Question trouble with painted glass mats

Create a Post
A

aw forster

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Feb 20, 2010
Posts
5
I havent had anyone ask for a black glass mat with gold lines in a long time. 30 years ago I had no trouble doing theses, now I am having no luck in getting sharp edges on the black paint. I have tried difernt types of paint with no luck. Has anyone else having this problem and if so how did you solve it?? Any tips welcome
 
Do you use regular glass or UV protection glass now? Maybe the substrate (the glass) has changed enough on you in thirty years.
 
I thought that you first put the gold leaf down and then painted the whole glass black.

This is all on the back of the glass so after the gold is put down in a nice tight line by masking the glass for the size, you then paint over the whole piece of glass including the gold with the black paint and there you are.
 
I do these by laying the leaf with water/gelatin. Backing paint is 1-Shot sign painters enamel. I keep meaning to try this on "new glass" and see what happens (I am usually doing this for antique replication, and use old glass).

Rough edges of paint can be trimmed with a fresh razor blade.

Joseph
 
I always sprayed with matboard templates. If the gold was a spray rather than leaf an open v groove was cut and the gold was sprayed. Then the center dropout was cut and layed on the glass and the black was sprayed. Be sure the paint is fully cured before the second application of black is shot. Use tape loops on the back of the mat to lift it successfully. A razor can be used to clean any overspray.
 
Jeff instead of mat board try using airbrush frisket film for your masks.
 
drandall said:
Wow, you must be as old as me. I bet there aren't many that even remember them these days.
Click to expand...

I have an idea of the procedure and final look....can anyone post a pic of a finished example?
 
This thread reminded me that I had photos of a project and never got them added to my web site. Here is a photo of finished mat; will post link when I put the full page up.

Joseph
 

Attachments

  • FinishedMat.jpg
    FinishedMat.jpg
    45.8 KB · Views: 85
I've never seen one of these, but then I haven't been framing for 30 years.

Can anyone describe the process...start to finish?
 
So the gold is painted on the front of the glass and the black is put onto the back?

Very nice!

Thank you for sharing.
 
Now this is gonna sound silly, then.

Then why, from the front do you see a black line where the gold is going to be?
 
Gotta agree with janet here.. your images on your site leave a lot to be desired in the way it is showing the work.

Janet, he does say that there is a thin black line as well as the gold line. Just not very obvious in the images.
 
...Then why, from the front do you see a black line where the gold is going to be?..

Because the glass is transparent. That thin line is the line that will be along the inner edge of gold band, as in the original. I painted that first, gold over, backing paint over all. There are probably other ways to do it.

I didn't really intend this to be a "how to" guide, just a general overview. So, I'm sorry if images and such are not up to everyone's expectations.

Joseph
 
josephforthill said:
So, I'm sorry if images and such are not up to everyone's expectations.
Joseph
Click to expand...

No, not at all. It's just easy to become confused when seeing a process that I haven't viewed in person and I apologize if it appeared I was criticizing...I was just having trouble following. I appreciate your sharing it. Like you've said the photos were only created to give us insight. I wouldn't have had a clue without you because I've never seen this, even once!

Now that you've described it, I understand it better. You paint the black line to define the edges...then the gold goes on, using the wash to make it adhere. You do cleanup of the gold once its laid. (Even if I'm not right about this....your edges are just PERFECT...however you've done it)

I think you're just clever for knowing how to do it. Those are some sharp, beautiful lines and a beautiful effect...and your customer was very, very lucky to find you.

I get excited when I see a process that's new to me and want to know all I can about it... and even this process is an old one, its new to me!

If you don't mind another question...since the back of the glass is painted, do you put anything between the glass and the artwork to keep it from touching?

Thanks again for sharing.
 
hey top gun I don't know how old you are but i've been in yhe same spot for 37 years,and that was after the military and then collage. tell me again why we are still working???
 
aw forster said:
hey top gun I don't know how old you are but i've been in yhe same spot for 37 years,and that was after the military and then collage. tell me again why we are still working???
Click to expand...

I guess for the never ending thirst for knowledge. The Grumbles a great source.
 
Create a Post
Back
Top