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Monday, May 30, 2011

Do You Know How To Protect Gallery Wraps?

By Anne Harvester


The need to protect gallery wraps has come about due to the fact that they do not have frames. In the past, nearly all artwork was displayed with frames. In modern shows and galleries, these frameless paintings and photographs have become more and more popular, making it necessary to find a way to protect them from the dangers that pop up when there is no frame. To figure this out, we must first start with the differences in the construction of the canvases.

Previously, canvases were stretched over thin wooden strips called stretcher bars and stapled or tacked on the sides. After the painting was completed, it would be framed. This frame served several purposes. It gave the painting a finished look. It protected the edges of the painting. And it covered the staples or tacks.

The modern method of creating a canvas to be used for artwork is to stretch it all of the way around the sides of thicker stretcher bars and to place the staples or tacks on the back where they are not visible when the finished painting is hung upon the wall. Common thicknesses of the stretcher bars used for this are either one and one quarter inches or two inches. The back is then fitted with the wire hanger or covered with framing paper and fitted with metal hangers and corner bumpers. This gives the hanging work a 3D appearance and makes it unnecessary to frame the art.

This style has become very popular with galleries and other retail venues looking to sell artwork. It eliminates their need to choose and purchase expensive frames which may or may not resonate with the prospective customer. This reduces the costs which is always welcome.

A frameless painting still needs to be safeguarded from danger. Unprotected corners can become damaged easily. Without a frame, it is more likely that the canvas will suffer scratches, scuff marks and cracks. And, like its framed counterpart, it is vulnerable to U. V. Rays and other environmental hazards.

One of the best ways to do this is by applying a laminate to the surface of the finished canvas. Doing this provides a surface that not only deters the normal scuffing, cracking, and scratching but also prevents everything from U. V. Rays to harmful pollutants in the air, such as tobacco smoke and the fumes given off by cleaning solutions from penetrating.

Lamination comes with several finish and composition options. You can select a gloss, luster, velvet or matte finish. Composition choices include polyester, vinyl, polycarbonate and copolymer. Any of the choices may be used on any medium, be they paintings or photographs or prints.

You can decide to do the work yourself or have it done by an experienced professional. Companies specializing in applying laminates are easily found in the art world. No matter which you choose, to protect your investment, you must protect gallery wraps.




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