Question about Silicone Adhesive

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Angela

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Must be that lovely time of year when my patience is stretched as thin as my wallet! Just finished a 5' x 2' shadowbox with an old christening gown, Bible, photos, etc. Most of the items were sewn down using cotton thread, but on some of them I used silicone. The items are mounted on a fabric-covered piece of foam core.

The customer picked this monstrosity up and now complains that it's not "artistically pleasing to look at" (I followed her drawing) and wants me to remove the items and re-position them. Here are my questions: Will the fabric be stained where the silicone has touched it? If so, what (if anything) will remove the stain without damaging/discoloring the fabric. And, finally, would it be lawful/moral/ethical to pound the customer about the head and shoulders with the disassembled frame? And yes, I'd love some cheese to go with this whine!

Angela
 
You have just learned an important lesson that an order must be signed by a customer as to the process that is being done as well as giving the customer a verbal recap of the order when they sign. The only way to reposition the items is to replace the entire fabric back. Silicone NOT REVERSABLE AND DOES LEAVE A MARK/STAIN. One suggestion might be to add a second level to the project for the items glued down. This can be either in a geometric (square / rectangle) or a graphic design shape. Items can be then mounted over the new area.
Don't forget to tell the client that this (JOB CHANGE) will cost $_____.00 .

------------------
Jerome Feig CPF ISA
24242 Woodward Ave
Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069
 
Jerome's right -- The silicone is permanently in the fabric. The only way I know to fix it is to apply plenty of lighter fluid and then hold it over an open flame. (Don't DO that -- it's a joke!!)

Honestly, the best you can hope to do is cover or replace the stained parts of the frame, and reposition the items so the stains don't show.

Did the customer know you were going to use silicone, or that it would permanently damage the items? If not, then I suggest you don't try to further charge for the reworking. You might be lucky if she doesn't sue you for the value of the outfit or more.

We have framed several Christening outfits; most customers like to be able to remove and use them for future generations. So, sewing is out, too. We usually just hang the dress in the frame by a custom-made hanger with a spot of velcro (on the hanger, not the dress). Shoes, necklaces, bonnets, bibs, and other items can be pinned to the fabric backing for easy removal/replacement, or laid in the "floor" of the shadowbox. A turnbutton back allows easy opening.

Good luck with the customer and the project...sounds like you may need it.
 
Above all, KEEP THE CUSTOMER HAPPY, at all costs. Is it possible to matt around the articles (i.e. cut them out with back still attached and reposition them)
Above all, KEEP THE CUSTOMER HAPPY
Above all, KEEP THE CUSTOMER HAPPY
Above all, KEEP THE CUSTOMER HAPPY
Above all, KEEP THE CUSTOMER HAPPY
That is all that is important.

[This message has been edited by Lance E (edited 12-12-1999).]
 
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