Outdoor Moulding?

[Macfadden]

Hello Grumblers

I wonder if any of you have had to frame something that was going to be in an outdoor setting. This is going to be in a covered area but definitely needs to deal with the elements of HEAT ! ! ! and ambient moisture.

Thanks so much in advance,
Pam

 

[AWG]

Glazing? Probably not.

We'd probably go with something metal. We have a sign near our door framed with Nielsen metal that looks fine after 2 1/2 yrs or so.

We sell some outdoor art (printed on metal) that frames nicely in metal profiles.

I's also thnk styrene, but have no experience with that.

Tony

 

[wpfay]

In your climate anything is going to be pretty much sacrificial. Even the anodized metals will pit from the salt air. Something molded in fiberglass and coated with an outdoor finish might hold up for a while, but even that will break down after a couple of years. Check with you local sign folks and see what they are using.

Inside the frame you might want to laminate the artwork and support it with polyflute. If you use acrylic you will have little to absorb humidity in the framing package, so that element of the environment will be minimized.

I did an informational piece that was going to be welded to the bulkhead of a ferry boat in metal. I made no promises about longevity.

 

[Marion P]

I make out door art. What we first do is reprint the picture on out door material, like out door banner material. Then I make a frame out of metal that the Window Screen people use. It comes in all colors. It looks great and I don't have to use glass. Its all weather proof.

If one of my customers doesn't want all that expense, I still use the same framing but enclose everything and seal the frame up with silicone(the kind you use in bathrooms) before putting on a backing board.

I find in high humidity places like where I live, the materials that they use for window screens or security doors are the best as its all treated for the outside elements. I just use a drop saw to cut and then use a t=bar inside to brace it and pop rivet it all into place. Its a bit more time consuming, but you know it won't rust and will last. it will last longer than the picture LOL.

cya

 

[MeganB]

I would highly suggest polysytrene. Styrene is highly functional when combating outdoor elements. The main sales point to styrene moulding is the fact that it is waterproof and does not warp or tarnish. Polystyrene is used as construction moulding also. If you have questions give me a shout. 845- 561-6777

 

[Macfadden]

Framers!

Thanks all - Kassandra, Wally, Marion and Megan, for your generous replies!

Metal and Emafyl did come to mind almost immediately but I was wondering - fruitlessly- if there'd been a better idea. But why would there be? The very idea is an oxymoron!

Again - it is with gratitude that I come to this wonderful resource.

P