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Picture Framing and Art Preservation/Questions Answered by Expert Jennifer Pierce
| Subject | Date Asked |
| framing textiles | 2/2/2012 |
| Q: I have a vintage quilt "square" and a heavy coarsely woven feed sack stamped with family name on it ... A: Sorry I'm so late answering--I didn't get the notification! You can and should mat and frame both ... | |
| Mounting | 2/2/2012 |
| Q: what is the best way to mount a vintage RCA record without damage to this item. We are using ... A: I can think of 2 good options that require no glue or other damage to the record: The first is to ... | |
| mounting large drawings -- suggestions. | 2/2/2012 |
| Q: I've been making some large-scale drawings that use a variety of media -- pen, watercolor, pencil, ... A: I have been racking my brain all day about this and I think I've concluded that I don't know enough ... | |
| Portfolio Presentation. | 2/1/2012 |
| Q: I have to present a portfolio to a group of people for an interview for a photography degree. My ... A: I would not recommend lamination as the extra plastic can interfere with viewers' ability to clearly ... | |
| preserving unframed limited edition prints | 1/29/2012 |
| Q: I have many limited edition prints that were framed and matted in the 70's. I know they need to be ... A: Probably the cheapest way, which is coincidentally the easiest to store, is to purchase 2 sheets of ... | |
| Framing a 3-dimensional collage | 1/22/2012 |
| Q: I have purchased a charming piece of collage art from a fellow-artist who is an illustrator. It is ... A: You are most welcome! To see a t-hinge in action, try this link: ... | |
| Framing a 3-dimensional collage | 1/21/2012 |
| Q: I have purchased a charming piece of collage art from a fellow-artist who is an illustrator. It is ... A: I like your plans so far. I would use foamcore backing on this, to add stiffness without adding ... | |
| floater frames | 1/17/2012 |
| Q: I want to mount a cradled art board to a floater frame and was wondering how to attach it. Also, I ... A: You're welcome. I don't think you'd need more than one coat of the gesso to seal. It really ... | |
| floater frames | 1/12/2012 |
| Q: I want to mount a cradled art board to a floater frame and was wondering how to attach it. Also, I ... A: (I am assuming you are mounting the photos to the smooth face of the cradled art board, and am also ... | |
| How to frame picture that goes to edge | 1/7/2012 |
| Q: For Christmas our daughter and her husband had two photos put on 12x16 canvas. One of our grandson ... A: Yes, there is a way you can frame them so the edges show, it won't look exactly like there are mats ... | |
| Attaching Squash Blossom Necklace to Shadow Box Frame | 1/4/2012 |
| Q: I have several squash blossom necklaces (Native American Jewelry) that belonged to my mother. I want ... A: You can tack them down to the backing using sewing thread or clear transite (fishing line). I would ... | |
| Back of the artwork | 12/27/2011 |
| Q: If I'm using linen canvas and want to frame it; 1. What do I use on the back of it to hold it in a ... A: I would say acid-free foamcore would be a good choice for a backing behind the Strathmore substrate ... | |
| Family Photo Preservation? | 12/25/2011 |
| Q: "Hi, I have a couple of questions regarding preservation of some old treasured family photos I ... A: You are most welcome! I probably wouldn't use regular paper either, as it too generally contains ... | |
| Family Photo Preservation? | 12/24/2011 |
| Q: "Hi, I have a couple of questions regarding preservation of some old treasured family photos I ... A: For your first question, if the photos are doing great in their existing frames you can probably ... | |
| Back of the artwork | 12/23/2011 |
| Q: If I'm using linen canvas and want to frame it; 1. What do I use on the back of it to hold it in a ... A: I think I need more information to best answer this question. You are framing a linen canvas art ... | |
| Dinged Mat Corners | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: My father matted a bunch of his original photographs to display at an art show. They were not ... A: Oh, man. I'm guessing your father has not yet shown and needs to repair these in order to show? ... | |
| Mounting a ring in a shadow box | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: How would I mount and ring between two pictures in a shadow box? I have the shadow box with a ... A: I think I understand now. All is well until you put the back of the box on, yes? If that is the ... | |
| Mounting a ring in a shadow box | 11/29/2011 |
| Q: How would I mount and ring between two pictures in a shadow box? I have the shadow box with a ... A: I can definitely help you with this, but I am having trouble picturing the exact problem from your ... | |
| Framing papyrus | 11/23/2011 |
| Q: I would like to frame two papyri as a gift. Both show a series of 2D Egyptians in the classic pose, ... A: I have researched "passe partout" before and found very little: A "passe-partout" seems to be ... | |
| How hight to I hand my painting over the mantle - HIGH CEILINGS! | 11/19/2011 |
| Q: Jennifer, You answered a variation of this question back in 2009 - I have a very high ceilings. If ... A: Oh gosh, yes, eye level is out of the question, isn't it? Unless your family are all giants. That ... | |
| ways to display batiks | 11/18/2011 |
| Q: I am a batik artist and have been framing my batiks by mounting them on white illustration board ... A: I love the idea of the buttons. I'm a big fan of hiding things in plain sight with regard to ... | |
| ways to display batiks | 11/18/2011 |
| Q: I am a batik artist and have been framing my batiks by mounting them on white illustration board ... A: I'll start with the buckling issue. You say that you leave some wax on the batik paintings when you ... | |
| How hight to I hand my painting over the mantle - HIGH CEILINGS! | 11/13/2011 |
| Q: Jennifer, You answered a variation of this question back in 2009 - I have a very high ceilings. If ... A: I'm thinking a portrait orientation, somewhere around 40"W x 60" H. (Staying in this range will make ... | |
| Framing of Cross Stitch Project | 10/6/2011 |
| Q: I am a cross stitch lover and recently found that I'm running out of wall space to hang all of them. ... A: I don't think leaving the works unframed will damage them as long as care is taken in the way they ... | |
| posters | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: Recently, in Europe, I bought a few art prints. Now that I'm back home in the US I'd like to hang ... A: Sorry I'm so late in answering! I did not receive the original email, I apologize for the delay. ... | |
| Repair / Modification of Frame Back | 9/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a fabulous old frame with the original backing long gone. It came with the usual assortment ... A: I can answer the stand-up part of your question, but unfortunately my research has turned up nothing ... | |
| mounting/framing charcoal drawings | 9/20/2011 |
| Q: I have a number of charcoal drawings mostly of medium size (~11"x16") (some larger). Most of the ... A: Here is a pretty decent tutorial on both hinging and floating (in this example, they've lifted the ... | |
| mounting/framing charcoal drawings | 9/20/2011 |
| Q: I have a number of charcoal drawings mostly of medium size (~11"x16") (some larger). Most of the ... A: Drawings that go all the way to the edge of the paper can be floated on matboard so that the edges ... | |
| Laminating photos | 9/18/2011 |
| Q: I'd like to print some photos to be hung outside. If I laminate them, will they be able to ... A: Laminate is helpful in moisture resistance but it is not infallible. The main thing to focus on ... | |
| Framing Handpainted Linen Napkins | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: Pierce: I acquired 10 vintage linen cocktail napkins, about 6" X 8". Each is handpainted or ... A: I wanted to think this over awhile before answering, because you are right, most textiles are sewn ... | |
| how to place photo collage frames in curved stairway | 9/3/2011 |
| Q: i m thinking to place my son's baby photo's in collage format each in separate frame in curved ... A: I think one focal point grouping in the center portion of the stairway wall is perfectly ... | |
| repairing non wood frame | 8/29/2011 |
| Q: In transition customs broke one of the frames that my best friends' original artwork is in. How do I ... A: I hate to answer questions with questions, but how exactly is the frame broken? Is the corner ... | |
| Lacing | 8/6/2011 |
| Q: I can you tell me what thread is the best to use for lacing a very old painting on silk. ... A: I would use a cotton thread--cotton does not accelerate the deterioration of textiles. Mercerized ... | |
| Preparing a panoramic photo for framing | 7/14/2011 |
| Q: I have done alot of picture frameing but not photo framing. I need to frame a large panoramic ... A: You've got a couple of options. Some people like to have their photographs professionally dry ... | |
| framing oil paintings for gallery consideration | 6/15/2011 |
| Q: I am an oil painter typically painting traditional western landscapes and animals. I have some ... A: When marketing your work to a specific gallery for eventual resale to customers, it often helps to ... | |
| pictures | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: .I would like to laminate some family pictures, but I want to put them on a picnic table and cover ... A: You really don't need to laminate the photos first if they are real, chemically-developed ... | |
| pictures | 5/27/2011 |
| Q: .I would like to laminate some family pictures, but I want to put them on a picnic table and cover ... A: This sounds like a job for poured epoxy resin. That is the stuff you see on some bar tops, where ... | |
| antique ceramic picture frame | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have a large, beautiful antique picture of Christ in the Garden. It was my ... A: That is a beautiful piece. It's hard to tell from the photograph what/how many materials were used ... | |
| charcoal preservation | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: I want to frame my daughter's charcoal art. How do I frame it and preserve it so that it won't ... A: Friction is an enemy of charcoal drawings. Charcoal drawings should be framed as soon as possible ... | |
| Shadow box - Pillow mount | 4/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a ring bearer pillow from my wedding that is made out of a vintage hankerchief. I would like ... A: I can tell that you can see the challenge here: how to display the two-inch edge effectively when ... | |
| Need help with picture frames | 4/13/2011 |
| Q: After doing some rearranging in my bedroom, I am left with a blank wall where I was hoping to put ... A: I hear you about being sick of brown frames. I have a lot of black frames and I'm sick of those, so ... | |
| Framing a painting | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: Where would I go to get a large painting (36" x 28")framed in a way that ALL of the front canvas ... A: Yes, and there are essentially two ways to do it. The first is to use a floater frame moulding. ... | |
| Drawing storage | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I have 81 pencil and pencil with water coloring drawings dating back to 1929-1930(Paris)woman ... A: Sorry it took so long to answer--I missed this in my inbox. I think buffered tissue separators are ... | |
| framing textiles | 3/28/2011 |
| Q: i have an old silk tapestry (30" x 20") that was folded in half (in storage) for many years. I want ... A: I always hesitate to recommend attempting to remove a long-embedded crease from an antique textile ... | |
| bubble picture frame | 3/19/2011 |
| Q: I bought an old bubble picture frame, not bad condition but needs a little work. Do not know the ... A: I don't know of any convex (bubble) canvas portrait providers, and I'm not sure you'll find ... | |
| hanging pictures on mirrored wall | 3/14/2011 |
| Q: We have 3 walls in our living room that are mirrored floor to ceiling, installed before we bought ... A: Yes, you have two options. The first is that mirrors can often be drilled. You have to find a ... | |
| charcoal drawings | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: my greatgrandfater drew a lot of pictures using charcoal, they have been in my closet for some time ... A: You don't say what color the paper is, but most of the charcoal drawings I've seen have been done on ... | |
| big air bubbles in laminate | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: i have big air bubbles in my laminated poster its a very rare and vintage one. it happened from ... A: I don't know of any really effective way to fix bubbled laminate. That is usually the kiss of death ... | |
| Stained Glass as Wall Art | 2/20/2011 |
| Q: Can you recommend an effective way to use stained glass panels as wall art? I would like to purchase ... A: I suggest building a lightbox for this. It is built like a shadowbox, with your stained glass piece ... | |
| Frame finish | 2/18/2011 |
| Q: Could you please advise on how I can finish a frame with a paint finish (distressed). I have seen ... A: I must sound like a moron, but I think I'd need a photo of what you're describing to understand your ... | |
| when to weight a mat - panorama | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: I have a panorama photo I want to mat. Usually I would weight a mat on the bottom anywhere between ... A: Weighting the sides on a photo this long and narrow is actually pretty common. I thought about ... | |
| when to weight a mat - panorama | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a panorama photo I want to mat. Usually I would weight a mat on the bottom anywhere between ... A: There is no official standard that I know of for bottom weights. Many galleries and frame shops ... | |
| Displaying medals . | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: (: I am a great sport enthusiast and managed to acquire 101 medals and 10 trophies . Till , now it ... A: Sorry for the delay in responding but I had to think about this one! This is a large display no ... | |
| Sew mounting fringe of flag | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I am sew mounting a two star general flag with fringe. Could you give me some insight on how to sew ... A: Fringe is very difficult. I'm sorry to tell you that I've never seen any fringe sewn down ... | |
| Mounting Pre-laminated poster | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I bought a pre-laminated mural and had the mid-section framed. The framer dry-mounted the piece and ... A: I would have told you the piece could not be dry mounted, and if a customer insisted I would have ... | |
| Attaching Wire Sculpture to Stretched Canvas | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: 1/18/2011 Hello Jennifer, I am just getting started in this art form and need help. I have ... A: I love your concept. Do you think you'll want to sell this piece or subsequent pieces? If ... | |
| Framing an antique Victorian Crazy quilt | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: Do you have any suggestions for me and the frame shop here in my town regarding framing for hanging ... A: I'll be glad to help, but I have some questions. What are the measurements of the quilt? What ... | |
| preserve a wedding gown | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: I would like to preserve my daughter's wedding gown as a gift for her anniversary. I have seen ... A: Framing the gown is a valid and attractive way of preserving it. Yes, the frame is going to be very ... | |
| Charcoal/pastel framing | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: I have a charcoal drawing that's 18x15". I would like to have it framed, but I don't know if I must ... A: I would definitely use either a mat (a double mat is best; that'll lift the glass ~1/8" off the ... | |
| family portait over mantle | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: What is the "rule" for hanging a large a24 family portrait over the mantle? I have a centered ... A: At first I thought you were asking me for specs as to how far up from the mantel, how far down from ... | |
| bead and sequin on cloth | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: Is there a method of mounting that will not compromise the cloth and allow for making the piece ... A: Yes, if the fabric is in good shape and if at least some of it is fairly tightly woven (not airy ... | |
| stiffener for painted canvas | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: i have an idea to stiffen an acrylic painting from roll of canvas after i have painted it. Is there ... A: I think I might have more questions than answers for you at this point. Can you please tell me more ... | |
| framing a 59 x 43 charcoal drawing | 1/3/2011 |
| Q: this is a follow up question. im framing the 59 x 43 inch charcoal drawing. i decided that i dont ... A: Yes, you can hinge directly to the foamcore. The order of materials you have listed is correct--you ... | |
| Silk Table Cover | 1/3/2011 |
| Q: I have what I think is a small table cover made of silk with lace edging and embroidered pictures ... A: Your piece looks almost like a cushion to me. I too wonder what its original purpose really was. ... | |
| framing a messy and warped drawing. UPDATE | 12/30/2010 |
| Q: i have a 59 inch x 43 inch mixed media drawing that needs to be framed. i dyed the paper in coffee. ... A: Sure, you can use linen tape. It's a little heavier and more likely to be visible from the front ... | |
| framing a messy and warped drawing. UPDATE | 12/24/2010 |
| Q: i have a 59 inch x 43 inch mixed media drawing that needs to be framed. i dyed the paper in coffee. ... A: I've tried to draw out what the lifted mat looks like and how to construct it. It is not an easy ... | |
| framing a messy and warped drawing. UPDATE | 12/24/2010 |
| Q: i have a 59 inch x 43 inch mixed media drawing that needs to be framed. i dyed the paper in coffee. ... A: I'm going to answer this question here and then mark the first iteration of the question as a ... | |
| papyrus paper | 12/13/2010 |
| Q: I read the article about papyrus paper. I also have a picture that was brought back from Egypt. ... A: I looked at the photo; I can't be sure, but will the edges of that tear meet when the patch is ... | |
| floating frame for a translucent print | 12/12/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased a Dutch 1970 Op Art print on what appears to be mylar or plastic film. The ... A: I think your idea is appropriate and will look great on this piece. I do worry about ink ... | |
| papyrus paper | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: I read the article about papyrus paper. I also have a picture that was brought back from Egypt. ... A: Is that the rip on the bottom right-hand side, going across the collar piece on the headdress? I ... | |
| Diploma Framing | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: I want to frame my husband's PhD diploma for Christmas and have gotten a nice frame with a custom ... A: I must say this first: Most schools do not use genuine parchment (sheepskin) for diplomas any more; ... | |
| Graphite Drawing Preservation | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: I am currently working on a drawing for my grandmother for Christmas, and I need to know how to ... A: I like the Krylon Workable Fixatif. It works well and you can build up coats if you want more depth ... | |
| wiring back of wide painting | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: I am framing a piece with a metal frame and 1/8" plexiglass 22x50". How do I wire a piece this wide? A: I would "kite-wire" this piece. Normally a metal frame is wired through the eyes of two pieces of ... | |
| shadowbox framing sterling silver | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: I have several pieces of museum quality Native American jewelry that I wanted to display in a shadow ... A: Yes, I can help. Exposure to air is what causes tarnishing of silver. Framing the jewelry will ... | |
| mounting large embroidery | 11/27/2010 |
| Q: We just bought two large (39x78 inch) hand embroidered pictures from overseas. We would like to ... A: Yes, I would never recommend allowing any glazing material to touch the surface of any artwork, ... | |
| Graphite Drawing Preservation | 11/27/2010 |
| Q: I am currently working on a drawing for my grandmother for Christmas, and I need to know how to ... A: With regard to the glass, UV glass is always preferable to regular glass when considering ... | |
| Reframing bubble glass | 11/27/2010 |
| Q: My mother has a old bubble glass photo of her Grandfather in his war uniform. The frame however is ... A: I would like to hear more about the frame and the photo before I can answer fully. Specifically, ... | |
| mounting large embroidery | 11/26/2010 |
| Q: We just bought two large (39x78 inch) hand embroidered pictures from overseas. We would like to ... A: It's hard to give very specific advice without knowing more about the base fabric of the works, the ... | |
| Framing wax plate | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a wax plate (with color) which is about 4 3/4 inches in diameter made by my great great aunt. ... A: Wax is tricky because nothing really sticks to it except more wax. I think that's why your ... | |
| Shipping oil paintings | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: Need to ship oil paintings that have been dry for years from East to West Coast on a low budget. Is ... A: I do recommend rolling them (cheaper to ship than a pile of stretched canvases, and less chance of ... | |
| Changing the picture in a frame | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: I recently had some prints custom framed (wood frames with a mat) and now that I've seen it ... A: You're not out to lunch, no, but it's not necessarily easy to do. I cannot say that every person ... | |
| framing historic flag | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a flag circa 1877 size about 42" x 58", material wool bunting, condition good meaning the ... A: I did not see all the pictures, but your descriptions are pretty clear so I think I have enough to ... | |
| How to mat a discolored watercolor | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: I need to remat a discolored watercolor. It has been in a non-acid-free mat since 1976 and the ... A: I had to think about this for awhile before I could answer. It is sad what has happened to your ... | |
| framing historic flag | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a flag circa 1877 size about 42" x 58", material wool bunting, condition good meaning the ... A: You are on the right track. The acrylic you got is good as are the boards. I'm not sure that ... | |
| Back lighted fabric art frame | 11/9/2010 |
| Q: I have batik and would like to have it mounted in a back or edge lighted frame. My local frame shop ... A: Yes, and a backlighted frame sounds like the perfect solution. I don't know where you could buy one ... | |
| Mount large panoramic photograph | 11/7/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased a large (60in x 19in) limited edition landscape picture from Australia. I ... A: With the understanding that I have not seen the piece and cannot be certain of the paper ... | |
| removing canvas adhesive | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: I am a mural artist who has been faced with the problem of a client (college) who is not allowed to ... A: Wallpaper paste is often removable. Having said that, I can't think of a single adhesive that won't ... | |
| framing acrylic above fire place | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: I have recently finished a very large acrylic painting that was planned to go over a fireplace. It ... A: I don't recommend glass, no, but a varnish is a good idea--it will keep any smoke or other ... | |
| halogen lighting | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I have an oil painting hanging over my fireplace mantle. A friend installed a ceiling halogen light ... A: Your halogen light is in approximately the same position as most commercial picture lights (the ones ... | |
| framing / internet | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: I have some paintings I'd like to get framed. I was wondering if there is a website related to ... A: I have not seen one that functions as you describe, with the ability to insert your own jpg. There ... | |
| Framing/Shadowboxing an antique Christening Gown | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: Jennifer: Good morning! I need information on the proper way to frame or shadowbox an antique ... A: I'm curious about the condition of the gown. You say it can't be washed--is it just fragile, or is ... | |
| framing a bent poster | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: I recently found a poster advertising a local fair from the 1970's that I would like to frame. It ... A: Since this poster is already broken or breaking, I would recommend considering having it dry mounted ... | |
| Placement of picture above fireplace | 9/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a 49" (height) by 37" (width) picture that I would like to hang above my firplace. The ... A: With regard to the placement of your piece, I would think somewhere between 10-12" from the top of ... | |
| staples in stretchers | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a painting that has staples holding the canvas onto the stretcher. I believe this is an old ... A: I am not able to answer the first question with any authority--I would imagine that staples were ... | |
| Framing a plate into shadowbox | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a 12 1/2 inch round plate. What is the best way to mount into a shadowbox frame? Can i sink ... A: Yes--that's one of my favorite ways to frame plates, in fact. You can use several thicknesses of ... | |
| safty of oil painting and placement of same | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: Could you tell me if I should hang oil painting over fire place and on outside wall. Also if yes, ... A: I think your painting will be fine above the fireplace, if only because you don't use it much. Much ... | |
| rice paper painting | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: Jennifer, thank you for taking my question! I received an original 14"x28" painting of a shepard - ... A: I definitely recommend matting & framing under glass, as this will be much more protective over time ... | |
| Frame parts | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: we have several very old Victorian frames with wood parts that are missing. They look like wood ... A: Could you supply a photo? It is possible that the items are still being made somewhere, by someone, ... | |
| mounting and framing large textile | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: I collect textiles and have recently bought a 19th century indonesian silk which measures 2.7 x 7.2 ... A: Oh goodness, was I ever way off. I read "acrylic" and thought you were including a fifteen-pound ... | |
| mounting and framing large textile | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: I collect textiles and have recently bought a 19th century indonesian silk which measures 2.7 x 7.2 ... A: I recommend that you make a canvas stretcher and attach the foamcore to the front of it first (with ... | |
| silk watercolor | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a watercolor on silk, finished rolled edge, signed by artist. There is no border to stretch ... A: Yes, that's a great idea, and one I would definitely suggest. You could also sew strips of fabric ... | |
| Best Adhesive/Mounting for large painting | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: I am painting with acrylic on paper, 50" x 50". I've been experimenting with different mounting ... A: I would recommend the PMA over contact cement, most definitely. (I would not recommend rubber ... | |
| Best Adhesive/Mounting for large painting | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: I am painting with acrylic on paper, 50" x 50". I've been experimenting with different mounting ... A: It sounds like you are mounting already-painted paper to the luan--if this is correct, then I am ... | |
| framing an oil painting for a juried show | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: I am entering two oil painting on canvas into a juried art show. What is the best framing? Should ... A: For a juried art show, I recommend making sure your frames meet two important criteria. First, it ... | |
| Preservation of pen and ink drawing | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a pen and ink drawing down by my mother in the 1930's. I would like to display it with my ... A: When dealing with a precious piece like yours, I like to start by estimating the unframed art's ... | |
| Sealed frame | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: I've read online that framed artwork should not be permanently sealed so that it can be opened every ... A: Great question! Not true, no, but there is some truth in it. Sealing artwork off from the air ... | |
| Attaching signature card to artwork | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: Jennifer, I have purchased a series of limited edition digital prints from an online gallery. They ... A: In most cases, the documentation is printed with offset lithography (or, in recent years, some ... | |
| Attaching signature card to artwork | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: Jennifer, I have purchased a series of limited edition digital prints from an online gallery. They ... A: I would actually recommend both solutions: make a copy to store with the artwork, and put the ... | |
| Alternatives to traditional framing | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I have an antique silk with gold embroidery, chinese skirt. It is rather large (approx. 5 feet ... A: Yes, I can imagine how expensive the framing for such a long skirt would be--once you get over four ... | |
| How to Unhinge fine art print | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: After showcasing my fine art prints, I need to unhinge them from mat board, for storage. What is the ... A: You were smart to use those hinges--they are very easy (though tedious and picky) to remove with ... | |
| picture size | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know the appropriate size for a painting given the following. I have an opening ... A: That is a good question! I should have been more specific. Moulding refers to the wood used to ... | |
| picture size | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know the appropriate size for a painting given the following. I have an opening ... A: I would suggest making the overall width (including frame and mat) of the art approximately as wide ... | |
| shadow box | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: We are putting my mother in law's 90 year old christening gown in a shadow box. What do I do to ... A: If the dress is dirty, you can either wash it gently yourself in lukewarm water and very mild suds, ... | |
| mounting fused glass picture in a frame | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: How do you mount a fused glass picture in a recessed frame in a way that you cannot see the glass ... A: That helps a lot--thank you! The first thing to make sure of is that the backing board is sturdy ... | |
| mounting fused glass picture in a frame | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: How do you mount a fused glass picture in a recessed frame in a way that you cannot see the glass ... A: I need more information to answer thoroughly, I think. Could you explain further about the recessed ... | |
| Protecting-Displaying Art Photography | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: I just bought a portfolio of photos: ... A: That makes my job so much easier and I can give you much better advice! Are these on heavy paper? ... | |
| Mounting a Chinese embroidered silk panel for framing | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: I have a number of hand embroidered Chinese/Korean pictures on fine white silk. I would like to have ... A: Both techniques provide a smooth finish to a silk embroidery painting. Wheat starch paste is ... | |
| Framing a hollow core door | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: Do you have any tips or suggestions to framing hollow/honeycomb core doors that I am about to try ... A: Using those 1" solid strips is perfect! I didn't realize they would be that thick. That's plenty ... | |
| Framing a hollow core door | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: Do you have any tips or suggestions to framing hollow/honeycomb core doors that I am about to try ... A: You can frame a hollow-core door in the same way that you would frame any stretched canvas or thick ... | |
| Removing bubbles in laminate | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: I have recently noticed small air bubbles in the satin laminate protecting an inkjet photograph that ... A: It sounds like the lamination is failing, which is most likely due to "operator error," but could ... | |
| Framing in glass | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a pen and ink drawing on tissue paper by my great grandfather (a Chicago artist) I believe it ... A: You must be thrilled to own this piece. It sounds marvelous. I'd love to see it. Hobby Lobby is ... | |
| Advice on expert box framing of significant memorabilia clothing | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: I am hoping that you can advise me on successfully box framing a valuable piece of rock memorabilia ... A: Firstly, wow, what a treasure you have. I am thoroughly jealous. I miss Freddie Mercury every day. ... | |
| Small Sculpture Installation | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I would like to make some stands for smaller sized sculpture, what kind of materials should I use to ... A: "Smaller" to me means a sculpture size range from coffee-mug size to an approximately 36" square ... | |
| Framing a collage | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I have created several large contemporary landscapes from collaged paper which makes them qite ... A: Saw your work on the site; love it. Beautiful stuff. I understand now. Thanks for the additional ... | |
| Framing a collage | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: I have created several large contemporary landscapes from collaged paper which makes them qite ... A: Is there any way you could attach a picture? I'm trying to picture your pieces; it sounds like they ... | |
| old photography | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: We are wondering how the photographs of old were formed to fit into the concave glass frames. We ... A: The photographs were pressed into the convex shape in a special press; I can't tell you exactly how ... | |
| mounting canvas / adhesive | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: i have several paintings (some acrylic, some oil) on un-stretched canvas. i would like to mount ... A: Gluing the paintings to wood panels could certainly be a valid treatment, although it is not ... | |
| framing old wedding gown for display | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: I am lucky enough to have my mother's wedding dress from the 1930's, and I had always thought it ... A: I think that's an excellent idea. Your framer may also have some ideas specific to your dress to ... | |
| Old framing technique | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: My 88-yr-old grandmother is looking for information on what she calls "paspatou" although she is not ... A: The best I can figure, your grandmother is referring to a "passe-partout," which is French for ... | |
| Framing large paper drawings | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: I have made frames for two drawings. Each work is on heavy paper. They are large. One is 48" wide by ... A: I'm so glad it worked out! You got off super cheap, too. $1654 for massive pieces like that is ... | |
| framing old wedding gown for display | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: I am lucky enough to have my mother's wedding dress from the 1930's, and I had always thought it ... A: If your mother's dress is in keeping with the other styles typical of wedding gowns of the 1930s, it ... | |
| Framing large paper drawings | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I have made frames for two drawings. Each work is on heavy paper. They are large. One is 48" wide by ... A: These drawings are really, really big. As I've said before in other questions, there is the ... | |
| how to finish deep frame of a collage | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: I am creating flat collages that go to the edge of 2" deep clayboard "museum series panels" - mostly ... A: Yes, I think you should mount the collage directly to the clayboard. You are correct that one way ... | |
| Making your own stretched linen picture mat | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I used to work in an art gallery; the frame shop that we used made beautiful stretched linen ... A: I apologize for the long delay in answering; I have been experiencing technical difficulties. I ... | |
| laminate photos fro my porttfiolo | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: I read your answer to the question posed in July 2009 about laminating photos. It was very helpful. ... A: With regard to the best type of color photo for laminating, I would ask the lab to help me choose a ... | |
| mounting / framing large paper drawing | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a wonderful 30 x 39.5" paper drawing that I need to get mounted and framed. However, I ... A: I think the best way to go would be to mat the drawing, handling the mounting issue either by ... | |
| 21x62 poster - best advice for hanging/framing | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a 21x62 "door poster" with the plan to hang it from the ceiling in my "mancave." ... A: You're right--laminating and hanging with those premade hangers you mention is a simple and ... | |
| Fabric mat | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: We have an old art frame with a fabric mat...looks like burlap but is probably canvas or ... A: I would first try an artgum eraser or a dry cleaning pad (available at art supply stores, it is a ... | |
| Large Charcoal Drawings | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: I've been creating large charcoal drawings some up to 5'x5'. I've recently been thinking about how ... A: I did five illustrations, but they'll only allow me to attach one here. I've set up a photobucket ... | |
| Large Charcoal Drawings | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: I've been creating large charcoal drawings some up to 5'x5'. I've recently been thinking about how ... A: With regard to the glass: I've thought about it some more and I think you can use plexi on the ... | |
| Large Charcoal Drawings | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I've been creating large charcoal drawings some up to 5'x5'. I've recently been thinking about how ... A: Building frames is actually not terribly difficult, so I think your idea to build your frames ... | |
| canvas picture by Sandra Kuck | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a question about Canvas pictures. Do you think I need to have paper on the back of the canvas ... A: Framers have been going back and forth about this issue ever since I can remember; since there is no ... | |
| mounting question | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: I need to mount a clay mask that will be going into a shadow box frame. Do you have any suggestions. ... A: I'm guessing from the way you worded your answer that you want to avoid using glue. (If this is not ... | |
| mailing a painting | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a few oil paintings done on canvas panels - they are small canvas boards, about 14"x16" and ... A: Glassine is that smooth, crackly-sounding paper that stamps come in; it's like tracing paper in ... | |
| mailing a painting | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a few oil paintings done on canvas panels - they are small canvas boards, about 14"x16" and ... A: Oh definitely. From your description it certainly would not be worth bothering to build a custom ... | |
| mailing a painting | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a few oil paintings done on canvas panels - they are small canvas boards, about 14"x16" and ... A: You are correct to avoid having anything pressing against the surface of the paintings. The safest ... | |
| how to concave a new phot | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I would like to make a newer photo fit into an old concave frame. Can this be done? A: Yes, you can insert the new photo into the convex frame, but unless there is some reason it ... | |
| how to fix backing on old frame that had nails | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: i have searched hi and low for an answer to this. many old , antique wood frames are closed or ... A: The mental picture I'm forming: the nails are not holding the frame itself together but are instead ... | |
| Framing a Canvas Painting | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: I want to frame the picture and understand I can do this by buying a tight fitting frame and ... A: Yes, there is a way to show the entire painting from edge to edge, using either a floater frame or a ... | |
| Acrylic painted canvas mounted on another canvas that is stretched on a stretcher | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a number of A3 acrylic painted canvases which I want to glue (to have them mounted) onto ... A: I missed this question in my inbox. I would choose between hide glue and acrylic gel medium ... | |
| Storing watercolors | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: I appreciate your thorough answer to the man in India. I'm also in a humid climate in Atlanta. I ... A: For your needs, I would shoot for a paper that you don't have to cut at all or must cut only once; ... | |
| Storing watercolors | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: I appreciate your thorough answer to the man in India. I'm also in a humid climate in Atlanta. I ... A: Yes, I would always put a nonreactive liner between stacked paintings and drawings on paper or ... | |
| separating photo from glass | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: I have mounted some photos on strathmore textured paper and want to frame them under glass with no ... A: I too would always keep the glass from touching a photo. There are a few different ways you could ... | |
| mounting oversized drawings. | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I work on oversized charcoal drawings averaging six feet by ten feet. I use a heavy watercolor or ... A: I searched for an image of what you mean and was unsuccessful; I've never framed a Longo drawing or ... | |
| Framing Metallic Prints | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: I'd like to emphasize a metallic print's ability to reflect light and "shine" and am contemplating ... A: Gordon, It sounds like you're talking about a paper piece--is that correct? If so, I will now ... | |
| framing papyrus | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: my friend just returned from Egypt and brought back a papyrus painting and was told it should be ... A: Sure! I made a not-to-scale side view drawing to help you see what I mean. The art from the front ... | |
| framing papyrus | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: my friend just returned from Egypt and brought back a papyrus painting and was told it should be ... A: Provided the house is climate-controlled, I don't think it would harm the papyrus to float it ... | |
| antique frames | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: I inherited some older picture frames from an acquaintance. Some of these picture frames have ... A: I know what you mean, but I've never heard them called anything but "corner ornaments." Do you know ... | |
| correct way to hang picture above fireplace | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: Could you please tell me the correct way to hang a picture over a fireplace. How high above the ... A: The standard height at which to hang pictures is eye level on center, meaning that the center of the ... | |
| papyrus | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a large papyrus painting I purchased about 11 years ago in Egypt. Unfortunately, it has been ... A: This is a great question. I don't want to imply that a chain frameshop wouldn't have any good ... | |
| papyrus | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a large papyrus painting I purchased about 11 years ago in Egypt. Unfortunately, it has been ... A: First, congratulations on your new home! Now to your papyrus. I'm assuming that you want to do ... | |
| Hanging art | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: I have two large framed pieces of art that I would like to hang on the stairwell but I have no idea ... A: You're right, it's hard to know where to start when you want to hang art in a stairwell. You can't ... | |
| stretching a needlepoint | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I worked on a needlepoint and it became twisted a bit to one side. The framers did not know how to ... A: I think you need to take it to a different framer; you need someone who can block it for you. Some ... | |
| Mounting canvas on canvas | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I have several canvases that were painted un-stretched and have no border. I would like to mount ... A: Oh, yes, this is a completely different question from what I thought you asked. Sorry about that. ... | |
| Mounting canvas on canvas | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I have several canvases that were painted un-stretched and have no border. I would like to mount ... A: The method to stretch a canvas around a wooden frame remains more or less the same, whether or not ... | |
| photo lamination | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: I have photos that I would like to laminate back to back. Do you think this is possible? (I saw an ... A: It is absolutely possible to mount the photos back to back with one another. I'm not sure, but it ... | |
| discoloration | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: I was recently given a framed and matted artist proof by a close relative who knows the artist. The ... A: Apologies for the delay in responding. Your proof has almost certainly been damaged by light. ... | |
| Art placement | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I guess this is a very basic question, but I have no idea if there's a right or wrong way. When you ... A: This is a great question. There's no hard-and-fast answer, but I think I can give you enough ... | |
| Framing Large Two-Sided Painting | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a 36" x 72" door that has been painted on all six sides by a famous folk artist. How does ... A: As you already know, this piece is going to require special handling. You won't be able to frame it ... | |
| Framing Batik | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I have a small Batik from Brazil that I am trying to frame. What is the best way to "mount" this in ... A: I wouldn't use any adhesive at all--too dangerous--but you can "stretch" it over a piece of ... | |
| restore icon | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: I volunteered to restore a 70 to 100 year old wooden bas-relief icon that belongs to a church that ... A: It's a beautiful icon. I think it's in wonderful shape for what it's been through, too. Given its ... | |
| print framing | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: What is a proper way to frame a print? We own an etching by Camille Fonce, which is currently ... A: Sorry this question didn't get answered sooner--I missed it in my mailbox. My apologies. There are ... | |
| photo protection | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Is there a type of plastic or clear covering that just places over photo's for protection. I don't ... A: I think an adhesive film would be your best bet. It's good to get one made specifically for ... | |
| framing | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I walked into an office today and I seen a painting; but it wasn't the painting that caught my eye ... A: I think you might be talking about a float. The art is sandwiched between two sheets of glass that ... | |
| Laminating Photos | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I was hoping you could provide some information to me on whether or not Laminating Photographs will ... A: It is most definitely possible to laminate photographs without damaging them; lamination is a valid ... | |
| Hanging a painting over a mantelpiece | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Please view the attached photo. Is the painting too high? Thanks. A: I don't think it's too high, no. I have seen similar size/shape paintings placed lower and they ... | |
| Framing Stretched canvas | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a print on canvas that needs to be stretched and then framed. My question is, my wife ... A: I have been asked variations of this question many, many times, so you are not alone in wondering ... | |
| conservation of chromolithograph | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased several Kuzn & allison civil war chromolithographs that have been rolled up ... A: Are the edges crumbling or just tearing? If they're crumbling (and even if they aren't; I'm a fan ... | |
| Acid free mats and discoloring | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: I have an original lithograph from a renown Swiss artist that I had museum mounted and framed twenty ... A: Acid burn can and will cause discoloration to paper art. You can generally tell whether an older ... | |
| picture frames glass | 5/27/2009 |
| Q: we broke glass in picture frame which measures 27.625X13.25 when we enquired in michales store, they ... A: Wow, $30; that's ridiculous. :) It's like $11/square foot. For plain, regular float glass, ... | |
| fitting new photo into convex glass | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I have an antique oval frame with convex glass. I would like to put our family picture in it. How ... A: The photo does not need to be convex; you should leave it flat and just put it behind the convex ... | |
| Displaying fabric art | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: I bought bought batik fabric from my recent trip, which is approximately 5' x 3', and has tassles on ... A: Because of the size of your piece, unless you have a lot of disposable income I would avoid framing ... | |
| How to wrap leather around a frame? | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: Looking for advice on wrapping lightweight leather material completely around a tile or frame to ... A: That stretcher bar jig is pretty cool. Thanks for sharing that. I can reach far out and see a way ... | |
| Synthetic frames | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I have only used wood mouldings to make frames since I started over a year ago. Recently I was asked ... A: I want to make sure I'm understanding you correctly. If I'm hearing you right, this is what ... | |
| metal art | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: I am thinking of hanging a metal art piece over my gas fireplace. The wall gets warm. Will it ruin ... A: I can't answer this one definitively, but I can give you the information you need to decide whether ... | |
| information on Monocolour frame | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I am restoring a poss Rococo/Neoclassical frame 47x55cm, It came to me covered in gold spray paint, ... A: I'm sorry to say that this is outside my expertise, but I did find a US company named Lowy who may ... | |
| lucite/acrylic box for art | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I made an art piece (it is very light and made of light weight plastic)and I want to mount it on a ... A: Typically acrylic boxes are screwed through the sides into the wood backing. Since your husband is ... | |
| Leather Post cards | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I have several leather postcards,that my grandmother gave me,postmarked 1902,that are sown together ... A: I like your general idea; a glass sandwich is a great way to see both sides of a piece. I have some ... | |
| Choosing a frame | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what is the best way to select a color of frame for a painting. I have recently ... A: I tend to choose frames first by "feel," then by color. I think your instincts are right when you ... | |
| Sides of Large Metal Frame Are Pulling In | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a large poster (41"W x 81"H) framed with plexiglass and a Nielsen profile 25 metal frame. ... A: I would combine the brace idea with rewiring to solve your problem. First, I would change the wire ... | |
| Bowed Stretchers | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: I have sold a large piece that I painted 5'x6'. I noticed that there is a bow of about 3/4" on each ... A: Just making sure I understand--you braced the stretcher so that the long sides do not bow, but the ... | |
| framing collages | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: what is the best method for framing collages? I have a friend who has asked me to frame collages to ... A: From the description it sounds like these mixed media pieces would be better off without glass. I ... | |
| framing collages | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: what is the best method for framing collages? I have a friend who has asked me to frame collages to ... A: I agree that metal frames lend themselves well to an industrial display. They are available in deep ... | |
| framing Panamanian molas | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: On a recent trip to Panama, I acquired six different molas - beautiful handstitched masterpieces, ... A: I agree, that is a beautiful piece. If they were mine, I might hang them in two groups of three (or ... | |
Picture Framing and Art Preservation
Answers by Expert:
Jennifer Pierce
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer any questions related to picture framing, art display, or art installation, including very large pieces, canvas stretching, shadow boxing, needlework mounting, and just about any type of dimensional or non-dimensional artwork display. The only questions I cannot answer pertain to fine artwork restoration (e.g. your Van Gogh oil painting is faded and you want it to be restored to the original brilliance--call a reputable museum for that).
Experience
I have been in the picture framing business since 1987, with a specialization in hospitality (hotels) and commercial office installations. I have worked on artwork for nearly every major hotel and design firm in the world and have designed some pretty wild installations. Additionally, I have experience with almost every type of conservation technique
Education/Credentials
All of my education was acquired in the field.
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