Question Oversize float-mount with Plex

[TomDrama]

We are framing a large ( 53 X 68) piece of art on Vellum Paper. The customer wants it floated on rag board, which we are splicing together, and floated with plexiglas . The mounting is not a problem, but with the spacers lining the sides of the frame, I 'm worried that the Large piece of Acrylic will "bow" and pop through the front of the frame. We are using 1" ragboard spacers on foamboard 'hidden' under the lip of the frame to hold the acrylic in place. This has never been a problem with smaller float jobs, but I'm wondering how some of you guys secure the plex so it doesn't bow outwards (or inwards toward the art) Thanks!

 

[JFeig]

the thicker the acrylic sheet, the less bowing will happen. With an image that size, I would consider 3/16" (5mm) acrylic or thicker.

 

[Jim Miller]

JFeig is rigtht about the thickness. 3/16" would be the minimum I'd consider, and 1/4" (6 mm) would be better still.

Another idea would be to use a slip or fillet in the frame, in order to extend the rabbet width.

The acrylic will be UV-filtering, right?

In case you are interested, Museum Optium Acrylic will soon be available again in 120" x 72" x 6mm size, if it is not right now. Tru-Vue has been building a new production line for the past few months, and I recently heard that it had progressed to the point of production tests. Yes, optically coated acrylic is a bit spendy, but it is suitable for the size, 98% UV-filtering, and visually incredible.

 

[TomDrama]

Dang! I wish I'd thought of that before I ordered the sheet I had delivered today.

 

[TomDrama]

I'm using Acrylite OP-3 .. it's just slightly thicker than 1/8". I might try the fillet inside. Thanks

 

[Greg Fremstad]

If you Email me directly I can Email back an attachment of a drawing that will show a great method of making the spacers you need for this job. I can't figure out how to attach a drawing to this chat line thingy.