Framing/ Backing Photos

[newmankl]

Hi,

Firstly, I'm not 100% sure that this is the correct section for the post so feel free to move it. Also I have a had a search on the topic but could not find what I was after.

I'm after a way to hang photos cheaply. I'm not after a frame, just something to back it on. The local framing shop can do it, but at $20ea quickly becomes expensive for what is essentially sticking the photo onto MDF. I've thought of buying MDF and just sticking it on, but my handyman skills are less than zero and I'd be worried about messing it up.

Does anyone have any other ways for doing it, or do i just continue to pay the framing store to do it?

Any ideas would be appreciated,

Thanks,

Tim.

[Mr Darcy]

I don't recommend MDF under any circumstances.
1. It will warp over time
2. It is very heavy
3. It is a class 1 carcinogen. (Think Asbestos) Unless you have exceptional dust extraction, you will breathe the dust when you cut it. I have spent about $5000 on dust extraction & I still won't use it. I know a number of joinery shops that have banned it.

These days, I am using Gatorboard. A 2440x1220x10 sheet (8'x4'x1/3" in the old money) weighs about 4Kg & is very stable. Compare that to about 40Kg for MDF. That sized sheet costs about $150, but it is available in smaller (& larger!) sizes. You can also use ordinary foam core, but it will warp badly over time.

The easiest way to glue to whatever backing board you choose is to use one of the spray adhesives, but diluted PVA (white glue rather than the more expensive yellow glue) works well too. Cut 1 part glue to 2 parts water. Other options are double sided tape (leaves a ridge unless you get the wallpaper sized rolls) and contact adhesive (a bugger to use). You can also use ordinary ( or archival) adhesive tape, but it will look tacky unless done exceptionally well. You need to make it a feature to carry this option off. You could also use old fashioned photo corners, making them a feature, if the photo is not too large.

Get a rubber roller to squeeze out air bubbles. For stubborn bubbles, stick a pin into the high point to allow air to escape.

[newmankl]

Wow, that is absolutely what I'm after. I'll definately be giving the MDF a miss from now on. To be honest I never knew it had such bad qualities; I thought it was a fairly standard timber (that shows you my knowledge of wood!) I really like the idea of the gatorboard. I'll have to do a bit of a ring around. Is it a common product and where do you buy it from? I also like the idea of spray on PVA, I've never heard of that either.

I guess it comes to down to a bit of trial and error and learn as you go.

Thanks heaps for the info, really appreciated.

Tim.

[Mr Darcy]

I buy it from ArtScene they are in West Ryde in Sydney. While they deliver, the freight to Geelong would be horrendous. Hopefully you have a supplier closer to home. Check out the Art stores. Another option are sign makers. They use it for signs, and may have offcuts that will suit you. ArtScene call the product Gatorfoam for some reason, even though the manufacturers call it Gatorboard.

I didn't make myself clear on the adhesive. PVA and spray adhesives are different products. It is possible to get PostIt notes in a can (Scotch 75 repositionable adhesive). This is the most forgiving as if you don't get it right the first time, you can lift the photo (CAREFULLY) and have another go. Obviously, it is not as permanent as some of the other options. Nor am I sure on the long term effects of the adhesives on the photos, but then if you were after archival systems, you wouldn't be going down this road. I do have an art print that is over 30 years old

MDF is NOT wood. It is wood dust embedded in a glue matrix. While it is dimensionally stable i.e. it does not expand and contract the way wood does, it is far less structurally sound and will bend under its own weight.

[newmankl]

Ah OK, I'll give the local art supply shops a call. Thanks. Yes your right, I'm not after long term solutions, just a way to hang a few of my holiday photos up in the short term.

Thanks heaps for your reply, your info has been very helpful


Tim.