Need advice on swiss clip packages/glass

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Rozmataz

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Posts
2,773
Loc
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
Here I go again... this is finally a real project in the shop ready to work on!!!

I have 15 architectural drawings (4 small and 11 larger) that were originally rubber cemented to foamcore and upon removal (several months ago!) tried to have them Plakit'd with no success since Plakit refused to work with them since there is too much rubber cement residue that is still on them.

They are original drawings on architectural paper which is browning, done with markers, ink, etc. The customer obtained them at a garage sale and wants them displayed as is.

The approach is to use Swiss clips, non-glare glass and foamcore. BUT... always the but!, some edges are ragged to a point and could look better with a similar color mat board behind them rather than stark white foamcore or trimming slightly.

The questions are...

What materials are best used when using swiss clips in the layering of the package?

Will 1/8 foamcore and mat board together be strong enough?

Do you need a gator board, masonite or something else rather than foamcore?

The other big question... (again, sorry)

How to smooth the edges of the glass! (I have tried and seem to lack expertise in this area to accomplish this with confidence)... and the cost is an issue.

Your infinite knowledge is always appreciated!

Thanks,

Roz

[ 11-05-2003, 05:18 PM: Message edited by: Rozmataz ]
 
You don't say what the size is. I have used 4-ply and 1/8 foam with the swiss clips, but they were only about 16 x 20. I did adhere the mount to the foam for some rigidity. I might be uncomfortable too much bigger than that.

I used GlassGard on the edge of the glass. I charge .15/UI for it. I would also be interested in techniques to make the glass edges safe in such a package??
 
Hi Roz,

I also have done it the same way as Cliff has mentioned, although, if my memory serves, I used 3/16" foamcore.

For the edges of the glass, I use a seamer, the hand held thingy with the two abrasive rollers. I make about three swipes on each edge, and it dulls the edge nicely.

-Mike.
 
I haven't seen Swiss Clips in years, but a few customers have brought in their shattered remains to be framed.

Swiss Clips, UniFrames, and other frameless hanging contraptions tend to fall apart eventually. And when they crash, there's nothing to retain the glass shards. People can get hurt, not to mention furniture. I won't sell them anymore.

But if you must, I suggest a sturdy backing board. You didn't give dimensions, but for anything over 16x20, I'd use something stiff, such as Gatorfoam or Masonite, or 1/4" acrylic sheet.

The glass edges should be "seamed" with an abrasive stone, which is easy to do. This dulls the sharp edges. Some framers seam all of their glass edges, even when they are placed in frames, because seaming reduces the likelihood of breakage.

An ordinary sharpening stone will do, or you may want to buy the inexpensive tool made for the purpose, a "glass seamer". See the United Mfrs. Supplies catalog 508, page 76, item #2111. I suggest you also buy a pair of replacement rollers (cylindrical abrasive stones) #2112, shown on the same page.
 
The size on the larger ones is 20 x 30 landscape. The smaller ones are less than 15 x 7.

I can use 3/16 foam but thought it might be too thick - but if it isn't then that is what I will use.

I do have a seamer. I just can't get the hang of it - duh-umb at it.

Thanks,

Roz
 
I agree with Jim in that the liability of you performing a service with them is risky business. It is a do-it-yourself item that should be left to the to-it-yourselfers. Especually with the larger item.

Wasn't it said many times in the past and should be repeated here.

"Don't make other peoples problem your problem" ;)

[ 11-05-2003, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: JFeig ]
 
Roz,
I agree with Jim on these. Too many years ago, I used to sell these, and had problems with them. The customer is usually looking for an inexpensive way out. Any problems become yours and you don't make $$ anything for your efforts.
I usually send them to a craft shop, if they don't want to have framing done. Haven't had any come back since ;)
Usually I can get the customer to go with some kind of framing, but the ones that have their minds made up to go cheap are usually appreciative of knowing where to go to get the clips.
 
1/8 foam core with mat board and glass should work fine. As far as smoothing the edges of the glass...A sandpaper block works great on the edges and corners.

Catch you on the flip.
 
I can see some of the issues with the the swiss clips... but since there are 15 of them!! and the customer originally wanted to Plakit them and couldn't because of the rubber cememt residue and this is for an office - this is the "look" she wants.... I will have to bear the consequences if there are any problems down the road.

Plus, this is not a DIY customer - and basically she is paying me to do what it is she wants done. I can do that..

Finally....

Which brand of clips are best in this case?

Thanks, Roz
 
Has any one tried the Framepegs hanging system, catalog no. 4833 cast acrylic or 4834 anodized aluminum located on page 90 of United's catalog #508? At least they look "cool" :cool:

-David-
 
I agree with David about the Framepegs they are cool looking. I like the uni-frames better than the swiss clips.

[ 11-12-2003, 01:22 PM: Message edited by: GUMBY ]
 
How about a good old plexi sandwich frame?

Or -- a thin edge metal like N 34....I'd do my best to sell that----even at LOW LOW prices to avoid swiss clips.

Other solution is send them to a color lab who does pressure mounting and laminating on to gatorboard or sintra. I've found that type of mounting a bit forgiving with rough spots on the back -- but only a bit.

Framing really is the best solution. If you do end up trying swiss clips on this job, you most likely will never want to deal with them again.
 
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