Question Selecting a Hinging Tissue

[justincases]

Hello all,

I've never attempted to hinge mount anything before, but I have one question in particular I need help with at the moment. I have a 4" x 6" postcard that I'd like to mount using Japanese tissue, but I'm not sure what weight tissue I should use. The postcard is a fairly decent weight, as you can probably imagine, and I have some Sekishu Mare on hand that's about a medium weight (21.4 g/m²), but I'm worried this might not be strong enough to support the weight of the postcard. Would a heavier weight tissue be better? I've read that the tissue should be slightly lighter in weight than that of the art, but I questioned whether anything thicker than what I have would be too strong considering the size of the piece.

This is just a personal project and the postcard doesn't have much value, so I figure it's a good piece to start with (after practicing on some scrap paper, of course), but I'd still like to do as good a job as possible. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I'm new to this whole framing thing in general, so I still have a lot to learn.

 

[Shayla]

Hi, justincases. Welcome to the Grumble!

Here's a link to a recent thread on the subject of Japenese hinging papers:

http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?71810-japanese-papers&highlight=japanese

There are also methods that would allow you to display your postcard with no hinges attached.
One is to use Jim Miller's method of micro-tulle wrap (if I called it the wrong thing, they'll just
have to forgive me. It's early in my morning). The other would be to wrap the card in Invisimount,
sold by Pat Kotnour at Attach-EZ, then float it by attaching that mylar wrap to the backing.

 

[justincases]

Thanks, I'll look into those mounting methods as well.

 

[Grey Owl]

I mount and mat a lot of old Victorian trade cards which are similar to post cards. When I mount these, I figure that I can come in anywhere between an 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch from each edge. And I do it one of two ways, depending on the condition and size. Generally I NEVER use hinging tapes unless the customer wants the item to "float" so they can see the edges.

First option is a "sink mount" of either 1-ply or 2-ply cotton rag strips. The choice depends on the thickness of the post card. Then, because I don't want the card to fall out of the sink mount when the customer shakes the mat / frame on the way home, I put a very narrow piece of 1/2 ply cotton rag strip across each corner to hold it in. Those on the top I tape on only one side so I can easily remove the trade card. (some people want to be able to see the back of the card)

Second, if the condition is not pristine, and there are wrinkles, or if the card is really small (eg. 2 x 3 and smaller) I generally encapsulate in Mylar (actually, Invisimount on top and thicker Mylar on bottom), and then use 1/2 ply corner pockets that I make up to mount. Again, the top two corner pockets I put in backwards so the card can easily be removed.

 

[preservator]

Hinging, which Must be practiced extensively before being attempted, is difficult to do with small, stiff items and a non-hinge support system would be safer.



Hugh

 

[Prospero]

You have two pluses with a postcard: It's rigid so won't sag like paper and also it's small. I would cut a window maybe 1/8" smaller . Then cut a piece of matboard maybe 1/8" bigger than the card all round. Center the card on this board and tape it to the back of the mat with P-90 or somesuch. This should gently grip the edges and hold the card in place without any adhesive coming into contact. Build up the remainder of the back of the mat with strips of scrap matboard tacked to the back.

Encapsulation is the way to go if you want to see the edges and this also allows the card to be visible from both sides if called for. It does however impart a glossy surface which some folks might find objectionable.

 

[Jim Miller]

Try this or use a solid mat backer and a reverse-beveled window mat. No adhesive.

 

[justincases]

Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions. It gives me a lot to think about!