Question Plexi Touching Signature

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CB Art & Framing

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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I have a design for an autographed item where the acrylic will sit directly in contact with the signature. Is this OK. Could the signature degrade because of the contact.
P.S. I know there are alternate methods like matting, spacers etc. but I prefer help just with the above question.
Thanks.
 
What is the autographed item???

Jersey, napkin, painting on paper, canvas, bark, photograph, phono record, cd, orange peel, undies, ...etc?

How is the signature applied? Sharpie or other marker, oil paint, acrylic paint watercolor, ink, pencil, charcoal, Conte Crayon, signed on print plate, ...etc?

What climate might this hang in?

What acrylic glazing are you thinking of using?



You can't give too much information when seeking an answer.



Without more information I would offer that your three concerns should be moisture, vibration abrasion and possible adherence of the signature or other media to the glazing.

In addition there probably should be a consideration of using glazing with UV protection... unless it is enamel paint on a shovel... then it doesn't make as much difference... unless it is hanging in direct sunlight...
 
If the frame gets moved around and the plexi shifts you possibly smear smudge of scratch the signature, like Dave said, every detail of information is important.

And why not use a mat and or spacers?
 
Glazing should never be in direct contact with artwork, any temperature fluctuation will create moisture on the other side of the glass, which will cause the artwork and signature to stick to the plexi eventually, once that occurs (although the process may take years) it will be impossible to separate from the glass. Not to mention all the other issues related to this, such as static (if the work is charcoal, pastel, powdery medium), smudging, expansion and contraction of the work in different climates.

If it is a valuable piece, and uniquely signed item, you should never have the glass in contact with the artwork.
 
Thanks for the responses.
Here's more info:-
So the client, who collects autographs, wants a finished framed product which they can have signed at events. The part of the frame package that will be autographed, needs to be easily accesible and then be able to be replaced right away. So, I had been considering some type of screw-on acrylic cover, like a mini-plexi sandwich, on the signing part.
The photos, collectible etc are not of any great value, but the signature need to be preserved.
Note: A frame, for example with flexible points in the back, or an "opening" frame will not work, as the client is not very "technical", plus the locations will be busy and dusty.
 
I drag prints around to airshows to be signed all the time.
I never frame them before hand. Always mat them, FC on back. Cover of FC hinged with packaging tape so I can close it up carrying it around. I normally put a sheet of clear plastic over the image area leaving the signature area exposed. If it is going to be a few months or years before I am done with the print, I will use Mylar to cover the area with. Basically the only area ever exposed is the place where I want the signatures.

A little trick as well. If I have a print that i want a signature in a certain place or not too low, etc, I will cut a mat around where I want the signature. Basically gives them only once place to sign.
 
Le Corb said:
Glazing should never be in direct contact with artwork, any temperature fluctuation will create moisture on the other side of the glass, which will cause the artwork and signature to stick to the plexi eventually, once that occurs (although the process may take years) it will be impossible to separate from the glass. Not to mention all the other issues related to this, such as static (if the work is charcoal, pastel, powdery medium), smudging, expansion and contraction of the work in different climates.
Click to expand...

Huh?

You should make a distinction between "glass" and "plexi" (better stated, Acrylic) in your argument. Both have distinctly different properties. And especially in the case of Acrylic, there are circumstances where it is acceptable and appropriate to use direct contact - reference Jim Miller, the "DCO" (Direct Contact Overlay) guru around these parts - there are many threads here on the subject.

There are too many variables in framing to make a simple blanket statement like this. A working knowledge of different art substrates and available framing materials is absolutely necessary to determine what a specific piece may require.

Hola and welcome -
 
Finest Fabric said:
Huh?

You should make a distinction between "glass" and "plexi" (better stated, Acrylic) in your argument. Both have distinctly different properties. And especially in the case of Acrylic, there are circumstances where it is acceptable and appropriate to use direct contact - reference Jim Miller, the "DCO" (Direct Contact Overlay) guru around these parts - there are many threads here on the subject.

There are too many variables in framing to make a simple blanket statement like this. A working knowledge of different art substrates and available framing materials is absolutely necessary to determine what a specific piece may require.

Hola and welcome -
Click to expand...

Yes but ;) you still would not use DCO on a ink signature, drawing, pastel or any pigment medium/paint. I believe most examples of it's use are in mass printed items and textile framing. Correct me if I'm wrong.
 
RParrish said:
Yes but ;) you still would not use DCO on a ink signature, drawing, pastel or any pigment medium/paint. I believe most examples of it's use are in mass printed items and textile framing. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

Hi Randy - of course you're right -

I was merely responding to the "genericness" & "blanket statement" of that particular post -
 
Thanks for the responses.
Steven, I understand what you are saying, but in this case the customer, who is not a framer, will be transporting and assembling.
I think I have come up with one solution:-
-Create complete frame and matt package.
-Cut opening for signature in matt.
-Attach acid free plastic resealable bag (empty) behind signature opening.
-Supply customer with acid free 2-ply matt cut to size of opening for signatures.
-Create a template overlay for signing matt (since we don't want signature to be hidden behind edges).
-Have flexible points in back.

I am also working on another design.
 
I don't get the empty bag...but it is my comprehension I am sure.

Now what about this idea..
Mat and mount properly, but put in a clear resealable bag.
Put this entire assembly in a frame ? - bag and all
Flexible points to finish it.
May not look too bad and he could just pop the whole thing out, take it out of the bag, have it signed. Back in the bag and back in the frame. I guess it depends on how long he wants them framed before he adds signatures / how long before he wants to finalize the project.

I would be leary of openings for the signatures unless you provide plenty of room. I have seen it done now and then and often the signers will hit the bevel messing up the signature.

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Can you provide any more information about what it is being signed, size, frequency of needing access to it, etc??

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Photo attached of my little setup from the recent Doolittle Raiders reuion. Once it was signed, I just flipped the 2nd sheet of FC back over the top, piece of tape and it was safe and sound. More of a transport method than a display method of course.
 

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Steven, thanks for the input.
The "empty" bag referred to having a small resealble acid free pouch attched to the back of the matt opening which would house the small card that the celebrity signs.

So heres' what the client wants.
- A finished frame, matt, acrylic package approximately 22"x14" (for vertical photo orientation) to accomodate an 8x10 photo plus an opening below that's 4x6 (horizontal) to accomodate a signed card.
- He will be taking these to shows where the celebrity will autograph the card and he wants to be able to insert the cards and seal the package on site. The finished product will be sold by him onsite. The end user will carry out.
WEe atrying to avoid a design which will expose the matts onsite, plus client will not have tools or air etc to clean plexi.
 
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