Postcard between glass advice

J

Jason M

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
Posts
133
Loc
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Business
Ethotera Art Studio
I have to frame a postcard between 2 pieces of glass so they can see it from the backside. Are there any techniques besides just sandwiching it against the glass that would look good and look like its floating. I usually dont recommend putting artwork on glass but what would work without using corners. Is there something that is clear and tacky that i can put a small dot on the backside that wouldnt be noticeable? Ive heard of the magnet trick but I dont have any and I want to keep It simple on this one because it is not valuable, they just like the artwork
 
Mylar/melinex (clear archival polyester) encapsulation - no adhesive in contact.

Search the main forum for encapsulation, especially by author Jim Miller.

it’s easy but an easier way still is to make a copy of the back and frame the postcard as normal, floated or not.
Having said that, if floated you could use a clear film overlay, then you’d not need to interfere with the back at all.
 
I do want to start learning how use encapsulation or DCO but do not have the supplies and they want it on the cheap. Thats why i was considering sandwiching it. If i do that would the glass hold it in place or should i use some sort of minute tack on the back to the back glass?
 
Jason M said:
I do want to start learning how use encapsulation or DCO but do not have the supplies and they want it on the cheap. Thats why i was considering sandwiching it. If i do that would the glass hold it in place or should i use some sort of minute tack on the back to the back glass?
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Not a great idea. Any form of attachment will show as a glossy spot on the glass. Lack of attachments and the postcards will move.

Cut a multi-opening single mat with reverse bevels and "nest" the pieces into the openings resting on the bevel. Apply mylar to the back of each for a semi-encapsulation.

Optionally make good quality photo copies of the backs and attach them to the dust cover.

When a customer is in a custom frame shop and they "want it on the cheap" they're in the wrong place.

If you want the postcards to last, use acylic vs. glass if there is direct contact.
 
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Only in the winter, but static wasn't the point.
Acrylic doesn't get condensation like glass does, hence it's use on DCO.
The contact point between the item being framed and the glass is where the condensation forms. Worst case if mold or mildew growth.
Coastal areas have special concerns with environmental challenges.
 
Jason M said:
I do want to start learning how use encapsulation or DCO but do not have the supplies and they want it on the cheap. Thats why i was considering sandwiching it. If i do that would the glass hold it in place or should i use some sort of minute tack on the back to the back glass?
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Encapsulation is the best way to go. Loads of premade Mylar sleeves out there. The link below is just one. 100 sleeves might be overkill for you but the cost is just $14 for 100.

https://www.bagsunlimited.com/regular-postcard-sleeve-3-58-x-5-58-inch-4-mil-polyethylene-no-flap?quantity=100 REGULAR Postcard Sleeve 4 mil Polyethylene No Flap
 
The 'on the cheap' part is what bothers me most. The least expensive way is to frame it with mat and frame as usual and put a copy of the back of the card on the dustcover.

Anything you can think of for sandwiching it between two pieces of glass (and I would personally decline the job if they insist on glass) or plexiglass would be much more expensive. You would spend a lot more time on this, so more labor.
 
Jason M said:
I do want to start learning how use encapsulation or DCO but do not have the supplies and they want it on the cheap.
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A roll of clear archival polyester film and some 3M 415 DS tape won’t set you back that much. The film is extremely versatile too, for mounting strips, straps, sheets for things like magazine mounts, shaped mounts for coins etc and much more.

Jim Miller’s book on its use is also a good investment.

As for customers wanting cheap - that and custom framing is a contradiction, especially when the job is a bit of a project.
Just tell them you can do “competitive” with the cheapest suitable moulding and standard glazing.
 
I loathe glazing only float mounts. For the time it takes me to center and figure out how to mount it discreetly, and then close it up in a frame while making sure all 4 sides of the glazing are clean, I would have offered a discount on ANY other framing method, or wish I up charged them with a PITA fee. For a postcard, I would have pushed very strongly for a mat on both sides, glued together in spots with a piece of 1 or 2 ply between the same thickness as the postcard. You'd only need to cover maybe 1/16 of the cards edge since the mats shouldn't slip on you if they're attached to each other.
Or if the edges NEED to be completely shown, yes, as others have said, float between sheets of mylar in a larger cut mat opening.
 
Mary Beth van der Horst said:
...wish I up charged them with a PITA fee
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In my POS, I have a designated fitting charge called Between Glass Fit that accounts for the extra time and effort (and annoyance) involved. I also charge for 1/8" Econospace spacers, which I use with 1/2x20 brads to retain the package in the frame.
:cool: Rick
 
the plastic sheets for incapsulating... is it the same plastic as the sleeves that art is put in? AAAAnd, what is the difference between incapsulation and DCO? or are they the same? I saw Jims book on DCO which i am getting soon
 
Encapsulation uses 3-5 mil Mylar D/Melinex (polyester film) to make an envelope for the item to reside in. It is sealed for the most part and the item can then be handled safely and both sides can be viewed. Encapsulation can be an end in itself, or a preparation for framing or other display.

DCO uses a combination of acrylic glazing and a padded rigid backing, often covered with fabric, to capture the art with friction and pressure to then frame.
 
Well I told her about all the options we discussed and she still wants it sandwich style. She doesnt care about the downfall of doing that. This will be only the second time i put anything on the glass. I will use acrylic and the frame is only 6 3/4 x 6 3/4 with just an inch of glass reveal so I told her I cant promise it wont fall but it should stay in place for a while haha. I will have to have her sign off on that technique dicision. Thanks Yall. I still appreciate the advice I will learn and use in the future
 
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