Is UV glazing bad for your work?

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Lance E

Lance E

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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Browsing through "Just Crossstitch" magazine the other day I found the a reference to UV protective glazing that was quite interesting. It was recommended that UV protective glazing was not used on valueable works due to the fact that the side facing the work is "Chemically treated".
 
This is the first I've heard of it. The needlework shouldn't be touching the glass either, right? Also, take it with a grain of salt. I read needlework magazines and many of them still reccommend that stitchers stretch their own work on adhesive board.



[This message has been edited by framechick (edited November 10, 2001).]
 
No surprise there. Have you considered a letter to the editor, or to the article's author?

Last year a nationally-published cross stitch column by Nancy Thomas, "The Needleworks", advised against cleaning cross stitch. She also recommended mounting on sticky board and framing with no glazing.

Several framers responded to Ms. Thomas, and she printed at least two of the letters decrying her advice and giving the reasons why cleaning, glazing, and non-invasive mounting are recommended.

So, the hobby-stitching industry may not have anything against proper framing, but it seems they are simply clueless.

As responsible framers, I think part of our job is to educate consumers whenever and wherever we can. It's a win-win situation -- we get more business and they get better framing.
 
Let's see, if I owned a magazine who would I go to for information about a topic. Ah, yes the advertiser who has the biggest budget is probably someone who is successful. I am sure they would know. Why don't I give them a call. Yes, I called them and they said they specifically produced this great product for needlepoints called tacky board. It sounds really great. I think I will put that in my article. After all they are big and successful just look at their advertising budget. Oh and yeah they said to keep costs down (tacky board is a bargain and you don't have to go to a custom framer) UV glass is not necessary. In fact since Ms. Needlepoint wants it done inexpensively, she probably does not need to put a mat on it. Infact, not putting a mat on it in addition to the cost would put it right up against the glass so UV glass would not be a good idea because of the chemicals in the plastic UV coating.

See I could write for that magazine also. As professionals we will need to keep those letters to the editor flowing until America gets the other points of view. Then let the consumer decide.

I guess this is a call to word processors everywhere in this industry. We need to get the word out.

------------------
Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
Dahl Fine Art & Frame Design
Shapahl Fine Art

[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited November 11, 2001).]
 
Hey there, Lance, I am curious about this magazine "Just Crosstitch"- I have been looking for that issue-haven't found it yet. Is there a way that you can post the text from the article and address of the mag? Meanwhile, I'll keep looking.
I do plan to drop them a line to let them know about any misinformation. Maybe we can get Hugh to contribute. (hint, hint)
Edie
 
Oh beautiful Goddess, I believe that it was in the July 2001 issue but will hunt it down again and find more specific info for you.

I like the Santa smilies framer.
smile.gif
 
Not only did The Goddess clean out yet another rat's nest today (second one this week,) but she found the article that inspired this thread.
A good day even for a Goddess!
Just Cross Stitch, August 2001 (www.justcrossstitch.com)
Title:
Framing Your Needlework, Part 1:
Framing Basics and Professionally Made Frames
by Martha Beth Lewis
I am going to paraphrase most of this...
In a paragraph discussing glass options, the author states:
...If the museum glass is also treated to protect from UV, the cost will be four times that of regular glass.* (NOTE: The chemical-coated side of the glass must be placed next to your stitching. This might be enough to deter you, if the price doesn't.)

It is odd because the author writes about spacers or plastic spacer "pebble beads" hot-glued at 1" intervals around the edge of the glass. She also states that spacers are needed "if your (stitchery) piece has beads, charms, or dimensional stitches... French... knots usually are okay under glass, as they're not very 'tall'"**

I am going to e-mail this to the True Vue gal Patty and see if maybe she would want to write a little correction note.

* In your dreams!
** see above

[This message has been edited by Framing Goddess (edited November 15, 2001).]
 
And while we're on the topic,.. I wish we could get them to stop making a lame attempt at framing design for there cross-stitch kits.
frown.gif
It takes have the sale process to get the customers eyes of 'the picture on the cover'
I went on the rampage locally to ban all "sticky-board" from the local needlework shops and encouraged them to teach their customers how to lace! I have also offered to speak at one of the local Embroiderers Guild meetings about conservation framing for their finished work. I urge you all to do the same! It was fun, informative and lucrative all around!
cool.gif


------------------
Amy, CPF
CBF Portland,Maine
right on the Bay
 
After reading the article, I wrote a very polite and maybe helpful letter to the editor of Just Cross Stitch.

To boil it down to its essence, I explained the following:

The importance of an airspace between the glass and artwork, whether in the form of mats or spacers of some form.

That the coating on UV glass is permanently bonded, chemically inert and will be away from the artwork in any case.

Glazing is essential for framing needlework as it protects from the effects of insects, dirt and airborne pollution regardless of location or if anyone smokes.

Further information could be gathered from Vivian Kistler's book (with contact info) and that stitchers can find a professional framer by consulting the PPFA website.

There are probably other topics I could have touched on, but I wanted to keep it short and sweet and hit the most important points. I'm sure that after posting this others will have suggestions to add, but the letter is happily on its way. I'll let you know if I hear back.

It's the weekend and I can't get framing off my mind. It's time for a margarita. Cheers.

------------------
Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." William Morris (1834-1896)

[This message has been edited by FramerDave (edited November 17, 2001).]
 
All I can say is I am COMPLETELY DUMBFOUNDED! This lady is a CUSTOMER OF MINE! In fact she was in here only a week ago and placed an order to have three pieces framed! Not only a customer, but I gave a presentation on the CORRECT framing of needlework at the local stitchers guild five years ago that SHE HIRED ME TO DO! I can gaurantee I NEVER said anything close to what she states there! I don't have my outline anymore but I know for CERTAINTY I covered U.V. glazing AND spacers! She obviously still leaves the framing to me(she does do her own lacing though) and I have no idea where she's getting her information on framing since we haven't talked about this for some time. So much for me doing a good job of educating the customer! I would be VERY interested in reading the rest of the article if someone could PLEASE email it to me! I guess I'll have to have a good, long talk with Beth (just as soon as I get over being near SPEECHLESS!)!!!!!!!!!?

P.S. I charge less than two times regular glass for U.V. glass!!!!!
------------------
Duane Buck, CPF
The Frame Shop & Gallery
San Ramon, CA

[This message has been edited by DGBuck (edited November 16, 2001).]
 
Duane-
I should clarify that what the author of the article meant by "museum glass" was Anti-reflective glass. And I know you don't have that priced at (less than) double regular.
smile.gif

Gud neyt,
etfg
 
Hello all!

Just a few words about UV glass being chemically treated. Without going into the scientific jargon, the UV coating is essentially "baked" into the glass and bonded chemically to the glass. It, in essence, becomes part of the glass. Tru Vue's UV glass has been extensively tested for outgassing and the results have been negative. Our glass doesn't outgas - so there is no danger from outgassing to the artwork it protects.
 
If they are so worried about the UV glass outgassing, etc., wouldn't it be better to just put the side with the coating on the OUTSIDE, rather than not use it at all? I received an email a few months ago now asking me about the exact same thing. Apparently the info came from an artist/framer. A bit of a worry! I set them straight though - I hope!
 
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