Question Float-Mounting Handmade Paper backed with Fabric

[rubycanyonframing]

So, I took on an order the other day to float mount some handmade paper that had Native American designs sewn into it. I didn't realize until just now (duh) that the paper had been created with a fabric backing (to support the sewn designs). My original plan to use Japanese paper hinges to support the paper isn't looking so feasible now. Does anybody know if japanese paper hinges will bond properly with fabric? If not, any alternate suggestions?? Thanks in advance!

 

[Jim Miller]

If Japanese paper hinges would support the weight of the fabric-backed artwork, then the bonding issue is not associated with the paper, but with the adhesive you use.

Starch paste would probably work, unless the fabric is non-porous for some reason. It could be made of synthetic fibers, or perhaps sealed by a sizing. Anyway, I'd try freshly-cooked starch paste first, because you have nothing to lose in the effort, other than a few minutes plus drying time. If it bonds when dry, it will be good for the long term.

If starch paste will not bond, then I suggest using Lascaux 360 as the adhesive, because it will bond to almost anything. And, unlike most other adhesives, it is chemically reversible by a conservator.

Or, have you considered sewing the artwork to a backer using fine cotton thread, through the thread holes already existing in the sewn designs?

 

[Rob Markoff]

Jim- what about using BEVA 371 film to attach the hinges?

 

[Framar]

I like the idea of using a few stitches - you could match the type and color of the thread already in use and depending on the size and weight you surely wouldn't need too many stitches.

Heck, you could stitch on hinges to be glued to the backing!

 

[Jim Miller]

Jim- what about using BEVA 371 film to attach the hinges?

Sure, any form of BEVA 371 adhesive should work. I doubt that the 150 F needed to activate it (or to reverse it) would be a problem, so long as pressure of the iron would not flatten something in the texture of the artwork.

Some time ago I compared prices for BEVA 371 and Lascaux 360. Lascaux won.