FRAMING QUESTION- STATICITY OF PLEXI FRAMES?

Mirosae · April 2015

Wondered if any of you has had similar experiences with plexi frames. I had to bring back a poster to my framer to have it re-done again as it was all dusty with bits on the inside- He blamed the plexi and said that it was a more static material than GLASS - that said I always used museum glass and never had any issues only with the plexi - the dust was all over from the inside and he tried to clean it but was not very successful.

This guy works for a museum in London and is a curator, so I trust his work and views - I cannot fault him really as he has been framing all my posters to the highest standards, but i was curious if any of you has had any issues with dust on the inside due to the staticity if so, was it on plexi?

Thanks a lot- any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Charlie · April 2015

Plexi creates a lot of static... Is the poster behind matting? I mean if the poster was up against the plexi, why would dust even get between the two surfaces?

Sven · April 2015

Hi Rosa, I had the same issue with Plexi, and I returned it to the framer...was not happy!

They said they forgot to apply the anti static spray to the plexi prior to framing. Without the spay, during the framing process, dust and particles are attracted to the plexi, can't avoid it. My framer uses the antic static spray and then right before pushing the backing board/matt board up against the plexi he will use an airbrush (compressed air only) for final clean of particle removal.

Here is more info about the anti static spray for plexi. There are lot's of brands no doubt.

http://www.plexiglas.de/product/plexiglas/en/about/faq/Pages/cleaning-and-care.aspx

He is right that glass attacts less dust and particle, but he should know how to avoid dust and particles for plexi as above. Like restorers, framers each have their own techniques. Got lot and lots of stories about framers!!

You should return it and get them to rectify.

Best to your day Rosa!

Eisenhower · April 2015

I thought plexi was preferred? Not as heavy and won't break & possibly cut poster? I've only had a couple professionally framed, but isn't matting or spacers a must-don't want the poster to contact the glass/plexi & start to adhere.

Mirosae · April 2015

WOW.. Guys thanks a lot for such a quick response.

@ Charlie, yes, you're right is behind a matting and it is black so the bits are very visible!

@ Sven - thanks a lot - VERY HELPFUL! I just called him and told him what you said re about the spray - he will have the poster back today. You were right, he DID NOT USE it (oh boy!).

Thanks a lot!

Mirosae · April 2015

Eisenhower said:

I thought plexi was preferred? Not as heavy and won't break & possibly cut poster? I've only had a couple professionally framed, but isn't matting or spacers a must-don't want the poster to contact the glass/plexi & start to adhere.

Hi Mark, my experience is that in the UK/ Europe, museum glass is the preferred option. That said, I have both and i agree that plexi is more convenient for larger formats (LIGHTER and it won't break like glass). Other than that, quality is very similar -I just preferred museum glass...

[Deleted User] · April 2015

Absolutely know of plexi static problem first hand. For me it occurs when I pull the backing paper/tape off the plexi prior to slipping in the frame.

The solution is to wear cotton gloves, put the frame together on two sheets of very large, clean cardboard (or something similar - just off the floor) and to rub the plexi down both inside and out with a microfibre cloth which cleans it while also taking away some of the static charge...

Mirosae · April 2015

Hi Chris, thanks a lot. That sounds just like the prob I have. I wonder, do you manage to clean it well, all of it? I was told that there will always be bits because of the static issue. That in itself has put me off ...

[Deleted User] · April 2015

Mirosae said:

Hi Chris, thanks a lot. That sounds just like the prob I have. I wonder, do you manage to clean it well, all of it? I was told that there will always be bits because of the static issue. That in itself has put me off ...

Well I do my best that's for sure. The key is to attempt putting the frame together/putting the poster in/swapping posters in the cleanest possible environment to begin with.

And believe me that's a very tall order with two cats, a 2 year old and wifey

Eisenhower · April 2015

Mirosae said:

Eisenhower said:

I thought plexi was preferred? Not as heavy and won't break & possibly cut poster? I've only had a couple professionally framed, but isn't matting or spacers a must-don't want the poster to contact the glass/plexi & start to adhere.

Hi Mark, my experience is that in the UK/ Europe, museum glass is the preferred option. That said, I have both and i agree that plexi is more convenient for larger formats (LIGHTER and it won't break like glass). Other than that, quality is very similar -I just preferred museum glass...

Hi Rosa: What makes the glass "museum glass?" Is the glass quality, non-glare, uv protection? I don't place my posters in direct sunlight, but here in AZ it is sunny 90% of the time. Glass for me on the large one sheets is much less expensive. But more likely to break should the frame leave the wall (no real chance of that but...).

Mirosae · April 2015

Thanks, I see what you mean. I thought I was just being paranoid. I see now this is a well known issue with plexi ... Thanks Chris, Mark, Sven and Charlie. Very helpful \:D/

Mirosae · May 2015

Eisenhower said:

Mirosae said:

Eisenhower said:

I thought plexi was preferred? Not as heavy and won't break & possibly cut poster? I've only had a couple professionally framed, but isn't matting or spacers a must-don't want the poster to contact the glass/plexi & start to adhere.

Hi Mark, my experience is that in the UK/ Europe, museum glass is the preferred option. That said, I have both and i agree that plexi is more convenient for larger formats (LIGHTER and it won't break like glass). Other than that, quality is very similar -I just preferred museum glass...

Hi Rosa: What makes the glass "museum glass?" Is the glass quality, non-glare, uv protection? I don't place my posters in direct sunlight, but here in AZ it is sunny 90% of the time. Glass for me on the large one sheets is much less expensive. But more likely to break should the frame leave the wall (no real chance of that but...).

Hi and very sorry for the late response. For some reason I missed your post. Sorry. I understand that so called museum glass has the highest UV protection and anti-glare. It is also thin so you can see the artwork without any interference. It also locks air out so you should not have any condensation issues. Paper is totally protected. And better in glass in the event of a fire (oh no). I think that plexi has come a long way and I am sure it has similar qualities. It is a personal choice in the end. My most dear posters are framed in museum glass. Large posters go on plexi. Worth shopping around. You might find it suits x or y poster better. Hope this helps. Apos again.

Eisenhower · May 2015

Thanks for the info Rosa. Museum glass sounds the way to go when I can frame my better pieces. I've also read about the Spotlight Displays some of you use as well-will have to try them. We've got a nice framing store in nearby Scottsdale which I've used before; price steep, quality good though.

Mirosae · May 2015

Eisenhower said:

Thanks for the info Rosa. Museum glass sounds the way to go when I can frame my better pieces. I've also read about the Spotlight Displays some of you use as well-will have to try them. We've got a nice framing store in nearby Scottsdale which I've used before; price steep, quality good though.

Good luck there Mark. You sure have lovely posters so I can understand why you will need good framers! Hope to see them all nicely framed up on your walls!! Cant wait for the pics!! ;;) :bz

theartofmovieposters · May 2015

My head hurts reading all this stuff.

TOO MUCH EFFORT!

When you consider the conditions most of these posters managed to survive in up to now, I think they will be ok.

If a bit of fluff in a frame bothers you, best not come round to my house...the number of times I've closed them up only to see a small spec in the bottom of the frame...I tells you, you get used to it!

Mirosae · May 2015

theartofmovieposters said:

My head hurts reading all this stuff.
TOO MUCH EFFORT!
When you consider the conditions most of these posters managed to survive in up to now, I think they will be ok.
If a bit of fluff in a frame bothers you, best not come round to my house...the number of times I've closed them up only to see a small spec in the bottom of the frame...I tells you, you get used to it!

Agree. But I was not talking about small specs. . I am talking proper huge chunks of dust. I will see if i can find the pics...!

[Deleted User] · May 2015

theartofmovieposters said:

My head hurts reading all this stuff.
TOO MUCH EFFORT!
When you consider the conditions most of these posters managed to survive in up to now, I think they will be ok.
If a bit of fluff in a frame bothers you, best not come round to my house...the number of times I've closed them up only to see a small spec in the bottom of the frame...I tells you, you get used to it!

So right Ves

FRAMING QUESTION- STATICITY OF PLEXI FRAMES?

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