Two commonly asked questions about handmade paper art are, “Over time, will the colors in the painting fade?” and “Does the painting need to be framed behind glass?”. The answer to both of these questions is no! Unlike dyes, which tend to fade, the pigments used in my paintings are “light fast” – pure, non-fading pigments that are not altered or affected even if the painting is exposed to or hung in direct sunlight. I do recommend that a pulp painting be framed as soon as possible, as framing with glue will prevent any warpage (caused by the paper “breathing” moisture or humidity).
Each painting is heavily sized with both internal and surface sizing. Internal sizing makes the paper less absorbent; surface sizing stiffens the paper and protects the surface from pollutants. Finally, a coating of polymer (acrylic) is sprayed on the surface of the finished painting to seal the surface from excess moisture. If the painting is framed without glass, an annual dusting with a feather duster is recommended to keep the surface clean.
I recommend that you give the following instructions to your framer. The framer can also contact me with any questions.
To frame with glass:
|
1. |
Use acid-free mat board for the backing and window mat, or mount
the painting on any quality linen fabric such as supplied by the framer
or customized by the client. |
| 2. | “Float” the image within the mat so that the edges
of the paper are exposed. |
| 3. | Glue the painting to the surface of the backing mat using a strong
adhesive, such as clear silicone, fusion 4000 film, or acid-free glue.
Note: A strong, dry, acid-free adhesive is recommended over a water-based
glue (which could cause the board to warp). |
| 4. | Use clear, regular glass or plexiglass. Non-glare glass is not
recommended as it will affect the clarity of the image. |
| 5. | Framing with glass is recommended if the art is to be hung in kitchens,
extremely high traffic/street traffic areas, or where children are
present. |
 |
|
To frame without glass:
|
1. |
Use any quality linen fabric such as supplied by the framer. It
is recommended that the fabric be protected with a coating of Scotch
Guard before framing. |
| 2. | Use an adhesive, such as fusion 4000, to adhere the fabric to the
foam core. |
| 3. | Adhere the painting to the fabric using a strong, dry, acid-free
binding such as clear silicone. |
| 4. | Weigh down the painting for 24 hours under heavy, even, weights,
such as a box full of mat board. Place a layer of wax paper (supermarket
quality works fine) between the painting and the box to ensure that
the painting does not become stuck to the box. |
 |
|
To mount directly to wall:
(as seen on the William A. Berry & Sons Tiles in Installed Work)
|
1. |
Tiles may be mounted directly to the wall using 1" thick Gator board. |
| 2. | Using acid free glue, adhere the tile onto the 1" thick Gator board. The board is typically one inch smaller than the tile and painted to match the wall color it will be mounted to. |
| 3. | The board is prepared in the studio for hanging with the proper hardware. |
