Hinging artwork is easy and useful.
It prevents tears and wrinkling when art is framed.


Standard Hinging Techniques

  1. Artwork is hinged from the top so that it can "hang" freely when framed.
  2. Hinging tape should be weaker than the paper the artwork is on. This way, if stress is placed upon the artwork, the tape will tear before the artwork does.
 

For our example we use all conservation (acid-free) materials:
- Bainbridge Alphamat Mat Board
- Archival Mounting Board.
- Filmoplast P90 Archival Paper Tape - ON SALE!
- Filmoplast SH Archival Linen Tape - ON SALE!
- Burnishing Bone

 

Let's Get Started!  

STEP 1: Apply Tape to Art
Position your artwork face down. Using P90 Paper Tape, tear off two pieces, each between 2 and 4 inches long. Place them horizontally on the top, backside of your art work so that half of the sticky side remains exposed.


STEP 2: Hinge Art to Mat

Turn your artwork over and place the mat board on top so that the artwork is positioned correctly within the window opening. Once it is in place, apply pressure to the mat board to adhere the tape to the back.


STEP 3: Position Mounting Board and Mat for Hinging

Lay the mounting board backside down. Above it, lay the mat board (with hinged art) frontside down lined up against the mounting board like the pages of a book, with the mat’s top edge against the top edge of the mounting board.

Using SH Linen Tape, tear off two pieces, each between 2 and 4 inches long. Place the pieces horizontally so that half of the sticky side is on the frontside of the mounting board and half is on the backside of the mat board. Rub the Linen tape with the burnishing bone to ensure a good hold.


STEP 4: Hinge Board to Mat

 

Now, flip the mat board with hinged artwork down over the mounting board so it faces right side up.



DONE!

Your artwork, mat board and mounting board are now properly hinged and ready to be framed.

Framing Tip:

  • When selecting a frame make sure the rabbet depth is deep enough to accommodate your artwork. For a deeper rabbet area you should consider frames that are at least 1” deep.

 

 


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