Acrylic-how to package finished frames

[Larry01]

Hello! When working with acrylic, how do you package finished artwork? I leave the protective film on for as long as possible but do take it off to double check for any scratches etc. In the time from removing the film and the customer coming, every micro bit of dust in the shop is glued to it. I try to avoid having to clean acrylic. Is bubble wrap or craft paper ok to reduce this issue? Any tricks and tips would be great.

 

[Ylva]

I use plastic bags for anything, also for things framed with plexiglass
I don't pack it up until customer picks up
I display any finished work on easels in the shop

 

[wpfay]

There is a product called Brillianize* that we use on every piece of acrylic we cut (we use a lot, buying 20 48 X 96" at a time). It helps with the static and puts an almost frictionless finish on the acrylic. It is critical to use fresh microfiber cloths in the process. Any contaminants will scratch the acrylic.
There are also shops that use Novus polish on their acrylic for the same reasons.

*Developed for the aircraft industry to polish and coat the wind screens in aircraft, and used in aircraft, automobile, and marine detailing.

 

[David Hewitt]

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

I use plastic bags, like Ylva, but rather than wait, I set it up, take a good picture(mostly for my records, but sometimes to share with the customer), and then quickly bag it up before it can get dirty again.

 

[Nikodeumus]

I always polish both sides of acrylic with Novus #2. (Except Optium of course). It helps to reduce static that attracts every mote of dust from every corner of the shop.
Pulling away the protective sheet increases the static charge, not using any polish or static neutralizer makes dust a more difficult problem.

After polishing, I put the protective film back on while installing, being careful not to get it pinched under the rabbet when putting everything in.
I leave the film on, wrap the frame in paper, (or a clear plastic bag if it is large).
When the customer arrives to pick it up I do the "unveiling" to show them the piece, explain about how to care for acrylic, etc.
I often add a layer of carboard or scrap foamboard for extra protection while customer is transporting.

 

[Larry01]

Thanks all!
I ordered Novus 2 the other day so hopefully it combines today.
In terms of plastic bags, is this the bags you get mat boards sent in from suppliers, the thicker clear ? Do you wrap so they’re not touching the acrylic?
I wish they sold the film in rolls to re apply. I find it tricky to get back on once off, especially for larger pieces which is what I use it for

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

In terms of plastic bags, is this the bags you get mat boards sent in from suppliers, the thicker clear ? Do you wrap so they’re not touching the acrylic?

yes, basically! I get them in tear-off rolls in a couple sizes. I don't worry about them touching the acrylic because the bags themselves are clean and never used. I might recycle a mat bag once in a blue moon if I run out, but never on acrylic.

 

[Larry01]

yes, basically! I get them in tear-off rolls in a couple sizes. I don't worry about them touching the acrylic because the bags themselves are clean and never used. I might recycle a mat bag once in a blue moon if I run out, but never on acrylic.

Could you share a pic of the ones you mean? Being from Australia, I’m thinking you mean bin bags?

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

Most of my suppliers carry them. They are typically polyethylene I think and the most common size is 36x48, which is what many of my mats are wrapped and delivered in. There is also 44x64 which is great for oversize, and smaller sizes. They come in perforated rolls like I mentioned. I wish I could point you to an Australian supplier but I'm in US

 

[Larry01]

Most of my suppliers carry them. They are typically polyethylene I think and the most common size is 36x48, which is what many of my mats are wrapped and delivered in. There is also 44x64 which is great for oversize, and smaller sizes. They come in perforated rolls like I mentioned. I wish I could point you to an Australian supplier but I'm in US

thank you!! I will find myself a roll, i can see there are some online.