Question Conservation

Larry01

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Hello,

I’m working on a project that is not using a frame. The textile is placed in a thin acrylic box (DCO mounted). Sides and backing are also acrylic which I weld using a solvent. I hope to tightly fit the textile in this ‘box’,

My question is, can I use thick non conservation corrugated plastic if it’s not directly touching the textile? Basically the works are large and non conservation has thicker options and is obviously a lot cheaper!

I’m also not 100% sure on what firm backing to use for the DCO?

I’ve done a terrible drawing to show my layers:

1. Acrylic (3mm framing acrylic)
2. Textile (dco)
3. Layers of polyester wadding
4. Firm acid free backing ( what would you suggested for this?)
5. 10mm thick non conservation corrugated plastic sheet. (Possible might use two layers)
6. Acrylic (3mm as backing)

I should add that I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pack it all in firmly enough, might need a different backing. This is a bit of an experiment!


Many thanks 🙏🏼
 

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Lots of questions.
How large? I have had acrylic boxes built for clients and, with the exception of small ones, the sides are usually 4.5-6mm and the face 4.5mm.
Traditional acrylic boxes also rely on a wooden strainer frame for strength and to provide a way to hang the finished product.
The strainer provides the base for the mount board and a support panel onto which the batting is placed and a fabric cover is stretched. The textile rests on that fabric cover.
I have never heard of using acrylic for the backing and sealing it in place seems to me, at least, a recipe for disaster.
Do you have Jim Miller’s book on DCO?
 
Is this a wall mounted or tabletop project?
Sealing a case without the ability to remove the contents is not a conservation process. I would suggest that you contact a local plastic fabricator for advise and styles that they construct regarding access to the contents. The support structure can be made from various materials (metal, acrylic, wood) with it being covered with a conservation grade of board or fabric. In most cases this support structure is mechanically secured with hardware fasteners or friction in the case of a table top enclosure where gravity holds the cover in place.
 
Very large 🙈 120cm x 100

Agree the backing is my concern. Yes I have Jim’s book.
I’m struggling to find high quality framing acrylic thicker than 3mm.
I’m currently sewing the textiles to stretched canvas and putting them in an acrylic box (backing is foam core). I’ve been trying to find a way to have the box without having to sew the textile, to save time and to prevent damage.
Thank you, your feedback makes a lot of sense and I’ll relook.
Many thanks 🙏🏼
 
Sorry one more question with DCO, most framing suppliers sell max 3mm thick acrylic. Using any thicker for the face, will that impact the image? Could I use 3mm for the face, 6mm on the sides (whilst using a firm backing like wood that’s covered in acid free material)? These will be wall mounted. Thanks
 
I think I was trying to make it look more slick but I know now that it’s impossible to make work and you want a bit of air in there.

Would it be silly to have stretcher bars with a layer of foam core attached, this could be my firm surface for DCO? I then pad the back with foam core, acrylic only being the face and edges? I will screw the stretcher bars in place, through the acrylic, at the the top and bottom?

Very keen to have my sides as acrylic and not use a wooden frame.
 
I think I was trying to make it look more slick but I know now that it’s impossible to make work and you want a bit of air in there.

Would it be silly to have stretcher bars with a layer of foam core attached, this could be my firm surface for DCO? I then pad the back with foam core, acrylic only being the face and edges? I will screw the stretcher bars in place, through the acrylic, at the the top and bottom?

Very keen to have my sides as acrylic and not use a wooden frame.
Do you have experience cutting acrylic?
This topic has come up a few times lately. Creating exposed edge acrylic boxes that look professional isn't a simple task.
Here are a couple of threads discussing this subject.



Do a search feature here on the Grumble, just put "acrylic" in and you'll find other threads as well.
 
Awesome thanks. I have a fletcher 3100 wall mounted cutter. Cuts the acrylic so well. I’ll have a dig around. Thanks!
 
The edges would still be somewhat sharp

Foam core is not a solid choice for DCO. It might work on some smaller pieces but in the end, it is just paper and can warp so easily.

I would use a double layer (cross-fluted) of coroplast as backing at the minimum.
 
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