Double Trouble: Static and oversize

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Posts
2,773
Location
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
Oh boy! I am in the midst of a project... one I have had a block against since I first accepted it...

But I have gotten past the part that I had a block against... and now I have two challenges...

It is an oversize of 32 x 49 and I have put in plexi.

The plexi is causing MAJOR STATIC like I have never ever experienced before... and is pulling every teeny tiny piece of debris from the multiple pieces of paper (mostly hand made) inside the frame package, a collage of items, etc.

Also I have put the plexi in and lined the rabbet with foamcore and a strip of the mat board to match the piece with the collage on it but because of the size it slips out on the long edges...

It all looks great... BUT how do I 1) get rid of the extreme static/mess and 2)pull sides in? to keep them from bowing (they are on the vertical sides)...

Everytime I do one of these without a mat I run into these problems (I think I have learned a lesson!!)..

Will appreciate your input!

Roz
 
Roz:
What's bowing? Is the plexi too thin and bending out of the rabbet or is it the moulding too thin and bows out?

Every once in a while we run into this with plexi jobs. If everything is cut tight enough you may be able to just fit the piece right side up (staple from underneath)and be OK. If your plexi is too thin and bows too much you may want to move up to a thicker sheet. Heavier and more $$$ but it may solve your problem. On big stuff we usually use 1/4"; but for the size you're talking about regular 1/8" should be OK.

If your frame is bowing out you may need to construct some sort of strut to pull it together.

Static - HATE IT :mad: . Our blue wipes from LJ have too much nylon or something in them and it makes static worse. Of course, I've found when the air in the shop is too warm and dry static gets worse (try turning the AC way down :confused: ). I've tried anti-static cloths and they do help some. I've got some anti-static cleaner on order to try. Maybe it will help :rolleyes: Sorry I can't be any more help.

Good luck

[ 11-01-2003, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: AWG ]
 
Need more info.

How deep is the acrylic box? How much space is between the box and the items in it? How did you attach it to the frame? What kind of "teeny tiny piece of debris" are you dealing with -- paper? Plastic? Something else?
 
Tony, Jim...

The Plexi is 1/8". The moulding is LJ410059 Sonata and that is what is bowing. There is 7/8" depth in the package. The debris is some of the elements of the handmade paper like tiny twigs, pieces of leaves, and there are some objects with feathers and stuff... and the paper has torn edges.. I tried to manually pull any loose stuff off and brush any other stuff...

Right now I am letting it sit and de-electrify til I sort out the challenges!! Thanks for your help!

ROz
 
With the frame package using the full depth of the frame (7/8") it is almost as much depth as I used when we framed a pastel 60" x 100". As I remember we used 1/4" plex with a 1" spacer. The frame was a total of 3" deep.
Aside from a strainer to support the frame and pull in in from bowing, we will sometimes use wire or mat board straps stapled along the back spanning the bowing to pull the sides in.

The art you are describing is in itself a problem. There is not much you can do with it. It might continue to shed with or without the plex.

Have you tried to discharge the static in the plastic? De-ionized water, static brush, spark gun, standing on a electronic discharge mat or using a discharge wrist band are some tools. Leasing the package in the bench will also help as will adding moisture to the air.

Also sometimes it is better to let a project sit for another day when the fustration level is lower.
 
Thicker acrylic sheet would help with a job this
large, but it is not necessary. The most important
thing to keep in mind is the role of water in
killing static charges. Commercial cleaners work
because they contain humectants, materials that
retain water. These cleaners only work if a film
of the cleaner is left on the surface. Since it
is impossible to know exactly what is in the cleaner, the safest material one can use for the
final cleaning is water.A chamois that has been
well washed and thoroughly wrung out will kill
static and it is a great dust eliminator. When
the static is gone, it will not come back unless
someone recharges the surface with a dry substance
such as cloth or paper. A note on the back of the
frame can instruct others about proper cleaning.
Frames this large are best assembled in a near
vertical position. An artist's easel is most useful, here. The frame can be set on the easel,
with its glazing side toward the easel (whose
vertical members have been lined with felt covered
with polyethylene). The acrylic is then cleaned
with the chamois and the item, backmat, and backing board are fitted in. When the dust issue
has been addressed, the strainer is installed and
is screwed to the frame, making the frame tight so
that the acrylic will stay in place.

Hugh
 
Thank you Jerome and Hugh...

Your knowledge is so wonderful and to share it as you do even more wonderful.

I can now continue with more confidence... and less stress!!

Thanks,

Roz
 
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