Do framers use plexi and when?

[5th corner]

Hey all, Reposting this as a new tread incase people didn't see it.

Back again and in a new job in Idaho.

I had an issue today of a piece 30 x40 limited ed print small triangle frame with large fillet shallow rabbit.

Museum glass was the solution. How many framer would have used plexi in this situation. If using museum would you have given option for plexi? Damage to print if glass breaks or too heavy etc.

Why would you use plexi over glass. Boss says no one on west coast uses plexi???? This I can't believe. And can you get sued if you use glass instead of plexi in certain instances.

Interested in your responses

[Framar]

I frequently use acrylic - both regular and UV types. For items that must be shipped, hang in schools, hospitals, children's rooms, teenager's dorms, and for oversized items. And oversized shadowboxes - even though there is danger of flexing in the latter in many cases it is far safer for all concerned.

The MAIN problem is educating the customer on the cleaning procedure: NO AMMONIA, NO paper towels, use an anti-static cleaner especially made for plastic, and USE AN OLD T-SHIRT for cleaning. Spray cleaner on CLOTH - then wipe onto glazing. NEVER SPRAY directly onto glazing - cleaner can drip into frame and "run around the edge" and cause damage to the inside of the frame...

How on earth did you end up in IDAHO??? :)

[Val]

If California fell into the ocean, we'd be on the West Coast. And we use acrylic too, for all the same reasons Framar just mentioned.

I recently had to frame a 23"x53"chinese embroidery on satin to hang in a 3 yr-old child's room. No amount of talking could pursuade the parents to let me use acrylic. They said they "planned to hang it in a safe place, up high where she couldn't reach it". I called them 4 times before I finally finished it, to try to talk them out of glass. I cringe and have nightmares about that, and had them sign a release of liability, that said I highly recommended acrylic in that case, and that they refused my recommendation. Now that you mention it, I'm not sure if that would hold up in court though. I wish I had just refused to frame it at all. My conscience hurts now.

[Hired Help]

5th Corner

What they said.

Anytime I get up around 30 x 40 I start thinking acrylic for weight considerations. Sometimes smaller when customers are insisting on narrow frames. Mention of children's rooms and some public places flag me to think acrylic.

Also things like photo mats that the customer may be taking apart at a later time. In that instance I will sand and tape the edges and stick a warning label on the back.

WARNING: Glazing may have sharp edges. Do not remove from frame. Children should have adult supervision.

Training myself to say "museum quality, ultraviolet inhibiting acrylic" instead of "plexi" which seems to evoke a picture of that nasty 1/16" thick plastic sheeting from Home Depot in the customers mind. I think this may be the primary reason for customer resistance. I keep a 5 x 7 piece by the design table along with a 5 x 7 piece of so glass (edges taped) they can touch, feel and compare what I am talking about.

Framar

Copied and pasted part of your answer to add to a handout for the customer, hope you don't mind. Any suggestions for over the counter brand name "anti-static cleaner especially made for plastic" available to them? I have some in the workshop but I know I bought mine through the trade.

Clive.

[Paul N]

Exactly what Mar said.

And especially for large objects in kids' rooms.

[PaulSF]

Anytime the glass will be close to 32 x 40, I start talking about plexi -- for weight, as well as for safety. We live in earthquake zones here, and that's a mighty big sheet of glass to put on walls that might start shaking.

[nona powers]

Lois Bauby of Superior Acrylic Frame company and I wrote a two part column on acrylic you might find informational. The first part came out this month and the second part will come out next month with some additional information in January. Go to http://www.decormagazine.com to read this months column if you don't get the magazine and if you don't, subscribe to it. I've read DECOr every since I started framing years ago and still find good info in it.

[5th corner]

Hey "Hired Help" Love the warning idea.

Sounds like it is hard to get AROP3 here on the west coast? Is it available?

[5th corner]

I want to make up a frame with a small print in it with all glazing options available so people can touch and feel and see the difference at a glance..........not to mention the in house staff confusion on so many choices............If we don't understand which is which how can the client ......... oh and is it important to tell clients that museum glass and plexi is harder to clean???

[Framar]

Clive - I just buy whatever at the hardware store - an aerosol can which is Anti-Static cleaner for acrylic and which is also useful for glass (sez so on the label - but I save it for acrylic.).

I am trying really hard to say "acrylic" instead of "plexiglas." Because I think the customer really does think of that 1/16th styrene from crappy cheap department store frames.

Another sample to make...

[Hired Help]

5th corner

YES, tell the customer how to clean their glazing. But don’t use the word “harder”, it’s just different. (A little salesman psychology there for you!) If they screw it up (scratched OP3, for example) they are going to blame YOU, the person that recommended the product. Then maybe they will go somewhere else next time.

“Customer care”, is vitally important in our business. Always make a point of showing them the free hook you attached to their wire. Did you put some kind of Bio on the back? Point it out. Explain to them how to take care of their piece. Go the extra mile for the customer. Handouts on cleaning glazing, instructions for photo-mats, free candy on the counter (I have M&Ms with my shop name on), happy birthday e-mails and cards, thank you notes and lots of other little touches all set you apart and make it a personal experience.

Establishing a personal relationship with all of our customers is one of the best ways to ensure repeat business and referrals. That personal relationship may be the only thing separating you from the other frame shops in town and the BBs. But it helps to ensure customer loyalty. When you hear “XYZ are cheaper, but I prefer coming here” you know you are doing something right. Ask yourself, “What can I do for my customer that nobody else does?”

I’m currently giving a free cup of coffee or chocolate at the Deli conveniently located next door. It costs neither of us more than a few pennies. It is good for both our businesses. And it’s something different.

Framar

Thanks, I’ll look around and see what I can find.

Val
(I'm going off topic again.) Sent you an e-mail and a PM last week. Did you get either of them?

Clive

[Michael Kevin McCleary]

I hope everyone knows that Cyro came out with an awesome Scratch Free plexi. It won't stop a bullet, but you can clean the Scratch Free (outer) side as if it was glass.

We carry it (CMI) and for now it comes in clear and UV clear. This stuff Rocks!

http://www.cmimoulding.com/

I generally use plexi if it is A) Original Art, B) Over 30x40, and most importantly C) If it is going in a young child's room.

God bless,
mike