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: 6/5/2008 Subject: Finishing the Framing Job
Question Dear Sara:
We currently use ATG Tape (924) to affix paper to the moulding to finish the job. A customer has complained that after a while, possibly due to humidity, changes in temperature, etc., the paper shifts/moves. Please let me know what we should use instead of the ATG Tape.
Thank you.
Answer Hi Christine,
thanks for writing.,
I use ATG myself to apply the paper backing, and haven't had any issues with it.. So, I'd probably check into either changing the paper you use (some kraft papers have a shinier surface and that coating may keep the paper from really sticking), but, as you know, most pressure sensitive adhesives will lose their tack over time. All of the methods I'm aware of for finishing the backs of the frame package require some kind of tape. One good way to go could be to not use paper at all, but to just have your acid-free backing exposed, (maybe use a second sheet as a buffer), and then use either frame sealing tape I'd some other acid-free artists tape with a long adhesion rep. That method still looks finished and neat but requires no paper.. Better for the environment :)
You could switch from paper to something that doesn't respond to humidity changes, like an inert material that has a more plastic type coating? I've used a material like this for pieces for boats, its called FE-Tyvek at Franks Fabs.
Sorry I can't be of more help than that..
since we use the same method, I hope my clients just haven't told me that their paper's falling off!
Best,
Sara
