Suggestion Spacer in Oval

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Ernie

Grumbler in Training
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Apr 8, 2010
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I am looking for suggestion on the best product to use for a spacer in an oval frame. Is there a flexible one on the market? Thanks
 
I have used a bead of hot glue in the past
 
With all due respect, j Paul- I can't agree with your tubing suggestion unless the properties of the tubing are known. Most aquarium tubing is some form vinyl that is most likely not appropriate for a conservation package (why use a spacer in the first place?)

Most commerical spacers are made from a known product that is appropriate for use against art, has an appropriate adhesive (many hot glues are not) and will not outgas.

You don't say the size of the oval you are using or the depth of the spacer you need.. I have used Arlo Products as they are flexible, and if you use a heat gun, become even more so - but if you get them too hot they distort. There is another company called Buckwalter that makes innserspace and they may work as well.

http://www.arloinc.com/


Innerspace By Buckwalter
18 Chetwynd Rd
Paoli, PA 19301-1818 map

Phone:(610) 644-9293
 
Not agreeing or disagreeing with Rob or trying to pick a fight, but does anyone know about tubing designed for use in saltwater tanks? Saltwater fish are notoriously sensitive to chemicals, so perhaps the tubing meant for their aquaria are of a different material?

Just a thought...
 
That's a valid point Rob, if full conservation is needed and it might be in this case or others.

I jumped to the conclusion that the reason for the spacer was simply to keep the glass off of the image and thus from sticking or other problems with condensation. If strict conservation is needed then I agree about the unknowns of the tubing.
 
It is especially easy for a CMC to cut narrow-margin double mats. Since oval frames often have a wide lip, a,k spacer-mat may be inconspicuous, but I usually find a color that blends with the ouside perimeter of the image or the inside perimeter of the frame.
 
The oval is 12 x 16. The picture is an old, unfixed pastel. Yes the idea is to use only conservation materials and to keep it off the glass. Thanks for the suggestions. I am familiar with Arlo spacers and have thought to trying those, but was afraid they might pop out. I was just hoping there was a product out there I did not know of that would make it quick and easy.
 
Given that it is an old, unfixed pastel, have you thought of a small mat with a build up recessed behind it so pastel that flakes off has somewhere to fall and hide? Best of both worlds - spaces the glazing off the art and gives the pastel that flakes off somewhere to go besides sitting on the bevel or spacer.
 
2-ply rag in strips as wide as you need spacing. Line the inside of the frame with Saran wrap and start placing the strip around the inside. You can pin the one end. when you start the overlap, apply rice or wheat paste. I usually stop on the second layer, and let it dry over night. The next day I can whip out the other 4 layers resulting in a spacer slightly fatter than 12-ply mat. (about 5/32") and perfectly matched to your frame. Before you remove, make a mark on the spacer and frame to match them up later. Now color.
 
I have used Arlo Space makers in ovals as small as 5X7... you just have to be sure they are tight so they don't show. Good Luck. (Honestly, the small mat works better, even if you have to use two layers.)
 
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