Two-sided frame

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Yes Cmi Moulding has one I believe, or atleast they did a few years ago. Why not make one yourself? By combining two frames back to back?
Patrick Leeland
 
2400, they all do. They usually come with a top and bottom piece also, [to make the four sides of the frame].

Now, what kind of two-sided did you mean? For art glass? Or respective shadowboxes that are see through????

I'm not bagging on you, :D , just pointing out that framers sometimes ask the same questions that our customers ask - - "how much to frame a photograph?"
 
A customer brought in a few arabic scriptures written on very small and fine paper with lots of gold leafings. She wanted them sandwiched between glass and in a two sided frame. I wish there was someone that makes a frame that requires just a simple installation of such job.
 
I, too, had a customer bring in a 1920's poster that he wanted framed in a 2 sided frame. He wanted it sandwiched between glass. I refused the job. I suggested that he get both sides scanned and then we would talk. I would not treat the original as such. I felt that I was opening myself up to a future lawsuit if the poster stuck to the glass. He did not want them matted, just cheaply done. I am sure J or M would happily oblige but I just could not do it for my own peace of mind! Some of you may call me crazy as I do need the business, but I also need to sleep at night!

Little framer (former matboard rep)
 
Ahhhh, Litle Framer I see by your by-line that you were a Matboard rep...

Did you refuse the job because "they wanted it cheaply done" or because they wouldn't use a mat!



2400, do a search this topic comes up a lot. We usually recommend running away from these jobs, or if you are determined to do it then keeping it away from the glass by matting it on both sides, preferably with 8 ply for strength to stand up.

When I have been asked to do this the customer is usually happy with getting the back photocopied and either framed on its own or attached to the outside of the frame on the back. While a customer may want the option to take the frame of the wall they typically won't want to handle it after it has been put up on the wall. Way too much hassle to do everyday.

So, you could sell them two matching frames, with a wide selection to choose from, and give them the piece of mind of not worrying about dropping and breaking the glass just so they can show off the "back" of the original. In the long run they will be happier, and be able to see what they wanted, and the original will be better protected.
Just some random thoughts to think about.

As a further selling point, if you present both options and show that they will cost approximately the same, due to the extra glass, mat and labor charges then the two frames will sell themselves.
 
Twentyfourhundred,

You might try a company which manufactures frames for stained glass.

Sorry, I deleted a link I had, but Google a search and you should be able to come up with a few suppliers.
 
Thank you all for the answers. I sure have got some great ideas how to deal with similar projects. Although I still wish that someone would make a frame&glass combo that would make such jobs a breeze. I think the photocopy idea is great, and likely the most economical way. If I was gonna ad up all the hourly shop charges and everything else for the customer, she likely would have choosen the photocopy too. Cheers to you people, what a great gang.
 
Also, color laser copy toners are generally more lightfast than most lithographic inks. You can also use 100% rag paper such as Strathmore's #235-61 (1 ply vellum surface) or, depending on the machine, #235-62 (2 ply vellum surface). these are available in 23"X29" sheets from larger art supply stores and would need to be cut down. Other papers may work also, but you would need to experiment.

Faded black and white or sepia photos can be vastly improved without having to scan into Photoshop on the color copier also. Contrast on faded photos can be upped to a point vastly better than the original. Black and white photos copy much better when using the four-color selection mode on a color laser copier than just using black mode.

On the issue of sandwiching originals between glass...don't! You may lose business from someone, but you also will get more of the business you desire.

I had a lady tell me yesterday that she came to me because I had refused to do some work for a friend of hers. She respected the fact that I was conscious of the preservation issues and that I would turn away business before improperly framing something. She said I was the only framer she trusted to do her work.

Thinking I liked the word "only", I didn't inform her that the world has many good framers and that I learn from many of them on the Grumble. (Actually I did tell her that there are framers of all kinds and ethical standards and I did talk about our forum and how we learn from each other.)

;)

All good things come to those who wait.

Dave Makielski

P.S. Lord, I'm still waiting!
 
Dave's experience is a great example of how a
concern for preservation can build a long term
relationship with one's customer base and ensure
the future of a shop.

Hugh
 
I've posted this under several questions, but will here just in case you missed it. I use metal frames when I want both sides to show. If you use a profile such as Nielsen 99 or 97, it looks good from the front, back and inside plus you can use corner ornaments to make the corners look more finished. Use spacers between the glazing and it can be safe for most things. A hanger for a shirt would not be that hard to fashion out of acrylic sheeting. Lois at Superior probably has one or could make one. Phone number 877-422-7954.
 
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