Need options for framing convex old photo

SusanG

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jul 1, 1999
Posts
2,362
Loc
Holland, PA, USA
I have a customer that has an old photo portrait, 10x16 that was framed with convex glass. The glass is scratched and the customer would like new glass and also a new frame. From what I understand, UV filtering glass does not exist in convex glass. This was not matted in its' previous life. What are my options for framing? The photo is also convex, and should remain that way. The photo is in decent shape. Your ideas would be appreciated.

Susan
 
Susan,

Yes, the UV can be an issue with convex glass.
Although we make ours in 3mm and it does block about 35% . . . any light through windows is similarly reduced, so maybe not as bad as one would think.

In saying that, we are attemping to find a UV blocking product to coat our convex glass for framers. Will be an optional service, once we get it out there.

Ok, we make the convex glass and some of the old frame shapes as reproductions (we are in Australia), and so does Inline Ovals (Canada, and I think they have a warehouse US based).

Options are making a rectangle frame in the moulding of your choice, and either using a depth or boxing slightly to take the portrait. Mat up to the shape, and use flat UV clear (or other UV glass) as desired.

Now if it was an oval, you could also do this with an oversize frame, and mat up, same as a rectangle shape.

But from your size, I would say you have the cathedral . . . like this (3rd from left):

portrait_glass1.gif


Or if the rectangle sahpe overall is ok with the client, we often make up custom size rectangles in convex glass, and the framer uses this, usually in cases where the frame is too deteriorated or damaged, and not one we reproduce.

If it is the cathedral as above, we do repro this frame along with the convex glass. Maybe Inline do too.

Hope this helps. E-mail me if you want to ask anything about your job.
 
BTW Presto Frame and Moulding in CT has convex glass on this side of the world. Hot Glass is great to deal with, but Presto is closer.

Google them for more info.

Sorry Les!
 
I have done jobs of this nature were no glass or frame was available. I cut a mat to fit the image just like you would any other photo. We then used a liner of sufficient height to clear the convex photo and then put the flat glazing between the liner & the frame.

PS. think about other frames as liners not just linens, but any scoop frame can be used. You can also turn a moulding on it's side for the liner.
 
Susan,
A straight out rectangle, no radius corners ?
Easy.

Either :
Make the frame as I (and FrameMakers) recommended spaced back and use UV glass
or
Just use new convex glass again.

Can custom make the glass for you and ship, wouldn't be a lot of $.

If it is one of the rectangles with radius corners, maybe you can adapt the standard size 17-7/8 x 10-3/4 with a mat to bring it together.

E-mail me if you want a costing.
 
Back
Top