Framing Problems (waves)

[inkbeforeashes]

I got some assorted 8x10 frames for some pictures I got printed at mpix.com. And I put them in the frame then put the backboard behind it and then set the picture up to look at it.

Then, I notice that if you get at a good angle that you can see these really noticable and ugly curves/waves. Then I apply a little pressure to the back and it straightens out. But I really don't have anything here I can think of to put behind it to apply the pressure evenly throughout.

Another thing that bugged me, is it took so long to do the first picture because I'd get it in there and it'd be good, then I'd notice a piece of something so tiny on the picture inside the glass. So i'd have to take it apart to clean and dry it again.

Anyone have any really helpful hints/tips or ideas to solve these problems? Or any source that really helps with the process of framing in general.

Thanks alot!

[iCe]

Have them mount the image to matte board. It's under Optional Finishing Services & Frames. Just select the Single Weight Matte Board option. That will take care of the waves.

[engstrom]

You could get some matte board and some spray adhesive from a local arts/crafts store. Cut the matte board to fit in the frame and then spray it with the spray adhesive. Carefully roll the printed picture onto the matte board and then place the matte board with picture in the frame.

[inkbeforeashes]

Well, I didn't get MPIX to frame them, I bought the frames separately.

And thanks John, do you think Walmart would carry some type of matteboard like that?

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by inkbeforeashes

And thanks John, do you think Walmart would carry some type of matteboard like that?

Possibly but I know Michaels or Hobby Lobby carries it along with the spray adhesive.

[inkbeforeashes]

thanks!

[Roy]

I did this myself recently on some 16x20's. I used foam core and the spray adhesive from Hobby Lobby. If you go that route don't use too much of the spray because you will have a hard time pulling it off to reset the photo. The Hobby Lobby by me also has a press that can mount the photo to the backing so less room for error but maybe a little more cost.

I'm about to do a 20x30 so there is no way I'm doing the spray adhesive for that size.

[Patti Edens]

Originally Posted by inkbeforeashes

Well, I didn't get MPIX to frame them, I bought the frames separately.

I think Michael was referring to the MPIX service that just mounts the photo on the matte board, not the whole framing process.

It won't help you for these photos, but in the future you might consider getting your prints already mounted so all you have to do is put them in whatever frame you want to use.

[inkbeforeashes]

Originally Posted by Patti Edens

I think Michael was referring to the MPIX service that just mounts the photo on the matte board, not the whole framing process.

It won't help you for these photos, but in the future you might consider getting your prints already mounted so all you have to do is put them in whatever frame you want to use.

Yeah, I definitley will consider it next time. I finally did get them all framed, and I'm pretty well pleased with them.

Thanks for everything, and thanks Roy, I'll go check that out next time I'm over there at Hobby Lobby.

=]

[mgadell]

We recently had some 16 x 24s framed by Michael's, and after a few weeks of them hanging on the living room wall noticed the same "wave" problem. We took them back to Michael's and discovered they hadn't dry-mounted them (on mat board) before framing them. They cheerfully redid it (which is what we expected for their outrageously high custom framing price!). The result is MUCH better.

Mike

[kenw]

Mike, ALWAYS wait for a custom framing sale at Michael's (or Hobby Lobby). They are frequent and usually 50% off.

btw on the spray mounting adhesive, make sure it dries before attaching; ie, follow instructions carefully.

[mgadell]

Originally Posted by kenw

Mike, ALWAYS wait for a custom framing sale at Michael's (or Hobby Lobby). They are frequent and usually 50% off.

Actually our job WAS the 50% off version, and I thought it was still pretty high.

[equipment junkie]

I spent the money to buy the tools required to cut my own mats, money well spent! I usually use the black
segmented metal frames for framing (I keep a bunch of
different sizes on hand). I own a glass shop - so I am able to purchase UV resistant coated glass directly from the manufacturer. These steps have cut my framing costs by a large amount, not to mention being able to
crop my images in the size/ aspect ratio that results in the best looking image (as opposed to cropping to fit an
8 x 10 or 11 x 14 image to fit a "pre made" mat).

Equipment Junkie

[inkbeforeashes]

Very nice. The glass part sounds realllly nice. I bet it's expensive otherwise, hah

[fdi]

For small prints you can use 3M super 77 or buy foamcore that already has an adhesive applied. For larger prints, they dont have to be dry mounted, but they should be mounted via a press so that the adhesive can be fully activated. Such mounting techniques are not considered archival but they are the only way to get rid of the waves. I am fortunate in that I am able to get away with just archival t-hinging my inkjet prints with very little wave since the humidity in Dallas is not as bad as some coastal areas. I have more info about mounting techniques here. Framing the prints so they are against glass will harm them over the long run due to condensation forming on the glass.