Marc Lizer
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I got an e-mail from a grumbler consumer, in relation to this thread:
http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=26751
Here is what I got from the customer
"Hi Marc -
I was given your name from someone on the Picture Framer's Grumble.
My husband and I bought a 60"long by 19" high gallery photograph while on vacation and are exploring options for getting it matted and framed. So far we have learned that mats are available in 48x72 or 48x96 sizes from Bainbridge and Crescent; however it sounds like colors are limited, so several individuals are suggesting fabric. Is fabric what you would suggest?
We have a pretty good idea of what we want in terms of color and frame, but we are open to suggestions. Our main concern is getting the photo mounted and framed professionally and in a manner that does justice to the piece.
Another question: the piece just arrived from Australia yesterday. It is rolled, and we know it is safe as it is until we find a framer, but one person suggested we unroll it and let it relax for at least a week. Would you suggest the same? What would be the safest way to hold it down and protect it from light while it is relaxing? (we have this gorgeous art work but are afraid to open it until we know we won't harm it
Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
xxxx"
And now here is my pessimisim(sp). The advice from framer (or person) suggestion to unroll it. That is the best way for the framer to be able to screw the customer.
Here is my reply to her:
"Yes 40 x 60 is oversize board, and avail in a good selection from several companies.
Any larger and it comes in white or black, and off white if you are lucky.
Correct, for anything that is going to need color, it needs to fabric.
You can add a liner or fillet on the mat. Or you can do the mat in foam core and get a nice bevel.
Sometimes, on such a large item (not reaally that large in the grand scheme of life), A simple 8 ply mat is really nice. A 8 ply is pretty much a double think mat and give a nice edge (still just avail in white or black). But Remeber, you are going to have 60 inches of white dead space bordering the art.
White or black are neutral. A color, over such a big area, if not spot on, can distract from the art.
Obvioulsy go with plexi(acrylic). UV or regular is up for debate.
Unrolling:
If you crease or pinch it or, the most likely thing, make a wing ding, you will be very unhappy.
I would only open it at the framer, and let them open and take it out. This way you will see how they handle it.
Also thisn way you and them inspect it. If there is a damage, you know it came that way for Austrailia. If is has nothing, and is totally pristine, note it on the invoice when you make the order with them. That way if there is a damage on it, you know where it happened .
If you open it. And then go to pick it up when done, they can say,"Well gee, it must ahve come in that way, and been damadge when you opened it up and unrolled it . . ."
Need to rest?
That is like a canvas needing to breathe. A canvas is fabric paint. No lungs.
A photo is emulsion and a carrier paper. That is very stressful and need a restful vacation.
Rolling it is second choice to shipping it flat. Just like a canvas. But sometimes a canvas gets rolled. Not ideal, but live-able.
Far more live-able for a photo or paper borne art.
If the tube is some tiny tube, I might say open it and unroll it. But if the tube is a bigger diameter, I think wait till at a frame shop.
Where are you located? (zip code) I may know some decent framers in the area.
The one thing you want to look for in a job like this, is how large the shop is.
You want them to have space to actually do the piece.
Thanks,
M"
I'm sure I get slammed for my advice saying that a framer would dare ding the art and then try and pass it off to the customer as re-existing. I see it happen way too often. Oh no ma'am. It came in that way. You did that at home. You should have let us unroll it . . .
But you were the morons that told me to unroll it at home and let it relax!
Oh well.
End rant mode.
http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=26751
Here is what I got from the customer
"Hi Marc -
I was given your name from someone on the Picture Framer's Grumble.
My husband and I bought a 60"long by 19" high gallery photograph while on vacation and are exploring options for getting it matted and framed. So far we have learned that mats are available in 48x72 or 48x96 sizes from Bainbridge and Crescent; however it sounds like colors are limited, so several individuals are suggesting fabric. Is fabric what you would suggest?
We have a pretty good idea of what we want in terms of color and frame, but we are open to suggestions. Our main concern is getting the photo mounted and framed professionally and in a manner that does justice to the piece.
Another question: the piece just arrived from Australia yesterday. It is rolled, and we know it is safe as it is until we find a framer, but one person suggested we unroll it and let it relax for at least a week. Would you suggest the same? What would be the safest way to hold it down and protect it from light while it is relaxing? (we have this gorgeous art work but are afraid to open it until we know we won't harm it
Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
xxxx"
And now here is my pessimisim(sp). The advice from framer (or person) suggestion to unroll it. That is the best way for the framer to be able to screw the customer.
Here is my reply to her:
"Yes 40 x 60 is oversize board, and avail in a good selection from several companies.
Any larger and it comes in white or black, and off white if you are lucky.
Correct, for anything that is going to need color, it needs to fabric.
You can add a liner or fillet on the mat. Or you can do the mat in foam core and get a nice bevel.
Sometimes, on such a large item (not reaally that large in the grand scheme of life), A simple 8 ply mat is really nice. A 8 ply is pretty much a double think mat and give a nice edge (still just avail in white or black). But Remeber, you are going to have 60 inches of white dead space bordering the art.
White or black are neutral. A color, over such a big area, if not spot on, can distract from the art.
Obvioulsy go with plexi(acrylic). UV or regular is up for debate.
Unrolling:
If you crease or pinch it or, the most likely thing, make a wing ding, you will be very unhappy.
I would only open it at the framer, and let them open and take it out. This way you will see how they handle it.
Also thisn way you and them inspect it. If there is a damage, you know it came that way for Austrailia. If is has nothing, and is totally pristine, note it on the invoice when you make the order with them. That way if there is a damage on it, you know where it happened .
If you open it. And then go to pick it up when done, they can say,"Well gee, it must ahve come in that way, and been damadge when you opened it up and unrolled it . . ."
Need to rest?
That is like a canvas needing to breathe. A canvas is fabric paint. No lungs.
A photo is emulsion and a carrier paper. That is very stressful and need a restful vacation.
Rolling it is second choice to shipping it flat. Just like a canvas. But sometimes a canvas gets rolled. Not ideal, but live-able.
Far more live-able for a photo or paper borne art.
If the tube is some tiny tube, I might say open it and unroll it. But if the tube is a bigger diameter, I think wait till at a frame shop.
Where are you located? (zip code) I may know some decent framers in the area.
The one thing you want to look for in a job like this, is how large the shop is.
You want them to have space to actually do the piece.
Thanks,
M"
I'm sure I get slammed for my advice saying that a framer would dare ding the art and then try and pass it off to the customer as re-existing. I see it happen way too often. Oh no ma'am. It came in that way. You did that at home. You should have let us unroll it . . .
But you were the morons that told me to unroll it at home and let it relax!
Oh well.
End rant mode.
