Support for oversized frame

[Home Based Framer]

HI All,

We're nervous on this one.

We received a request to frame a Chinese print that is on kind of a heavy paper/fabric. Reminds me of wall paper. Anyway, it's about 3' x 5'. They guy wants glass, not acrylic. We expect to use a 2.5" wood frame. What tips do you have re keeping this large frame from sagging or losing it's shape?

Please share your experience, strengh and hope!!

Bonnie and Buz

 

[Jeff Rodier]

At 2.5" your overall size is not large enough to need support unless you are using plastic moulding.

 

[JFeig]

Not knowing the specific moulding that you are using makes this hard to evaluate. A 2.5" wide moulding can be 1/2" thick or 3" thick. It can be made from a soft wood or a hard wood such as solid maple or oak. It is and engineering thing.
The easiest thing is to construct an inner superstructure into the frame known as a strainer. This hidden skeleton will add strength.

 

[Shayla]

Also, there might be folks here who would differ in
their opinion, but rather than hang something like
this with wire, it might be good to use Z-bar.

 

[05]

At the last American Institute for Conservation meeting a couple of weeks ago, Hugh Gibbs of the National Gallery in Washington D.C. recommended -in addition to attaching the strainer to the frame in whatever your usual method is- screwing the strainer to the frame along the bottom only, right through the frame, where it doesn't show. He said that this provides a surprising amount of extra support.

 

[Ylva]

I also find that a horizontal piece (so longest leg horizontal) needs to be able to 'bear' more than vertical direction.

And...without knowing the frame you are using; it's hard to tell.