How do I mount a float frame?

[VillagePhotographer]

I have an Oil canvas that is mounted on stretcher bars. I need to mount this whole set up into a floating frame (the type that has a back and sides, but no front, Larson & Juhl #344790), the art work is 20"x24", is there a set rule as to how much space to leave between the sides of the art work and the frame to make it look like it is floating? How do I actually mount it?

 

[Framerguy]

There are no set rules but, on a 20x24 canvas, I'd probably leave anywhere from 3/8" on up to 1/2" depending on the desires of the customer and how the canvas looks in the float frame. Some frames are deeper than others so you need to leave a bit more gap than on a shallower frame.

I usually space them evenly by slipping in the same number of foamboard shims on all 4 sides before I fastem them together. If the frame is a simple "L" shaped float frame, I just screw them into the back of the stretcher bars using appropriate length wood screws so as not to drive the screws through the front of the canvas. (But you already knew that part.) On certain profiles of floaters you can insert small screw eyes horizontally into the back of the float frame and then screw wood screws through the screweyes and into the stretcher bars. I have heard of some framers using those special framer's points, the ones with the 2 little legs and the round hole in the center of them, and driving a wood screw through the hole but that never gave me the warm fuzzies when I tried it.

Most times the staples are showing on the edges of the canvas. Some framers use black 3M electrical tape and run a strip around the edge of the canvas to cover up the staples. I have heard of others who paint the edges (and the staples) with flat black paint or black gesso. You handle that one whichever way you decide to do it.

 

[Dave]

Welcome to the Grumble, Villagephotographer ...I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here.

As in any design process there really are no set rules as to how far to offset the painting in the frame. The only limitation would be the physical constraints of the frame. Use your inner design eye to determine what looks best.

To mount the canvas pre-drill holes through the back of the frame and into the stretcher. Be sure to use screws that will enter into the stretcher but not destroy the integrity of the strainer bars. A 20X24 stretched canvas is generally not that heavy. I would recommend using thin screws that go into the stretcher maybe 5/8" and use two to three on each side.

A good way to position the canvas when mounting into the frame is to use shims made from strips of fom-cor and/or mat board to keep the painting aligned.

Also, you should back the canvas with some sort of protection board so that physical damge from the rear of the painting in transport is provided. Use either preservation mat board, fom-cor or a polyflute (best) and attach to the rear of the stretchers.

 

[Framerguy]

Now THAT is a little bit spooky!!