Huge mat - what would you charge?

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Finest Fabric

Finest Fabric

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
May 20, 2005
Posts
628
Loc
connecticut
Hi all -

I'm crunching numbers on another big project and am wondering what you might charge for this mat: C Rag 31 x 111 (yes, 111) linen wrapped (fabric runs 15/yd.). Single window, 2.5" borders all around. Will need to splice two boards together to do this, then fabric wrap. I'm thinking about 350-400 for this mat, what do you think? Too cheap? Too high? I don't know!!??!!!

Bryan
 
Cost of goods = 1 sheet 40x60 C rag and 3.5 yards material at $15/yard.
I would do a 6 piece splice with offset splicing and double up the thickness (8-ply) so the mat can be handled a little easier when done. I would figure 2-3 hours shop time and materials, so , yeah, you're in the ballpark.
 
Thanks guys - I feel a little more comfortable. And thanks Wally for reminding me (duh) that I can do this using one piece of 40x60.

-Bryan
 
I dont think I would mat it at all. I would do a mat liner. Much stronger and easier to work with.
 
A linen liner (mat liner) is out of the question on this - conservation is an issue here. The piece is a very valuable antique nautical chart, so Rag it is. And I'm comfortable doing the mat. On pricing jobs like these though, I kind of crunch the numbers and then add "x" for a "PIA" charge (this will cover all the things that shouldn't go wrong but might/will!) So I just wanted to get a feel for what others would charge in a similar situation.
Glazing will be cast OP-2 Plexi from AIN plastics in Westchester (thanks to Paul N for the recommendation).

-Bryan
 
I crunch out (based on splicing two layers of brick layed 4-ply for an 8-ply mat) at $678, my PIA would be about $100 and a good bottle of 18yr old.
 
OK if you must have a mat. I figure if your splicing anyways, cut 2 32x40s into 2 1/2" strips and build the mat by overlapping brick style like mentioned above.

I figure about $80 for materials and a 5x mark-up for a base price of $400 and I would add another $100 PIA charge.

So I think your in the range but a little on the low side.
 
Once you estimate it high you can always go low, if it all goes off with out a hitch. However if you go low and things become a PIA, your stuck at the low estimate.
 
Thanks all -

And Baer - regarding the 18 year old - do I wait until I'm finished with the job or should I have a few nips before starting? This is so confusing!

But seriously folks - am I correct in thinking that if I were to brick lay this with strips I should forgo the thought of a bevel cut? Straight cut everything, glue it up & sand the edges to soften them? I'm thinking either this or Wally's single 8 ply idea.

-Bryan
 
Mount the 4-plys in the largest "brick-lays" that you can, when it's all dry, you have the 8-ply that you need.
The cut the window and lay the fabric.

I know this isn't something easy like rocket science or running a large state... but it is framing. 4-ply "flaw" rag board is cheap..... glued together it makes inexpensive 8-ply..... easy peasy and a great way to increase your profit margins on laying fabric mats.
 
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