Opinions Wanted Gatorboarding "valuable" print

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FramerCat

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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Jan 19, 2008
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Glen Burnie MD
A customer brought in a “valuable” print on canvas to be mounted and put back in the original frame. She said that the first copy of this print had an issue due to stretching that caused the publisher to reprint the piece. The gallery who I believe is the publisher said that gatorboarding is the best method of mounting the piece. I asked the gallery director if it is OK to wrap the borders around the gatorboard if it was the stretching that caused the original problem. She said she didn’t know what the original problem was. Then she said it was an issue with the finish and that they cold press and wrap the canvases on gatorboard all the time with no problem. The customer seems to be under the impression that the gallery is the ultimate authority on this and that if I question the galleries reasoning just to find out what the original issue was to avoid causing the same problem that I don’t know what I am doing. There are many different types of galleries and I don’t know what kind of reputation this gallery has. I have 20 years of framing experience but this customer and gallery have me second guessing my own experience, knowledge and instinct. Does anyone know anything about fingerhut gallery? Is it a reputable art dealer? You can PM me if you don’t feel comfortable saying anything publicly.
Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Ask the customer how much they paid for the print. If its hundreds & not thousands,have the customer sign a waiver.
Then mount canvas to gator with fabric glue, dry overnight under weight, trim and frame.
Just test glue in small, inconspicuos area to make sure it does not bleed through.
Some canvas digital art is prone to loosen over time. It is a function of the material used.
Big galleries often cut corners and use least expensive materials.
 
FramerCat said:
Does anyone know anything about fingerhut gallery? Is it a reputable art dealer?
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Would that be this Fingerhut? If so you already have your answer...

fingerhut.jpg
 
Considering the chemical composition of Gator board, I would say that "Gatorboarding" would be considered a form of torture for (truly) valuable artwork.
:popc: Rick
 
If it is the same which I believe it is, Fingerhut is a online & at one time a stop in and shop discount experiences. I suggest you Google "Tom Petters" and "Tom Petters and Fingerhut". With that information you can draw your own conclusion.

If this was my job and since the customer thinks another company is smarter than me, I would tell that customer to take their art to that company or to anywhere else, just not me - I don't need another problem. This sounds like a customer that will definately turn into a PITA, if not now definately in the future. I personally don't have the time to deal with a case like this and would much rather give my time to a customers that appreciate me and what I do.
 
Rick Granick said:
Considering the chemical composition of Gator board, I would say that "Gatorboarding" would be considered a form of torture for (truly) valuable artwork.
:popc: Rick
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Rick, you crack me up!!!

Yes, Gatoboard is not considered an archival framing material. Within a frame package you would be putting the art in a gas chamber.
 
I fully agree with you that the "solution" is bypassing the actual problem and not solving it.

But just give 'em what they ask for. And note it.
 
Fingerhut Galleries publishes high end giclees and serigraphs. Might want to call them and discuss it.
888-222-6270
 
I would start with having the customer sign a waiver....and tell her that this is not considered archival and you just spoke with a preservator and so on and so on....

No one can tell you what the original problem was. Then it's not your problem...
 
Food for thought:
Waivers are legally worthless.
What they actually are is a written (and signed) documentation that you (a professional who should know and advise better) knowingly did something wrong, bad and harmful to someone's art.

edie the notalawyer goddess
 
I know Edie; but it serves more to make the customer understand that what they want is strongly against your advise and you basically want nothing to do with it.

In these hard times; I don't turn many orders down....they get what they pay for; but I would like something signed (and put a copy under the dustcover) that the customer was properly advised but decided to go against that advise.
 
Thanks everybody. To answer some of the questions: it is the Fingerhut in Laguna Beach, they can’t take it back to them because they now live here in Maryland, I don’t know if the Fingerhut Gallery is related to the online store, I did call and speak to the gallery director, she is the one that is insisting that “gatorboarding” is the most archival way of mounting the piece, I believe it was the gallery that screwed up the first one and that is why they are giving different stories to me and the customer. I don’t want to turn down a job either. I’m the biggest supporter of talking to the customer to see if there is a way to get the job done, but I’m seriously considering turning this job down. Are there any framers in Maryland that want it in case I do?
 
Gatoboard is not considered an archival framing material. Within a frame package you would be putting the art in a gas chambe[/QUOTE said:
In my humble opinion i really don't see the difference between gator, or stretching a giclee' on wood bars, filled with formadehyde, glue and other chemicals.
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CB Art & Framing said:
In my humble opinion i really don't see the difference between gator, or stretching a giclee' on wood bars, filled with formadehyde, glue and other chemicals.
Click to expand...

I guess that everyone has a right to an opinion. Mine is.......permenatly attaching a piece of art to gatorboard is no where near the same as stretching the same piece of art on wood bars, even if the wood bars are filled with formadehyde, glue, and other chemicals.

I can remove the art from stretcher bars but I cannot remove the glue resign when using the film to mount to gator board. Even if you are using a film that allows removal, the glue resign will alway be with the art piece. Sorry, I will take the nasty formaldehyde any day over the mounting glue resign.

Just my $0.02
 
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