Mounting Kid's craft handprints in cement tiles

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Rozmataz

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
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2,773
Loc
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
I have 2 8"x 8" cement craft tiles done with kids handprints and embellishments. They are both about 3/4-1" thick and seem to weigh about 2-3 lbs each. I have chosen the LJ353808 silhouette moulding - cut about 1/8" wider all around - displays really nicely!!

I have roughed up the edges of the back surface of the moulding and the backside of the tiles - the cement was really shiny! I then used some "Gorilla" glue - for cement etc. and they look great.

My concern is should I do anything else - gluewise - to secure them? I am considering cutting a piece of masonite to fit in the opening on the back with a lip that extends to the outer dimension of the moulding and secure that with glue to the tile and screw into the back of the moulding. Is that overkill?

Thanks,

Roz
 
Roz,

I’ve experienced at least two types of these: Both (I think) are basically something like modeling clay; one is essentially raw and, another, appears to have a glaze. I cannot tell if the glaze was sprayed on or was “fired” in a kiln.

The unglazed lump is fairly crumbly (sort of like a moist toll house cookie) and did not take handling particularly well.

The “glazed” hand print seems to be a bit more stable.

In both cases, I ended up not using any adhesives. The backs of these pieces were not flat enough to provide a good contact with any kind of backing.

I ended up carving out two thickness' of foam board to hold the clay in place making sure that it was a snug fit.

Since none of these things were particularly square and the customer wanted a regular mat (rather than fabric), cutting out and trimming the surface paper of the mat board was a real pain.
 
Sue,
Thanks - I forgot about that... and I have already done that part.

Just looking for added support suggestions, if any, from any of you with hands on (get it, hand prints) experience with this type of thing!!

Thanks, as always,

Roz
 
Bill - these were done in a small square plastic mold and are definitely cement!! THe bottoms are shiny from being poured into the plastic molds but I did sandpaper the backs - which are also quite flat. The LJ moulding is also shiny and have sandpapered that finish as well. They are stuck together really good at this point.

I am looking for longterm security.

Thanks,

Roz
 
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