Shadowbox Kwestion

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Paul N

Paul N

SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Joined
Jun 10, 2005
Posts
17,354
Loc
CT, not far from the LI Sound
I got an interesting project yesterday.

This very young man participated in the Iron Man (for juniors, Lake Placid NY) marathon and wants to frame his medal, pictures and swim cap in a nice shadowbox.

All other pieces are no problem, but what's the best way to attach (reversibly of course) the swim cap (seems to be made of Latex)??

I am thinking about using Attach EZ on the inside part so it's not visible but I am open to suggestions (I am hesitating about putting a couple of Attach-EZ holes in it).
 
The last swim cap I framed was rubber, some time ago. We knew it would become brittle with age, and probably discolor. Perhaps newer swim caps are made of synthetic material that would live longer. Don't know. In any case UV blocking glass or acrylic would slow the aging.

Back then, I formed a filler out of 1/8" clear acrylic (glazing) to fit snugly inside the cap from its open side. At the opening of the cap I used heat to bend the acrylic back under it, leaving only a small, rounded segment of the filler visible. It was attached to the backing board by screws hidden under the cap.

Before the cap was installed on its acrylic form, I sanded the edges round and smooth, and wrapped it in polyester quilt batting.

Never saw it again, but I guess it may still be hanging around.
 
Jim:

Excellent idea!

How easy it is to cut Plexi in the shape of a round swim cap? And how much heat is needed to bend it??

By the way, I loved your class (although Val and Dawn were distracting the heck out of me.....:p and I bought both books!:thumbsup:)
 
Paul - acrylic is easy to shape into just about anything even with the most rudimentary tools.

I score it to get close to the shape I need and have used a coping saw or just files to refine the shape. A scroll saw also works (which in actuality is nothing more than an electric coping saw!).

Bending can be done with either a strip heater designed for that purpose or as I have recently discovered, a heat gun will do the trick - practice first and be careful - don't want that sucker bursting into flames!!!
 
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