ATG problem...

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katie in burlingame

Grumbler in Training
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Jul 8, 2010
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Hey guys,
I am a bit of a newbie, but I am having a problem that I thought you all might be able to help me with. I recently had a big order of of closed corner frames from a local framemaker. The backs of the frames are suuuper waxy and the ATG is having a difficult time sticking (which is maddening). I know this isn't the newest problem in the world, but I was hoping someone might have a suggestion (that isn't gluing the dustcover to the frame). I have 58 of these little suckers and my sanity is at stake!

Thankssssss
Katie
 
What atg are you using? Quality varies a lot depending on the brand. Have you tried to burnish the tape on?
 
If it is wax, glue probably isn't going to stick either. Try cleaning a spot with mineral spirits and see if that solves the problem. If it is a wax, you should not have to scrub it. There is a good chance that wax was a part of the finishing process, so make sure not to get it on the finish.
 
  • Try wiping the back of the frame with heptane (UnDu, UnSeal, or similar) before applying the ATG.
  • Apply more pressure than usual when using the ATG

We have run into this problem when we have used 'bonanza wood' ... both of the above seem to help a little.
 
RParrish said:
What atg are you using? Quality varies a lot depending on the brand. Have you tried to burnish the tape on?
Click to expand...

I am using Scotch brand 924 ATG with a gun (which I know might be making it harder). You might have a point with manually applying the ATG and burnishing it, but the time that would take for so many kind of kills me.

Thanks for the suggestion!
 
I tried that and it totally didn't work.

It doesn't help that all of the frames are around 8x8 and the moulding is about a 1/2"

I think I might be out of luck!
 
I find it much faster to lay ATG for backing from the roll than the gun. Stretch the tape out and stick the leading edge then while stretched you can make the line and lay the balance down. Rub with the bone and remove the tape.

You may find that you can scrape the wax off with a razor blade from the back of the frame. You need to be careful not to harm anything but if you can do it you will save time and get a better seal. Keep the blade perpendicular to the frame and drag it.
 
I can't imagine what would be impervious to all of those chemicals. I wouldn't want to do it on a bunch, but when all else fails, there is always sandpaper. One of those foam sanding blocks will make it go pretty fast. You just need to remove enough of the offending surface to allow the bond.
 
wvframer said:
I can't imagine what would be impervious to all of those chemicals. I wouldn't want to do it on a bunch, but when all else fails, there is always sandpaper. One of those foam sanding blocks will make it go pretty fast. You just need to remove enough of the offending surface to allow the bond.
Click to expand...

I actually did try sanding it, but since that leaves me with bare wood, I have an equally difficult time getting anything to stick to it. The cards are stacked against me!
 
dougj said:
Like Jeff said scrape with rezor blade then rub with alcohol
2 parts bourbon (4u) 1 part isopropyl 4 frame:shutup:
Click to expand...

How Doug does it has always worked for me except that I substitute Tequila for the bourbon.
Just make sure not to get any of the alcohol onto the rest of the frame!

The ATG should stick to the bare wood after sanding but maybe you need to do a quick alcohol rub after sanding as well.
 
Good grief. Have you tried calling the supplier of the frames to see what they recommend? Maybe they know just the right solvent.

If that doesn't work, switch to bar alcohol (your choice) and drink the alcohol. It may not cause the stuff to stick, but you will feel better about it. What a challenge this seemingly simple problem has proven to be!
 
If it really is wax, which might have been used in the finishing process, your best strategy might be to scrape it off with a razor blade, or sand it off.

Any solvent that would remove the wax on the back of the frame would also remove it on the front of the farme if you have an accident...it's risky. I believe Xylene is a wax solvent, but it is dangerously toxic. I guess other wax solvents would be, as well.

Contacting the maker of the frames for instructions seems like a good idea, too, but don't be surprised if he doesn't have a clue.
 
wvframer said:
Good grief. Have you tried calling the supplier of the frames to see what they recommend? Maybe they know just the right solvent.

If that doesn't work, switch to bar alcohol (your choice) and drink the alcohol. It may not cause the stuff to stick, but you will feel better about it. What a challenge this seemingly simple problem has proven to be!
Click to expand...

I know, RIGHT?!?

Sadly our framemaker is such an "artist" I am afraid he wouldn't be able to give me a good suggestion as to how to fix it. He's a pretty great guy, but leaves a little to be desired in the finishing/perfection department.

I finally figured out that I can use a tape we use for the back of the frame and it (shockingly) not only sticks to the waxy moulding, but ATG sticks to it as well. It's still a lot of extra work, but at least I won't break every ATG gun in the shop slamming it around all day.

Thanks for everything, guys!
 
Why didn't we think of that? Elegant solution. Good going, Katie!
 
We had this issue once and we decided to staple scrap mats on to the back of the piece that were just 1/8" shy of the outside frame size and then paper the backs of those. Looked fine, worked good and we were able to tell the customer that we installed a hard backing at no charge behind the paper to protect their art even more.
 
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