Metal Frames on Expensive Photography?

[Frame Chick]

Hi All!

I have a high-end client that has started collecting fashion photography. Long story here, but basically we have gone back and forth trying to find a wood profile in silver that she likes and am now being asked to find another profile for pieces we already framed.

She has mentioned metal and wants a "gallery" look for one wall of all the same moulding/mats on B&W photography. We are using Optium and high quality materials on all.

My impression is that metal is not "safe" enough long term for expensive pieces (we're currently in the $3K+ per piece range here). As I feel a liability here, just wondering what the consensus is on metal? Most of these have been in the 16x20 size range, but we just completed a Leibowitz that was 40x35 matted so there may be larger pieces down the line. We did use an 8ply on that piece as a backing as well as a window mat for stability.

What are your thoughts on metal for high end photography?

[PaulSF]

The Nielsen Elements line would probably look great on black & white photography. Unlike wood, a metal frame is not going to leach acids or lignins into the photography.

[Framar]

Metal (aluminum, presumably) frames are inert, and therefore great for archival preservation of the photograph. Nielsen has an incredible range of profiles and Looks - and most are strong enough for the largest application. I use a lot of Nielsen frames, the Vivids, the Elements, the 117 profile - my customers LOVE them and with all of the variety of anodized colors available - they can look great on just about anything - especially of a modern nature.

[Jeff Rodier]

Aluminum meets the highest conservation standards. $3,000 is not by any means high end in price range. Be sure you are using unbuffered mats or you are creating more problems than you are solving by using "Archival" matting.

[Baer Charlton]

Other than that they leach atmospher in the corners and back, nothing is wrong with them. By definition they fully meet and exceed F. A. C. T. S. standards.

[Framar]

So make a sandwich and tape the edges.....

[nikfrz]

Do these photos warrant unbuffered mats? Are these vintage? what chemicals react with buffered mats?

Im no scientist, but if it were up to me, I'd choose metal in a heartbeat.

$3000 dollars for a photo, is extremely fine art around here.

[FramerDave]

Originally Posted by Frame Chick

My impression is that metal is not "safe" enough long term for expensive pieces (we're currently in the $3K+ per piece range here). As I feel a liability here, just wondering what the consensus is on metal? ?

In what way are they not safe? No lignin to ever worry about, and stronger for their size than wood.

Originally Posted by Frame Chick

What are your thoughts on metal for high end photography?

The same as for any other type of art. If it looks good for the art, the customer is happy and you're going to make money, then it's a perfectly valid choice.

For better preservation, don't use spring clips. Use extra layers of board to fill up the back without filling it in too tightly and then use frame sealing tape on the back.

[ToniaK]

I think you would be fine. Sounds like she's bringing in some really neat stuff!

[more_so]

Do you mean "safe" as the bottom of the frame will spring open and drop the art? It has happened, and with a friend's 32 x 40 pastels with glass (pastelists hate plex). One possibility is to add one of the solid "d-ring" dealies near each corner (8 per frame) and kind of safety wire adjacent sections together in case an "L" corner connector messes up. Or more simply make a big cross on the back with four of them.