Glazing and Canvan

[framer2001]

I am working with a client who is set on not using glazing with her oil and acrylic paintings.

Is there any printed articles that I can show to this client and others about the word on using glazing with oil paintings on canvas and acrylic paintings on canvas. I thought I seen an article in the PFM, but can't remember what issue.

 

[wpfay]

Though glazing oil/acrylic paintings is encouraged, it is going to be a long learning curve for the public.
I would think that currently the procedure is limited to items of particular value or fragility. I would not get stuck on this point when designing for a customer. I would mention that museums are glazing their paintings, and that it is encouraged, but I doubt that I'll have too many takers even among those with significantly valuable work.
The museums that are glazing are using the glazing as part of the sealed frame package which allows them to control the environment that the artwork is in while on loan. Glazing in itself provides only part of the protective package.

 

[Jim Miller]

To my limited knowledge, the Canadian Conservation Institute's "CCI Notes" describe the most up-to-date methods and materials for framing art on canvas. You can buy individual sections of the publication.

Most conservators would echo the CCI recommendations. However, all of that comes with technical jargon and peripheral gobbledygook that your customer probably wouldn't understand -- and it may be irrelevent to your purpose, anyway.

Technical expertise is not required for your customer to understand the value of protecting the painted surface from:
1. soiling
2. airborne chemical contaminants
3. changes of temperature and humidity
4. accidental damage

The recent archives describe these and other attributes in nauseating detail.

When a reltively-uninformed customer insists on believing what he/she has heard, instead of what makes sense, then it is really a question of who is more credible. You just need to make a more sensible argument than the other guy.

For example, ask the customer why he/she doesn't want glass. The first answer will probably be, "I don't like the look/reflections/glare of glass". Nod knowingly, even though you know this person has paper art framed under glass. Then show him/her Museum Glass.

Then, when visual objections go away and price becomes the issue, point out that Museum Glass almost certainly would cost less than the first cleaning or repair.

Or, if you sense that this customer is more concerned about getting his/her way than doing what's best for the art, then just frame it naked, as specified.

 

[JohnR]

While putting a protective barrier in font of the canvas does make sense, I have never seen this practice in everyday life and it would look a bit odd to me anyway.
John

 

[BILL WARD]

perfect thread for my question, which is..local Florida client wants to buy acrylic on canvas(local artist) to hang in her lani(out of direct sunlight but "outside")...knows that is very HOSTILE environ....but has alot more $$$ than caution. I have no problem with putting it behind glass/spacers/& yes, sillykon for moisture seal around the rabbit...what I'm concerned about is the back.....can I spray the canvas with acrylic(or whatever) without doing damage to canvas & is there ANY benefit to be had from doing so(other than 'possible' moisture/mold protection)?????..I will, of course figure out how to cover back in TYVEK so the package can 'breath' a little of the moisture coming thru front of the package. all this can only slow the degrading process,i know, but in this situation, I cant think of anything else to do . Suggestions???????

 

[Cliff Wilson]

Did he type "breath" and "canvas" in the same sentence? Everybody duck ... incoming ...

ohh, wait a minute ... Bill try UV filtered glazing spacer, canvas, coroplast backing, and aluminum barrier tape to seal the package. Tyvek for the back.

then, wash your hands like Pilot did and hope history doesn't hold you to blame!