Mounting Clarification

[FramerDave]

Just a quick clarification:

Mounting: In framing the process of attaching an item to a mounting surface.

Art & Picture Framing Glossary of Standard Terms, PPFA, 2007

Mounting can include corner mounts, edge mounts, hinging, encapsulation, DCO, formed rod mounts, dry mounting, wet mounting, etc.

If you state that your customer does not want the artwork mounted being more specific will get you better answers.

 

[Dave]

Good point, Dave.

Another place where those who seek help fall down is in providing enough information about the artwork or item being framed.

You can not provide too much information when asking for assistance with any project. If presumptions are made then misguidance will naturally ensue.

 

[Framar]

No no NO! We cannot go around telling people we are mounting their artwork when we mean sticking it in corner pockets or hinging it.

Mounting means sticking down flat forever.

Oy vey.

Reminds me of the second frame shop I worked at back in the seventies - they used the word "mounting" to mean both dry mounting and fitting. We "mounted" the mat into the frame. I finally got them to stop using that term and say "fitting" because customers kept thinking they were being charged twice.

 

[FramerDave]

NO, mounting refers to how the artwork is held in place within the frame.

 

[Kirstie]

NO, mounting refers to how the artwork is held in place within the frame.

True, but in the customer's mind, it means dry mounting. When we talk to customers about how thier work will be attached, we call it "hinging." Otherwise some would go ballistic!

We also have to use more simple terminology when referring to mats. We sell "regular paper mat" or "Acid-Free" (I know, I know...cringe). Does anyone have a simple phrase to refer to thier preservation grade rag or virgin alphacellulose mat boards with or without Zeolites? The customer only wants to know, "Is it acid-free?" And many don't care about any of it.

Carry on...

 

[Creepshow]

I agree, when we tell a customer that we recommend mounting they are going to assume drymounting, or maybe even wet mounting. However, for the purposes of seeking out help on a Picture Framers Grumble being more specific, and not making assumptions, will get you a lot further.

 

[Framar]

To use the term "mounting" to mean across the board (so to speak) "attaching procedures" is asking for trouble. Hinging = mounting? Nahp!

The PPFA has come up with a lot of dumb things but that is right up at the top of the dumb thing list, IMHO.

Aren't we trying to make our mysterious ways easier for the great unwashed to understand?

You are not helping, PPFA, not helping!

Egad.

Try telling those evergreen slug collectors how you are going to MOUNT their precious poster.

Nahp.

 

[Jim Miller]

Aren't we trying to make our mysterious ways easier for the great unwashed to understand?

David is right. Mounting refers to all techniques of attachment. Dry mounting, wet mounting, hinge mounting, clear film overlay mounting, spray adhesive mounting, edge support mounting. Whatever you want to call the various methods of attachment, they are all "mounting".

We framers need to describe our procedures in terms customers can understand, and one word descriptions, such as "mounting" usually are not sufficient. A framer who simply says, "I won't mount it", is saying it will not be attached in the frame. Conversely, a framer who says, "I'll mount it" without further explanation is saying nothing that a typical consumer should be presumed to understand.

I do not believe customers perceive "mounting" as a reference to only dry mounting. Generally, they are not well-enough informed to have any preconception of the meaning of "mounting"; nor do they usually know what "dry mounting " involves.

Framers need to explain.