Framing Oversize Artwork

[fttom]

Folks, I have in my shop a 1973 KISS poster that my client paid a few hundred to obtain. It is larger than the 40 x 60 AF backing I have available. I have not checked to ascertain if there is larger AF board to mount the poster.

I am still thinking that I need to splice several pieces of backing to obtain the size I need -- about 50 x 72.

If I have to splice pieces of backing, do I add the extra along a side and top(bottom) or should I cut my backing and splice the additional pieces in the center?

I feel that adding to the existing edge will provide fewer splices to strengthen and provide an overall stronger foundation to build my package.

I am open to any suggestions, good, bad, or indifferent. Thanks you.

 

[Mike LeCompte CPF]

Doesn't Crescent still make an 8-ply rag in white which I believe is 48 x 96 or some such? If not check out some of the substrates like Polyflute, Sentra etc all of which are availabe in 48 x 96. I think one of them's archival but I won't be in shop until wed so can't check sources.

 

[preservator]

Please remind you client that putting the poster
in the light is likely to cause it to fade. As
with anything that is over 48", finding backing board is a problem. Conservation quality 4 ply
does come as large as 60"X104" and a spliced backing board, behind that 4-ply would spare the
poster from contact with the splice. This would
require acrylic glazing, for the obvious reasons of safety and weight.

Hugh

 

[fttom]

My ship has come in! I got two great avenues to pursue. Thanks Hugh and Mike for your suggestions.

I had planned on using acrylic, in fact OP3-P99, along with a lateral stringer to prevent frame twist.

Luckily, the customer chose a double mat to increase the spacing behind the glazing.

I did talk him out of using fluorescent lighting to accent the finished package in favor of indirect lighting as he had planned to place a large fluorescent fixture shining directly on the package.