Ceramic artwork

Hobbes03

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Posts
1,727
Loc
Torrington, Connecticut, USA
I just had a customer bring in a 9"x9" square piece of ceramic art that her daughter made for her. The only thing she wants are hangers put on it.
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Can anyone tell me if there is a way to install hangers on this thing? It is about 3/4" thick.

Framing has already been ruled out. I'd like to help her and possibly turn her into a returning customer. (Like magic!)

Thanks!

-Mike.
 
Since we do not have any magic "sky hooks", probally the only way would be to drill a hole or two into the back and epoxy a bracket in place. Yes this is not conservation; but, a utilitarian idea.
 
Mike,

If the piece is fired ceramic, you could also epoxy a hanging bracket directly to the back of the piece. I would be afraid of breaking the piece by drilling into it without knowing what type of clay it was made out of or knowing how it was fired. It could very well be brittle and break from the friction or heat of the drill bit.

Framerguy
 
What about using a nice decorative plate stand or plate hanger. There are some nice ones out there. Although it isn't something you may stock it might be better in the long run. How would she feel about you if the glue let go and the tile fell and smashed?
She may just appreciate that you are willing to send her somewhere else.
Or you can order from http://www.cbeasels.com/
 
You could also try using a hot glue to fasten the hanger. Give them all a try.
 
What about one of those spring-type plate hangers?
Jim Miller, didn't you have a nifty method of fashioning one of these from bent brass rods?

edie the darnificanrememberanythinganymore goddess
 
with the customers approval we epoxy supersteel hangers to the back of the plate(s) and wire the hangers .if epoxy is mixed right and used properly it will not come off I once had a friend that epoxied the hinge back on his toyota jeep and used that door for years I was amazed and wowed .
 
Mike,
From my experiences hanging all kinds of 'stuff' over the years, I'd advise :
(all with clients permissions of course, though they'd likely prefer anything that works long term)

If smooth ceramic, use a neutral cure silicone; I feel epoxies (Araldite etc ?) can let go of smooth surfaces over time, unless 'keyed' in with holes, roughened surface etc.

If rough textured ceramic (like clay or similar)I'd epoxy the entire surface thinly to give it a smooth surface, then silicone hanger as above.
I assume you're referring to 'D' type hangers ?

*Whatever type of hangers are being used, I'd really recommend a back up ( kinda like a safety with a rock climbing setup :D ). . . ie attach another hanger and tie this in to the other hanger/s, so if they let go it will likely rescue the piece from likely damage, and the hangers can be refitted (possibly with different materials, or again with customers permission with the surface 'keyed' up to assist with adhesion of whatever glue you choose to use).*

Hope this helps.
 
As a ceramist and framer my vote is for silicone. Some expansion has to be accounted for and I’ve seen epoxies give up over time. I use the Nielsen pass-thru hangers you find on their ready-made frames, put through a small (1.5x1.5) piece of mat then silicone the whole works to the piece.
 
Thanks to everyone who replied with their helpful answers. I've decided to go with a plate hanger from AMRON. The more I thought about it, I just did not want to risk it with glues or expoxies. I'm just hoping this plate hanger I ordered is heavy duty enough for this piece. It is said to accomodate plates up to 11"x11", so we'll see.

Thanks again to all who replied!

-Mike.
 
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