mounting silk

[Carl]

I have a challenge on mounting silk dragons from china, they are cut-out like stencils. I have to float them and the customer doesn't want them permanently attach and the glass can't hold them in place (conservation framing). They are about 7 x 8. I am sure that there is an simple answer but I can't figure it out, does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Carl

[James Miller]

Use two sheets of DuPont Mylar-D, clear, archival, high-clarity polyester film. Sandwich the silk piece between them and hold the Mylar-D sheets together with 3M#415 polyester, double-sided tape (burnish to bond). Place strips of the tape all around the perimeter, so that when you lay on the mat (there will be a mat, right?) it will cover the lines of tape. The tape should not come into contact with te silk but should, if possible, be within 1/4" of the art. The tape makes a "pinching action" that keeps the silk in place. Put a backer of complimentary-colored matboard below, as it will show through.

Alternatively, you could use just one sheet of Mylar-D and a backer of Crescent Ragmat100 (Rag board clear through) of suitable color. Place the tape as described above, and then a top mat. This might be better, because the silk artwork would be held partially be the "toothy" surface of the Ragmat100 backer.

Both of these methods are completely reversible, non-invasive and will protect the art from most hazards...in other words, these are archival mounts.

Mylar-D can be purchased from any of the archival materials sources (Light Impressions, Gaylord, University Products, etc.) and United Mfrs. Suppliers. CAUTION: There is only one archival clear film -- Mylar-D -- and there are no equal substitutes. Do not use acetate or other clear films, even if they are polyester, for archival projects.

Good luck with the project. If you would like other information on this, let me know.


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James Miller,PPFA-CPF; PPFA Certification Board Member; FACTS/GAFP Committee Member