How should I frame plaster cast?

[terminallyinsane]

I have been assigned a 1 foot by 2 foot plaster cast with a flat back to frame. It is from Russia,and much as I would like to visit, I'd rather not pay for it myself. Will silicone adhere it to a wooden board without worry of it falling?

 

[Framar]

More info please! How thick is it? Does it have a regular (square) edge, or is it irregular? Does it have any hanging device imbedded into the back? About how much does it weigh?

The more info you can give, the more answers you will get!

 

[Lance E]

I would be very fearful of the plaster not holding in the immediate area where the silicone might be applied, even if it were the whole surface.
Is sink mounting a viable option?

 

[preservator]

Given the weakness of plaster, any attempt to
support it with glue would (as was observed)
probably result in the portion to which the glue
was attached, peeling off from the body of the
object if the frame were bumped. The only safe
way to display such an item would be in a sink
with a window mat that goes over the front edges
of the object. The critical issue is cushioning
the edges of the item in the sink. Most materials
will compress over time and so this should be
taken into account when the sink is designed.
That means that the window will have to cover
enough of the top of the object that it will maintain coverage even if the padding below
the object does become permanently compressed.
Smooth, soft foams such as Nalgene, or Volara
that can be found in preservation supply catalogues are probably the best materials for
padding the bottom and sides of the sink and the
back of the window. The backing board should be
made of something strong such as acrylic sheet.

Good luck,

Hugh

 

[Jim Miller]

I guess we all agree that any sort of glue-dependent mount is a bad idea.

The sinkmount is probably best, as described by earlier replies. The main concern seems to be stress on small areas of the plaster, so it might be best to give it overall support. How about holding the casting in the sinkmount with a fine-mesh fabric such as nylon tulle, or polyester Stabilitex?

If the casting has a relatively flat surface and has no sharp edges to cut the fabric over time, then it might work. If the weight is not excessive, maybe a careful wrap of the fabric alone would be enough to support it as a surface-float mount. In that case, compression and even minor impacts should be accommodated, as the fabric would flex slightly and cradle the plaster casting.

Just a thought.

 

[terminallyinsane]

Thank you for all your responses, the sink mount is probably the way I will go. This piece is shaped like a shield, but I think I can work with it. It was painted with a can of cheap gold paint, and so first I have been requested to antique it (it will definitely improve the look) I know that sounds like I am going overboard ,but this is a very good customer, who also brought in two other large complicated pieces... although not difficult.

Thanks again!!! I love this site!

 

[terminallyinsane]

I have finally finished the plaster cast(actually a while back,been too busy to get on computer). It came out fantastic. I had a ceramics expert install a hook on the back. I then antiqued the bright gold finish to show more detail with customers permission of coarse.I started with 1/4 inch plywood and screwed,and glued black suede matboard to that. I then put a screw through that and into board which I then hung the plaster from with lots of silicone for added support.
Then I built up to top mat with seven layers of foam board and lined them with black, then put a red suede on top with a gold filet, and gold frame. Totally awesome