static issue, and that it scratches over time and can get "foggy" due to the cleaning/scratching process.
The quality of plexi has gotten much better over the years, and they now offer UV and museum grade plexi, for a much improved aesthetic and better conservation of the piece.
With watercolors, you want to make sure that the piece is dry before sealing it inside the frame package, and that you use a UV plexi or glass. Also, plexi doesn't contain any lead, as glass does (for clarity), and lead draws moisture from the air. So with a very absorbent watercolor paper, plexi may help keep the package nice and moisture free.. Just a guess, really, but it makes sense..
So, to sum up, you can use plexi on watercolors, and it may be best if you're shipping the piece, worried about weight, or if the art needs to touch the glass (due to the moisture issue).
i hope this helps your situation!
Please feel free to write back with more questions!
Good luck..
Best,
Sara
