Portrait framing

[millwab]

Scrollers,
I've tried my hand at a portrait for the first time. Question for those who routinely do this kind of scrolling — when you frame it, do you put it under glass or just leave it open. If open, do you worry about the fragile pieces being broken off?

Bruce

[Old Mooner]

Bruce--you are gonna get all kinds of answers to your question, but I, personally, put mine under glass/acrylic. Otherwise dust will get between the frets and the black (I'm assuming black) background even if you don't get broken pieces. The glass also keeps the fretwork from bowing/curling due to changes in humidity.
Moon

[William Young (SE BC)]

I've done both.
When making my own frames I don't use glass in them because I am not a good glass cutter .In the case of no glass I spray the portrait (before mounting) on both sides with lacquer to avoid atmospheric changes.

When using purchased frames with glass in them I can elimate the finishing step and the glass on top of the unfinished portrait gives it a finished look.

I made all my own frames for years until I discovered that Wallyworld has sales on them for $2.00 to $4.00 each at which time I buy up 25 or so at a time. Some of them are even solid oak construction. I can't even buy the oak here for that price to say nothing of the savings in time and wear and tear on machinerey to make them. Therefore, I seldom make my own frames any more unless I have a request for a portrait in a custom frame.

As far as sales go , I have seen no difference whatsoever in my particular area if it is a shop made frame with no glass with a portrait with a finish on it or if it is in a store bought frame with an unfinished portrait under glass.
W.Y.

[Jediscroller]

I make all of my own frames. I use that as a selling point on my hangtags as well so I don't use glass on them. I've never tried selling them with glass so I don't know if that would do better.
Bill, as an FYI, with my costs of oak around here, my 11 X 14 frame cost is $1.75 (labor included). I do occasionally buy the wally-world 8 X 10's for $2.50 when I'm short on time.

[millwab]

Thanx guys!
I'm making my own frame, both for the personal connection and I'm not sure if the size would be readily available. That's why I was wondering about the glass ... leaving enough room in the rabbit for it.

Moon, as far as fighting the changes in humidity, I cut it out of prefinished ply and when I attached the fretwork to the backing I sprayed a coat of adhesive on the back of the fretwork to make sure all the fretwork stayed put. I don't know if that was wise or not, but I'll soon find out.

This is a one-time project for a friend - don't know if I'll be doing another or not, so I appreciate the input.

Bruce