Best Black Tape

Shayla

WOW Framer
Forum Donor
Joined
Apr 5, 2008
Posts
35,793
Loc
Washington State
The Rabbet Space video suggests using black mat/foam backings, with black tape to seal the glass/mat package before fitting.
For those of you who do this, what black tape do you use?

 
Shayla, I just watched the RabbetSpace video on the FrameTek web page. Actually the tape I recommend is 3M's #810 Magic Tape. It is clear, acid free, and has an acid free adhesive. It doesn't need to be black because it will never see the light of day until RabbetSpace is removed for some reason. This is the same tape I recommend when tape sealing the glass-art-backing package in the article titled "Stop the dust pump" on the FrameTek web pages.
 
Shayla, I just watched the RabbetSpace video on the FrameTek web page. Actually the tape I recommend is 3M's #810 Magic Tape. It is clear, acid free, and has an acid free adhesive. It doesn't need to be black because it will never see the light of day until RabbetSpace is removed for some reason. This is the same tape I recommend when tape sealing the glass-art-backing package in the article titled "Stop the dust pump" on the FrameTek web pages.
Thanks. The tape in the video looked black, so I appreciate the clarification.
 
The #810 tape is made from matte acetate. Acetate does not offer good protection from moisture penetration.
Yes, and comment appreciated. In this case, moisture penetration isn't a concern.
 
I often wonder just what forces are there to drive moisture in or out of a frame? Change in atmospheric pressure? On another note: A paper conservator showed me a set of mats used on a nice etching. The top layer was a standard colored mat. The second layer was a 4 ply rag mat. They were held together with ATG tape. The print was acid burned everywhere except where the ATG tape provided a barrier. Perhaps the adhesive in 3M's Magic Tape is enough of an acid barrier for sealing the rabbet of a wood frame as well as stopping water vapor?
 
I have sometimes come across frames that are just glass/art/back which are held in a sandwich by
black tape. I've heard it termed 'Passe Partout' tape. It has a sort-of leather finish with water-activated
adhesive. Some of the frames must have been 100+ years old and the tape was still clinging on like the
proverbial to a blanket. In fact it's very hard to get off the glass. 😃
I've tried in the past to find a modern equivalent but with no success. It would be great for making stand-up photo-frames.
 
The print was acid burned everywhere except where the ATG tape provided a barrier.
I have seen that phenomenon too. I'm guessing the density of the ATG was greater than that of the relatively more porous matboard and other materials, slowing if not completely blocking the transfer of acidic offgassing.
:coffeedrinker2: Rick
 
I have seen that phenomenon too. I'm guessing the density of the ATG was greater than that of the relatively more porous matboard and other materials, slowing if not completely blocking the transfer of acidic offgassing.
:coffeedrinker2: Rick
Or denying fresh oxygen. Can't have oxidation without it.
It's the same effect you see with pulpwood mats where the beveled edge contact point with the print and diminishing inward is toasted, but the margins under the print are in much better condition. Differential replenishment of O2.
The other and more obvious instance is the gaps between slat spruce support panels and the areas where the panels and the art are touching under pressure.
 
I have sometimes come across frames that are just glass/art/back which are held in a sandwich by
black tape. I've heard it termed 'Passe Partout' tape. It has a sort-of leather finish with water-activated
adhesive. Some of the frames must have been 100+ years old and the tape was still clinging on like the
proverbial to a blanket. In fact it's very hard to get off the glass. 😃
I've tried in the past to find a modern equivalent but with no success. It would be great for making stand-up photo-frames.
I have come across this forum as I have a box of 12 rolles of Passe Partout that my father used to use to mount glass pictures to cardboard. I was suprised to see it is not longer available. The stuff I have is made by Wiggins Teape (stationary) Ltd
 
I have come across this forum as I have a box of 12 rolles of Passe Partout that my father used to use to mount glass pictures to cardboard. I was suprised to see it is not longer available. The stuff I have is made by Wiggins Teape (stationary) Ltd
Hi, merseychic. Welcome to the Grumble! :)
 
I have come across this forum as I have a box of 12 rolles of Passe Partout that my father used to use to mount glass pictures to cardboard. I was suprised to see it is not longer available. The stuff I have is made by Wiggins Teape (stationary) Ltd

Welcome to the G. :cool:

If you want to sell me the stuff then shipping would not be a problem. I'm not far away. 😁

* If you ever get to Wragby then do drop in. ☕
 
Back
Top