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Framing Valuable Art, Prints or Posters, Part 2 Embellishing the Mat With Paint From "Get Framed" episode DGFR-104

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Figure G

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8. Hinge your artwork. Now it's time to attach the artwork to the mat window.
Hinging artwork is a framers term for mounting artwork to a conservation-type backing. We are hinging ours to acid-free foam core.

• First, make sure your artwork is smudge-free. Erase any smudges and fingerprint marks on your artwork with an inexpensive gum or framers eraser (figure G)

  Important: Never use a pencil eraser; it will scar your artwork. Papers can be sensitive so check by erasing the back first.

  Tip: We recommend wearing simple cotton gloves when handling artwork to protect it from unwanted dirt and oil from hands. Even clean hands still have oil and other residue on them.

• Measure and mark your acid-free foam core to make sure you attach the artwork in the exact center where it will need to appear through the mat window that will overlay it.
  

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  	Figure H
  	Figure I

  
  

• Use Japanese hinging paper (available at local art supply stores) to attach the artwork to the acid-free foam core. The Japanese paper is lightweight, acid-free and comes gummed. Cut a 3-inch strip of Japanese paper, moisten a portion of the back of the strip with water, and attach the moistened side to the back-top-corner of your artwork--leaving a one-inch lip (un-moistened) hanging out. Take another strip of Japanese hinging paper (again, 3 inches), moisten the back and lay over the lip (crossing over like a letter "T"). The top strip should not touch the artwork at all but instead secure the lip to the foam core. Copy this procedure to secure the other top corner of the artwork (figures H and I).

Tip: This is a professional technique for securing artwork to its backing. Be sure to T-hinge only at the top corners. Paper expands over time and if you secure your artwork on all four edges, it will eventually buckle.

9. Once you've completed hinging your artwork, it's time to attach the embellished mat. Place a one-inch wide strip of double-sided transfer tape at the top of your backboard holding the artwork (figure J). Carefully lay the mat over the artwork and backboard. Once it is correctly lined up, press down to adhere the mat to the sticky strip of tape on the backboard (figure K).

Figure J

Figure K

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RESOURCES :

Amir Studio and Frame Gallery
www.amirframegallery.com

Jewel Box Platinum/Jewel Box Frames
www.jewelboxplatinum.com

Larson-Juhl Framing Supplies
www.larsonjuhl.com