Framing Teacher

USEFUL TIPS FOR MOUNT DECORATION

(1) Store gold / silver pens for line / bevels horizontally not vertically

(2) Shake the pens well before use

(3) Test the pens for consistency on a piece of scrap mountboard before use

(4) Ensure that the straight edge does not actually touch the mountboard, along the edge where the pen is to be used

(5) Use a pin or needle to make the start / end finish points for each line

(6) Do not make these holes too deep

(7) If straight edge moves, secure it with Blue-Tac

(8) For water colour lines, test the line colour first on a piece of scrap mountboard, allow to dry and test for suitability. This also applies to water colour wash band.

(9) Do not buy an expensive artist’s pallet, use a cake tin with nine cake holes to mix your watercolour in

(10) For water colour wash band start the wash with water only at the start / finish point. In hot weather wash the whole mount with water before using the colour

(11) Do not make the washes too dark

Useful Tips For Oval Mounts & Frames.

For Mounts: -

(1) Make sure the Stanley knife blade is sharp.

(2) Use Blu-Tac to secure the mount to the cutting matt and the cutting matt to the bench.

(3) Keep the knife as horizontal as possible NOT VERTICAL as this will keep the knife under control and ensure a clean cut.

(4) Keep your fingers out of the path of the knife at all times.

(5) Use a piece of string that does not stretch.

(6) Oval mounts are easier to cut on thin boards or paper.

(7) Cut mounts from the back of the board you are using.

For Frames: -

(8) If you are cutting the glass yourself (not recommended) do be very careful of glass splinters and always wear protective glasses.

(9) When cleaning the glass, be aware of sharper edges on the glass than on straight pieces of glass. They are very, very sharp.

(10) Take time ensuring that there is an even amount of mount showing around the picture. If you fit it uneven, it will show very badly.

(11) When fitting the back into the oval frame, try to make the back as close as possible to the top of the frame. This will make papering in a lot easier.