The main characteristic of a good framer is a sense of organization. Well thought out preparation will help you remember everything… and will greatly reduce your risk of using the wrong boards in the heat of the action!
The main characteristic of a good framer is a sense of organization. Well thought out preparation will help you remember everything… and will greatly reduce your risk of using the wrong boards in the heat of the action!
Preparing your work area: A must do!
Take care of the the work to be framed: on a case by case basis
While not a true restoration, there are a few simple actions you can do to freshen up antique or damaged documents.
Preparing tylose glue
Integral to framing, tylose is available in powder form and is used mixed with water. Depending on the degree of dilution, you will obtain:
A gel (for applying to artwork): mix 1/3 part glue with 1/3 part very hot water (70° C minimum), add 1/3 part cold water and whisk;
Diluted (for soaking): add cold water to a portion of gel and stir vigorously until you obtain a liquid.
Mix your own glue, it's less expensive! It's simple: use wheat flour! Put 1 cup of flour into a saucepan.
- Add 1 tbsp sugar and mix.
- Add 1 cup water.
- Stir gently, over low heat, until you have a smooth dough with no lumps.
- You should be able to easily spread the glue with a blender brush: add water if the mixture is too thick. Allow to cool.
- Store refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.
It can easily be used instead of vinyl glue. But please note: it will turn yellow over time and is susceptible to mold.
Even if your framing project is very small and your work space is very large, keep only the cardboard that you are currently using on your table. Nobody is immune from an unfortunate slip of the utility knife, put away items you are not working on.
Place scraps from cutting off to the side (if not they could cause your measurements to be inaccurate). Do not throw them away: they are almost always re-useable, for making mat liners… or spacers!
Clean your work surfaces on a regular basis. If you use a miter saw to cut your molding lengths (a tool which allows you to make of perfect right angle or 45° cuts), don't forget to dispose of the sawdust.
Protect the artwork and glass as much as possible until assembling the final package.