1/8" offset clips too big

bluehorse

Grumbler in Training
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Apr 27, 2006
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I think this is the smallest you can buy and the canvas sits exactly flush with the back of the frame. Can I cut strips of 1/8" acid free foam and put them in that space to prevent the painting from wobbling back and forth in the frame? I guess I could put an entire piece of acid free foam core, but the painting is large. Can you "join" foam core backing with acid free tape? Or would it not hold. It seems strips would be easier. Then put dust paper over all?
 
You could use turnbuttons if you have them, or you could try hammering the 1/8" offset clips flat.
 
All paintings should have a solid back, so if the back of the painting sits flush with the back of the frame, you will still need to add a solid back and then you will also need a larger (taller) offset. Coroplast makes an excellent backer for paintings and comes in 48 x 96.
 
I have also flattened 1/8" clips. Lately, I have been using mending plates which are completely flat with 2 holes for screws. For the purpose of offset clips, just use the one hole to attach it to the frame.

United Mfrs. has them on page 11 of their catalog (steel #2981 or zinc #5253). Also, in brass.
 
Not sure if they are avaliable where you are, but I have some spring clips that would cover this. They are like a flat piece of steel with a hole in one end and are bow shaped.
 
I am with Rob on this one. I am in the cover the back of the frame family. It protects the art from getting punctured from the back by the nails on the wall or while being moved. As far as the art needing to breathe, it can breathe all it wants from the front.
 
You really don't need to read further than Rob Markoff and Imaluma answers. However, you can bend off sets. I use a pair of wide pliers to hold the end with the hold and another pair of pliers to hold he other end and bend them to the angle that I need.
 
I use mending plates in such instances. If there is a gap between the frame and art package or stretcher bar, I very slightly bend the mending plate to the angle necessary to hold things in place. This can easily be done by holding one end in vice grips and slipping the other end into a slightly opened wrench.....just bend at about 2/3 the way towards the end that will be screwed onto the frame. Works like a charm!
 
Sometimes we use bumpons on the face of the canvas offset to make up the difference. Mending plates are the best answer tho.
 
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