Frame Light - Attachment guidelines needed

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Rozmataz

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Posts
2,773
Loc
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
Need advice.

Have an original oil painting frame package and the customer purchased a frame light.

The canvas size is aprox. 12 x 12 with a linen liner and LJ 683215 moulding - really nice looking package!!!

The frame light is a 4" and has several screw holes to determine how high above the frame it is...

What are the guidelines for this... and I presume (not assume!!) that I attach this to the frame for the customer along with the hardware...

Thanks,

Roz
 
Roz,

Center the light on the top of the frame and screw it down.

(I guess your customer took into consideration that she has to hang that puppy above or really close to an electrical outlet.) :cool:

Framerguy
 
Framerguy...

I was just wondering since there are several screw holes which enable the lamp to be really close to the top of the frame or up a ways - which is the preferable way...

And I think she is aware of the plug proximity!!

Thanks,

Roz
 
I don't think that multiple screw holes are for adjustment vertically. I think they are put there so you could have options with varying frame profiles. You want to use 2 holes if possible. If it is desirable to have the lamp elevated, you can bend the bracket.
I like the stem of the light to be just above the moulding. I don't want to see much if any of the mounting bracket of the lamp, and depending on the situation the lamp can be mounted on the bottom shining up.
If this is the traditional style of lamp, the stem is telescoping and the shade can be rotated to have the light shine on the picture and so the bulb is not visible. The telescoping feature of the stem allows the light to be more evenly spread over the surface of the picture, also allowing some of the heat to dissipate before coming into contact with the art. The further the light is from the surface the less radiant heat and visible light can effect the picture.
 
The lights that we have are adjustable in height. I just checked the instructions and it says to Adjust light to enhance illumination of subject. Try turning the light on and positioning it at different heights. Too high and you'll be illuminating the wall, too low and it'll illuminate a six inch piece of the painting.
 
I just have to throw a monkey wrench into the works just for fun. Quite often I mount the light on the wall above the artwork, low enough for the bracket to be hidden. The reason for this is that mounting the light on the frame tends to tip the frame forward, especially on short pieces. This looks awkward. Also by mounting to the wall the customer can change the artwork without having to move the light.
 
Just a reminder... if the painting is valuable, it
should be illuminated from a distance. The impact
that light has is a function of distance and
placing a light on a frame can, eventually, cause
differential fading, with some pigments.

Hugh
 
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